Family, Fountians, Friends

A few weeks ago we had a day full of fun. We started at Uncle Jimmy's office (aka Dr. Jim Watkins). Since we've moved to Doha, we now get to call Uncle Jimmy our official pediatrician! He's always on call for the Watkins family but we went to see him before heading back to Doha. If you're in Dallas he needs to be your kiddos doc. Shoot, if you're in Doha, he needs to be your kids' doc.

The very best doctors encourage picking each others noses..

Fountain entertainment...smile for the camera then you get a penny to throw. Worked like a charm!


That evening we had a blast with some of our Big D buddies. Brooks holding Payton. Brooks looks bit like he's posing for Olan Mills. Not sure...but he does love babies!

The whole crew...

Wyatt with a mouth full...is there anything better that Rediwhip, really?

Miss Shannon put on the full spread sundae bar!


Don't these look tasty!!

Dallas Days

We've thoroughly enjoyed our Dallas Days for the last few weeks. Thankfully we've had a lot of opportunities so visit with friends and have lots of play time.

Kate and Jill (best friend from high school)

Bees and Me (plus Anna), Jill and Kate, Karen and Gavin

Just a few weeks ago one of our best friends, Justin and his mommy came all the way from Houston for a short visit.

We spent one evening at the Rough Riders game in Frisco. The boys sat for 4 innings but of course then needed a change of scenery so we ran out some energy on the fabulous playground at the ballpark.



Another treat from Houston was a visit from our other favorite Hall family. Ashley's sister-in-law Kim, is one of my closest friends from Houston. Here we are with all the cousins. I hope Barrett got what he was diggin' for.

Blauser and Junod Crew!
Carson and Brody are twins born just a few days after Brooks.
Little bro Bo was born just a few days after Barrett.

Blonde Boys!

Carson was definitely the Queen of the Day...and absolutely beautiful!

Fun in their backyard. OH, how I wish I could pack their backyard up in my suitcase!

The girls...me, Kristi and Carson

Last week we were so blessed to have Miss Anne come over for lunch. The Ryon family is really special to the Watkins. Along side my own mama, I respect and admire Anne more than anyone else as a mother. She's raised the most incredibly godly kids! Her Christian example as a mother and wife is one I can only pray I will become someday.

Watkin Cousins...well 3rd cousins.
Sadly, we were missing Abby since she's now a Kindergartener.

Anna Lou gets tickles from Aunt Julie


Grant and the Bees

They're trying...anything outside for these boys is FUN.

This outdoor activity started fully clothed and quickly turned naked. No supervision at the time. But who cares when they're happy!


Wood working and/or repair with Papa's tool.

Always a ball when Honey's around. You never know what she'll pull out.

Ahh...Dinner out without kiddos Dallas BFF's Caryn and Shannon

Athens

Last week we took a day trip to Athens, where my mom grew up and where Ashley and I have lots of great memories. We have some deep family roots in Athens. Since my grandmother, Mimi died we don't go to Athens very often but we still have dear family that lives there. One of Mimi's sisters, Aunt Leta and her husband Uncle Mac are both from Athens and are proud to still call it home. Needless to stay our day was a trip down memory lane that stirred a few emotions and reminded us of how much we love the small town life of East Texas.

Where else would we eat lunch but Athens Country Club, of course. Aunt Leta and Uncle Mac only treat their family to A-town's finest!



After lunch we spent some time hanging around their house and beautiful property. Might be one of my favorite places I've been this summer because of the scenery. Nothin' like the Piney Woods! Obviously the highlight for Brooks' summer was experienced this day. Uncle Mac let Brooks drive the tractor. Literally drive...with only B's hands on the stirring wheel. Brave man!


Boys were FACINATED with the pictures he's taken of wildlife in their backyard. Raccoon, Foxes, Owls, etc...

Not sure if the focus was the kids or the quilt in this picture but it worked :)
My great great grandmother's sister made the quilt...

Another fun toy for the boys...Uncle Mac's old restored Ford.


We took some time to drive around Athens a little especially to find our famous street! My grandmother's maiden name is Royall and Barrett's middle name is Royall.

In our house, there's nothing better than a football stadium on your family street!! This is just behind the "Royall" street sign.
(and lookie there, they are painting the Athens Hornet just in time for Friday night)

And this is the precious house my mom and aunt grew up in. Its now a design store and its obviously been updated a little :) But its beautiful!

Shower for Ashley

So glad I was State-side to help be apart of a shower for Ashley and Baby Graham. Although it was a baby shower, there was very little baby too it. We all enjoyed a girl's night out. Most everyone at the shower is already a mommy so a night away from the house was just what we all needed. We enjoyed fajitas, visiting, and bunko. All of the guests brought gift cards so we by-passed the gift opening. It really was a fun night and treat for all of us.
Me, Ash, and Mom

Babies on the way...






Lots of fun friends...








Bunko time



Hostesses


While I was prepping and showering for Ash one of my precious best friends took care of the Bees for me. Caryn, and I have very similar households, so adding 2 more boys could have been a piece of cake or double trouble. Being the most creative friend I have and also very laid back I think it was a success. Thank you again sweet friend for taking on 2 more crazies!

Painting with cars...

Sprinkler time
Stacey, Wyatt, Barrett, Brooks

Delish and fun din-din

Can't go without giving credit to the daddy of their household who was lots of fun too.
Thank you Stacey!!!