Fort Worth Friends

Since we've been back, we've been down to Fort Worth several times and some of our friends have been up to see us. It's been really great to be able to spend time with some dear friends.

These pictures are a conglomeration of these trips.

Baby Moriah, Brian and Anne Marie's youngest.

Our friends, Brian and Anne Marie. They've been really gracious to open up their home and let us stay with them when we get down to Ft. Worth.

John Michael and Hudson, best of friends.

Melinda and me.

Melinda's boys with my boys. Hudson, Ben, John Michael, Elliot, Sam and Nathanael. Why is it so hard to get 6 little boys to smile and look in the same direction at the same time?!?

Lucy and Hudson jumping in the sprinkler.
Lucy, Elliot and Hudson playing one of their many games.
Nate and Henry having fun in the water.
Henry.
Nate.

Lucy and Hudson eating cookie dough.

Sam is Melinda and Kevin's youngest.

Lucy, Brian and Anne Marie's oldest.

Silly Nate.

Ben, Sam, Henry and Nate at McDonald's.

Nathanael having a good time being thrown into the air.

Sam and Elliot in the Jeep.

Ms. Dottie

I've know Ms. Dottie since I was a little girl. I don't really remember how we got to know each other, she was either a Sunday school teacher or GAs or something like that, but whatever the connection, she's always been there. She's super special and I'm grateful for her investment in my life. Since we've been back in Wichita Falls, she's made some great efforts to spend time with us. She's taken us swimming a lot which we all have enjoyed because it's been so hot. She also took the boys and me to a fire station one day. The boys loved it.

Funny Boys

Nathanael (who was potty training, hence no clothes) and Owen as the donkey and the tiger.

They said they were fighting Jericho.

Hudson made his own drum kit.

Elliot decided he'd be moral support for Nathanael during potty training and just wear underwear. He also wanted to be like Hudson and wear a Red Sox hat.

Olivia Leann Duran

There's finally a girl in the mix! This post is late, but since I wasn't here to take part in welcoming Olivia into the world, I've had to collect a few photos from other people. Olivia was born on May 30th after a long and hard effort on Erin and Aaron's part. My sister was able to have a VBAC delivery after having a c-section with Owen. Erin worked really hard, and God was gracious to sustain her and keep the doctor at bay.

We're all praising God for sweet Olivia!

Proud parents, Aaron and Erin.
I think she's pretty happy, yeah? :) Delivery over and sweet baby girl in her arms.

Big brother Owen holding his baby sister.
Nannie with Olivia.

Nannie and Granddad, they love their great grandchildren!

Isn't she the cutest thing?

This is my favorite.
A month old.

Fishing, and more fishing

Pappy has taken the boys fishing several times this summer. They love it, especially when they catch something. In the first few pictures, all they caught was unbearable heat, a participation ribbon (which I should add Hudson was EXTREMELY proud of) and free hotdogs afterward. As you'll see below, they've had better luck at the pond by my parents' house.

This frog Hudson caught was REALLY big.

I love this picture.

Swimming at Aunt Kim's

My Aunt Kim has a pool in her backyard and we've taken advantage of it several times since we've been back. Being in a pool is pretty much the only way to tolerate the heat if you plan on being outdoors. My Aunt Ginger came down for the weekend a little while back and brought two of her grand-kids, Cutter and Colter, with her. Hudson loves Cutter and Colter and was super excited for the opportunity to play with them. They all had a blast swimming and spashing. Uncle Guapo wore himself out throwing the 3 crazies around the pool.

The little boys watching the big boys in the pool.

All smiles for sandwiches and watermelons.

Everyone enjoying the pool.

Nathanael's got the "phone talk" look down pat.

Owen

Elliot

Aunt Kim and Olivia

Hudson has really turned into a boy in the pool this summer. He's pretty much completely competent.

Aunt Ginger and Nannie

Nathanael loves to swim and is not afraid in the least which is a little scary.