Happy Birthday Mama!

Saturday was my mom's 50th birthday. Erin and I were trying to think of what to get her and we decided that there isn't anything she would want more than to have all of her kids together for her birthday. So we drove 24 hours to spend about 8hrs with her. It was such a good time though.

Erin and I drove over on Friday and surprised her Friday night. I called her when we were a couple of blocks away from her house and started some small talk about what a "long day" I had and that I was "just now pulling up to the house" (her house). The small talk continued as I walked into the front door and she said something to the effect of "you've got to be kidding me" while still holding the phone to her ear. It was a good surprise.

We spent 3 or 4 hours at her house that night just catching up and having fun, then went to stay at my brothers house. We slept in the next morning, ate breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants, Charlie Coram's Place (the home of heavenly hash). After breakfast we picked up my sister Valerie and headed to St. Andrew State Park for an afternoon at the beach. The beaches are just beautiful, so often I go to PC and don't go to the beach. I guess I've been away long enough that I miss it. We laid around on the beach for a little while, and finally coaxed Erin into the water.

We ran some errands the rest of the day and ended up at mom's house around 7pm. Supper was supposed to be at 8, ended up closer to 9 so we were real hungry by the time everything was ready. Supper was delicious we had steak, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob. It was so nice having the family together just being a family. We didn't do that much growing up. It was nice. Happy Birthday Mom!

Team Building 101

One thing I like to do each year is to take the new group of interns from Rockin' C Ranch on a Team Building adventure trip. We have a great group this year: Jill, David, Nick, Ashley L., Ashley J., and Ethan (not in picture, he was in Southeast Asia). I am super excited about what the Lord is going to do through this group this year, as well as what He is going to do in them.

In years past we have gone spelunking at Longhorn Caverns and Inner Space Caverns. This year we went to Lake Mineral Wells State Park to do some rappelling and rock climbing. The formation at Penitentiary Hollow is stunning and makes for a great experience. The first day we rappelled and after lunch a few rappelled Australian style. The second day we climbed a few different runs. My body hurt so bad the next day.

We had a ton of fun and grew as a group. Part of the fun was a great game Erin and I picked up from some friends of ours Deyl and Paige. If you never played Settlers of Catan....you're missing out!

Celebrating 2 years!

July 29 was our two year anniversary. We attempted many an extravagant plan, but it was Sunday. The vineyard and the gourmet restaurant with a New Zealand chef were not open. So, it turned out to be a morning at church, a quiet afternoon at home, and then a late evening snack at On the Border. Guacamole live, sampler platter and some yummy margaritas.

We've decided to start an anniversary tradition. Each year we will reflect and journal the major events of the year, and set goals for the year to come. Ideally, there will be an anniversary picture included with each entry and a note about the gifts given. Which leads to this year's gift - the second anniversary being the cotton gift year - two sets of 600+ thread count sheets!!! Surprise gift from Jason, a gift we are both enjoying tremendously!

Looking forward to many more blessed years!