Fun with James

One of the best things about Will’s arrival was the sweet reaction of his brother.  No one expected James (just turned 20 months) to be difficult around Will but his spontaneous reaction of love and attention was a bit surprising.  He gives kisses, hugs and is always wanting to know where baby brother is at all times.  So thankful for a smooth transition.

Besides the blessing of the opportunity to share in Will’s birth, we enjoyed spending time with James.  Following are some of the fun activities and experiences with James and family.

Cute faces.

Playing soccer at City Center.

Nanie and James.

Playing at the park.

Backyard pool fun.

It is going to be great to watch the Hollon boys grow up together.

Happy Birthday Ty!

Happy 9th birthday to Ty.  I think your age now matches your shoe size (men’s size nine I believe).  Not making fun but just amazed by how much you are growing….both in size and as a young man. 

The Hodge family just after Ty was born.

Ty – 6 months

Ty – April 2012

Keep your eyes on Jesus.  Praying you have a great birthday.

Grill Pad and Gazebo

This is Steve’s favorite part of the patio addition.  I have noticed that all the male workers that have come always comment on the grill pad/gazebo as well!  It is finally completed and Steve is busy “stocking” the shelves with BBQ accessories.  We still need to hang a couple of lanterns but other than that it is ready.  Steve has grilled for us almost every day.  I just love that he grills!  Here are some pics of the final product.

It is tucked back in the trees.

Steve relaxing while grilling.  This photo was taken from inside the screened patio.  For now we are totally enamored with our new addition and spend some time on the patio every morning and evening, oftentimes eating breakfast and dinner.

God’s Gift to Melissa and David

William Reed Hollon

May 15, 2012

7 pounds  3 ounces

19 3/4 inches

Welcomed with Joy……

David, Melissa and James

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
—Psalm 127:3

The new family of four.

James loves to kiss and hug baby brother.

James watching his brother get his first bath.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

My 37th Mother’s Day

Wow, I have been a mom for a long time….and I still love being a mom and grandmother.

I received my favorite perfume from Steve and a Pandora bracelet from my girls.  The girls love to get me something I would never buy for myself and they succeeded again.  Love the bracelet and I have been already looking at beads I would like to add.

After church we went to dinner with the whole Hodge clan at Café Eccel which was delicous, especially the strawberry tart.  I had spent Saturday at the Alexanders, Sunday with Heather (and family) and Monday we were headed to Houston to help with James when the baby was born.  I got to spend time around Mother’s Day with each of the girls.  So thankful!  Following are a couple of iphone pics from Mother’s Day.

My grandsons are getting so big!  I am so thankful to God for each of my daughters.

Candyliscious 12th Birthday Kylie!

Kylie had one awesome birthday party with more than 30 of her closest girlfriends featuring a “candy bar”.  All I can say is that it was wild and crazy fun.

Kylie and Andrew were helping the photographer(me) get set up.

Cake pops.

The Candy Bar.  Mmmmm.  The girls really loved this.

Favors and tissue poms.

Silly string by two mustached girls.

Make-up/nail polish area.

They played volleyball, bean bag toss and blew bubbles.

They swam….

and swam.

Danced ……

and danced!

Dressed up.

More dress up

Shauna and her friends had a good time as well. 

It was loud and crazy but the girls had a wonderful time.  Kylie will have a great memory of celebrating her 12th birthday.  We love you Ky-Ky!