Lovin our Cousins!

Lots of hanging with our cousins this summer.  So much fun just doing everyday stuff.  We have to load up on our time together to make up for the time we miss with each other.  

Ikea shoppin'

 

Ikea playin'

 

 

That afternoon we got the privilege to go see Uncle Dave at work and check out the McKinney Lions football facilities. Ranks up there with Disney Land for these boys! 

 

Awesome Uncle Dave taking the cousins on a gator tour

 

Better than Sonic ice is field house ice! 

 

Don't worry...just fake injuries and pretty good actors.  Testing the training room out. 

Big time!

 

 

Even more fun on the lake again on Uncle Dave's boat this time...

 

 

Barrett is ALWAYS talking or singing to himself.  This time he said he was "counting the trees".  ummmK!

 

 Memories made.  Cousins missed!  Love you Lou Lou and Grammers!! 

Galveston with the Girls!

 For months in advance we plan to spend time together.  This group of friends is so unique and incredibly special to me. We have shared many life changing experiences and moments over the last 15 years.  6 of the 7 have known each other since they were little girls, I on the other hand crossed paths with these friend during college! 

This weekend away was spent in Galveston at Shannon's family beach house.  This go-round we planned a little gift exchange of our favorite things.  Such a fun addition to our weekend. 

 

Katy trying out some jewelry.

 

All the faves!

 

Announcement of the weekend!

 

Dinner out at The Spot.  Fried pickles, fried jalapenos, fish tacos, etc.   Hello!

 

 My sista, Ann! 

 

Funny, exciting, eventful game of Whoonu! Only to be done with the ones you truly love and think you know. 

 

Day at the beach.

 

 

You can't go a girls weekend without some beauty tips.  

Lauren curls her hair with this amazing blow dryer!

 

Our weekends are never short on food and snacks. These are some of the best cooks in my life!

 

Group shot with self timer.  Looking very beachy with little fixing up.  

My mom sent me with these fun t-shirts as a little party favor. She knows what a blessing these girls are in my life and how much I depend on them across the world!

 

Is it possible for 7 girls to get a boat out of the slip for a little sunset ride?

 

Shannon calling for support!  Ann taking the opportunity to throw a line in. 

 

Let's be sure we have enough gas.

 

Done!

 

Our fearless captain, Shannon. 

 

Swimsuits hung by the beachouse with care!

 

Love you precious friends and can't wait for the next time.  

Pool Reunions!

I truly feel blessed to see so many special people when we come home.  We try to plan well in advance and everyone is so willing to wait until we're get to Texas.  Summer wouldn't be the same without being together.   This weekend was packed full of being together!

Over 20 years ago we crossed paths with some pretty amazing people.  All of the kids grew up together at Plano East then ALL 6 of us chose to go to Baylor.  We've been in each other's weddings and of course increased in number since then.  Every summer we nail down a date to pull the Prince, Ross, Watkins troops together.  The Rosses graciously host our crowd so we can enjoy their pool.  They also (as usual, even 20 years ago) put out a serious spread. 

G and Me plus the adorable Johnsons!

 

Mr. Ross and grand daughter, Ryann

 

The original 6 plus a fellow Panther and Bear (Matt Franks and his wife Ashley)

Julie, David and twins, Ash and Graham, Georgia and me

 Jill (best friend from highschool and BU) and Kate, G (making some awful mean face) and me

 

 The next night we reunited with our Watkins family.  Again it was a privilege to grow up with most of my cousins usually most are in town.  We  were of course missing some but still had a great group.   And it was an extra treat to have my Aunt Jill in town too.  Aunt Jan and Uncle Jim hosted us for burgers and pool time of course. 

Mama and Georgie

 

Little cousins table #1

 

Little Cousins Table #2

 

Dad, Julie, Dave, Aunt Jan, Celia, Uncle Jim, Ash, Brian

 Aunt Margaret, Aunt Jill, Uncle Jimmy, Jeff

 

Graham didn't miss a drop of Honey's homemade ice cream!

 Me, Julie, Ash

 

EZ Skiing!

When Brooks set his eyes on the EZ Ski it was only a matter of days before one arrived on Honey and Papa's front porch.  Thank you Papa!!  He was elated and the boys were even more in love with being at the lake.

 

First time up...easy peasy!

 

Georgia and Mommy hanging on to the skiers! 

 

This thing was awesome!  Why didn't we come up with this brilliant idea.  I'm sure the days of spending endless time and patience in the water with a new skier will come but this is definitely a good step in the right direction. 

 

 

Barrett at all times is talking and/or singing to himself. 

 

Love!

 

Georgia's turn

 

Sometimes its just easier to go nakey at the lakey!

 

We were back at the lake within 24 hours to bring Anna Lou up to speed on our new talent! 

 

Miss Ski America! 

 

Enjoyed a little picnic at a pretty park on the lake 

 

 

Looking forward to lots more fun on the EZ ski next summer!!