Happy Birthday and Thank You to Mom and Dad

     I originally planned to make two separate birthday posts, but the truth is, you are so united and love to be together so much that it seems more fitting to make one.

•    Thank you for raising such good kids for all of us to marry.
  
  
•    Thank you for your example of unity and love.  It means more to me than I can say.
  
  
•    Thank you for learning how to do nearly everything (between the two of you) and sharing your knowledge and talents with us.
  
  
•    Thank you for allowing us space to make our own mistakes and for biting your tongues (I know you must sometimes).
  
  
•    Thank you for creating such an atmosphere of warmth, love, and welcome in your home.  I've loved to be there for as long as I've known the Holliday family.
  
  
•    Thank you for birthday spankings, treasure boxes, quilts, sweaters, magic wands, pens, paintings, nativity sets, and much, much more.  I love having these tangible reminders of your love in my home.
  
  
•    Thank you for passing on so many wonderful traditions, from Sunday dinner to Labor Day at Preston.  They have fostered close relationships with extended family and created priceless memories for our own little ones.
  
  
• Most of all, thank you for creating such a wonderful family!
  
  

I'm sure there are many things that I'm forgetting, because I have so very much to thank you for (also, it's nearly 3 AM).  I am so grateful to be your daughter-in-law.  To paraphrase Grandma, I love you both tons!  I hope that you both have wonderful birthdays.

Love,  Adrienne

 

Preston, um, 2010

Yeah, this is late.  But some of these pictures are absolutely priceless!

First, some of the classics.  Who knew a wagon could entertain a dozen kids for three hours?  Look how hard they're working!

Paige looks how I feel in this one.

My camera didn't open all of the way for this one (thanks Jack, for getting me a new one!), but I still love it.  

The sandbox.  Another effortless kid pleaser.

Jack's favorite entertainment-the cargo area of the stroller.  Who knew?

Yeah, there are a lot of pictures of my kids in here.  It's my post, so I can do that.

Next up, the parade! 

First, the kids made hats.

And then they marched around to show them off while we threw candy at them.  Fun for all.

One of my favorite parts, the obstacle course.  This was a HUGE hit and a lot of fun to watch!

Nola was super speedy.  I think she must get it from me.  ;)

The little kids got in on the action. 

And the big kids too!  

Scott was pretty spry for an old guy.  Don't tell him I said that.  

I love how competitive Grandma is.  

But she made me a little nervous.  I was glad when Richy gallantly stepped in.  

Another Holliday classic, the horseback riding!  

I miss Lucy's spunky little do.  It just suited her so well.  I have to admit, though, I was about ready to punch the next kid who asked if she was a boy.  

And last, but not least (also, not chronologically correct, but whatever), the Minute to Win It games.  These are cropping up at Holliday parties and Pack Meetings everywhere (and I love them every time).

Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of all of them.  They were really fun!  

I think this is actually when I pulled the camera out.  One of Linnell's boys was asleep on the ground, totally oblivious to the tortillas landing on him.  Cracked me up!

Now I'm excited for this year!  Except that I have to actually do things.  Dang.  

Also, I'm pretty sure Dalton was with us, but I didn't manage to get a single picture of that kid.  He moves too fast!

Family Date Night

Okay, my camera was certifiably crappy, but here are some of the highlights from our date night.  

We, um, told him we needed a picture with a pizza driver.  Nice save.  

 It took a few tries, but we finally got everyone on the slide.  

I'm still not sure why I was supposed to hold the watermelons.  We didn't even buy one.  

The trout farm had never been quite this exciting before.  Or perhaps scary.  By the way, Lucy was totally unable to spot Uncle Ethan in this picture.  

Cows.  They really loved Kari.  I think it was those hot rainbow pants.  ;)

MY65GAL.  Shoot.  Well, still a cool car.  

'W' stands for Warrior AND Winner.  Oh yeah, baby!  

Cousins

I recovered these pictures from the camera Jack washed (check out that post on my blog) and loved them so much I had to post them.  

Is it just me or do they kind of look alike?

They were such buds.  I just missed them holding hands.  

 Dirt and sippy cups.  Who knew, right?

Sigh.  We miss you guys.  I wanted to come and play when Bryant called.  

Another post? Wow. I really did take a lot of pictures.

First and foremost, I have to say a huge thank you to all of you. You are seriously my favorites. Thanks for hanging out with us. Thanks for supporting my kiddos. Thanks for making us all feel loved. You rock.

Secondly, holy cow. You guys are right, I take a lot of pictures. Your kids wedding videos will be set even if you never pull out a camera (which I know you do at least occasionally :) Heather I'll have a complex now, trying to make sure I post plenty of pictures of Ethan... I can't have anyone feeling bad on account of me. Honestly, I make a list of the pictures that are the best quality and post them (or in today's post who's flying the highest), it has nothing to do with who is in them... I'll have to be more mindful. Although Ethan did make it on the birthday post on my blog ... he's a juggling genius! I guess he probably doesn't see that though. But that's where a lot of fun photos end up, so you should check it. Just sayin'.

We love you all so much... as I'm sure you surmised from Bryant's calls inviting you to our house before school starts. Thanks for being the best family ever. I promise I'll put pictures up from the date night soon!