Texas Monthly on the Neches River, 2010, "Into the Wild"

My dad is the co-founder of an organization called "Friends of the Neches River."  He has been fighting to save this beautiful river for literally years now.  The city of Dallas wanted to build a reservoir that would’ve killed the river and its ecosystem.  Dallas was in a lawsuit with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife who wanted to save the river and protect it as a "National Wildlife Refuge."  Dad was actively involved in the protection of this river, and was even quoted in the Wall Street Journal.   Here is a video he is in explaining some of the history of the battle of this scenic East Texas river.  And East Texas WON!  The refuge is official, and we are so proud of Poppa and all of his conservation projects and efforts.  It’s really cool to get involved, and this is proof that a grass-roots organization can make a difference. 

P.S.  Rara is in an awesomely dorky, super cute picture at the end of the video!  Can you find her?

We had a blast last weekend throwing Victoria a graduation luncheon at our house.  It all was so fun and festive.  I actually missed being a teenager… just for a second!

Rebekah and Victoria, with their sweet mother and my babysitter from when I was little and life-long friend, Sharon.

Victoria and Noelle dancing before the party.

DBU, watch out, she’s on her way, ready or not!  🙂

 

 

Baby Blake with her Mommy Stacy (young life leader) watching the "Toria Walking" game (inspired by "Jay Walking" from The Tonight Show).

Victoria actually knew a lot of history, math, and science.  We were all impressed!

"High five!"  

Every time Toria got an answer wrong, she was given a new piece to her wardrobe.  This was the final ensemble!  🙂

Kama & Kara – obviously sisters!

 

 

Bekah got to invite a friend, Kelyn, who ended up helping me out a ton with the games – thanks sweet Kelyn!!! 

Aww… sisters!

Lauren & Victoria went to Hawaii last summer, so we decided to mix that with her favorite thing, flowers, and it made the perfect party theme for our graduate!

Anna Kate arrives on the scene – Hawaiian music and scenes on the TV were playing throughout the party – super festive and fun!

The babysitters arrive back at the casa, thanks Mike and Poppa!

This baby child melts my heart – every time I see that sweet face… mmm…

…and this one too, lol… 🙂

Samantha enjoying the wind blowing her hair at the beach!

Michele made this canvas for Victoria and brought it with her from Japan – she’s so cool and worked so hard to make this party super special!

Samantha playing with Noelle

Con"GRAD"ulations sweetie pie!!!  We are so proud of you!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love the Flamingo and flower cookie party favors!  Mom got the conch centerpiece shells and sand dollars in the Bahamas.  She and Dad just got back from a much needed vacation!

Mom picked up these really cool shells at World Market to put the chicken spaghetti in so it wouldn’t drip on the other food.  She’s out of this world cool like that!  This is my plate, I almost forgot to take a picture, then remembered, but my roll was half eaten.  Sorry you didn’t get the full effect!  Lol…

 

Victoria’s ready to party hardy!  

*LOVE these girls!*

We had a blast hosting Victoria’s graduation luncheon this weekend.  Lots of party pictures headed your way… hopefully soon.  Right now, we are off to the library!

The Eberts joined us for part of our Monday routine before heading to Oklahoma.  Ever since we moved to our new city, we haven’t been able to get Noelle into a reputable preschool.  So, Mondays we go to story time at the library (geared toward Anna Kate’s age) and then play at the rec center afterward, and we do the same thing on Wednesdays geared toward ages 3-6.  This is the first time I’ve brought my camera all year – it was fun capturing a little piece of our day to day life!

   

 

Drew and Noelle built a great castle together!!!

Sweet Anna cracked a smile for me!  Yay!

 

Great play time – then we headed to Chick-fil-A where Michele got word of the tornado warnings, so they spent one more night with us before heading to OK.  We can’t wait for them to get back for more cousin time!!!

Together at last, together forever…

Waiting on the Eberts… 🙂

This was about as good as it got… take it or leave it!

"Just one picture…"

Sweet Noelle said, "Why don’t my cousins want to take their picture with me?"  I bet you we’ll try again this weekend!

Mike took care of the kids (the younger two were napping) while I took sissy out on the town to do some speed shopping.  We had a blast working on her U.S.A. list.  Mike is the best!!!  🙂

Noelle spontaneously hugged me while everyone was singing "Happy Birthday."  I’ll never forget that!

Blowing out the candles!

Mike and I still can’t believe our first baby is already 4!!!  I even had to go get another candle out of the pantry because I only got 3 out the first time!  🙂

Homemade cards are the best!!!  Thanks Bekah!

 

Ananya read all of Noelle’s cards to her.  It was so cute.  Zane saying goodbye to his sweet girlfriend!

Fun pillowcase…

"N" and "Ruby Sundae" shoes!

And what Noelle wished for, Merlia from "Barbie A Mermaid Tale" movie!

Kristin gave Noelle a cool craft bucket that she’s been playing with all week.  Poppa was so sweet to give the birthday girl special cuddles!

My friend Donnette with her baby boy Luke and Amanda and Sadie bouncing.

Mike was taking video of our girls while I was taking pictures of him!

Noelle and Bailey!

Poppa and Rara gave Noelle her very own Barbie bicycle, which she has been wishing for since last summer!  She is so excited!!!

I love this sissy picture.  Anna Kate was so happy for Noelle, and Noelle was so proud.  Thanks Poppa and Rara!

Bouncy time with my baby!

Our baby girls!

Our big kids

"This is my dream come true!!!"

Noelle and Anna

Noelle giving Drew "Eskimo" kisses!

 

 

Noelle walked her last guests to their cars… she didn’t want the day to end!

…And so it didn’t!  :)  It just got crazier!

Miss Malia came back over after nap-time to play with her buddy Anna Kate. 

Noelle prepares the table… 

and the cousins have tea!

"I’m a rock star!"  🙂