Brax, Brody and Everleigh

We've had a fun and busy week. However, I haven't been on the top of my game in terms of photography. So, I only have a few pictures to share.
Yesterday, Josh and I celebrated our 6th anniversary. We got a babysitter and headed out for a dinner sans kiddos. That, in and of itself, was a celebration :) The fact that we could have an uninterrupted conversation was gift enough. However, my hubby went above and beyond, as usual, and surprised me by having our deck covered and screened into a beautiful screened-in porch. We have already enjoyed it so much! This past year has been one of many changes for us. From moving into a new house, to adding sweet Brody to our family, to starting a new business, there has been a lot of uncertainty. However, through all of the changes that have come our way, our relationship has grown and matured more than in any year of our marriage. I have watched my husband demonstrate the characteristics that I've always admired in him. Through some challenging circumstances, he's shown integrity and honesty. We've spent a lot of time in prayer and conversation, working through God's plan for our family and learning so much about ourselves and one another. It has been a year of growth in many ways. I am blessed that I have a husband who seeks God's will for us and who works so hard to ensure that we're well cared-for. He's such an encouragement to me, happy to take the boys after a long day at work so that I can get a girls' night out or a little "me time." He understands my desire to continue to practice as a nurse, even if it is a bit of an inconvenience to him on those few nights a month that I go to work. He's an amazing daddy to Brax and Brody and truly enjoys the time that he spends with his boys. It's hard to believe that it's been sixteen years since I asked that little boy to be my banquet date at church camp. I'm so blessed that God had a plan and that I get to be that "little boy's" date every day.

Our 4th of July celebration consisted of a little shindig at our house with some close friends. We grilled out, played cornhole, watched the kiddos play and enjoyed an AMAZING fireworks display that was put on by our neighbors. Truly, I think that it lasted for well over an hour. Brax was very afraid of the fireworks that we lit in our yard. They were loud, of course, and he just kept yelling, "I'm scary!" :) However, the fireworks that originated a few doors down were just far enough away to be enjoyable. I didn't get many pictures, but below is one of Brax with his sparkler. I don't know why it keeps turning sideways, but I don't have the brain power to try to figure it out :)

Last, but not least, I had to include a picture of Reesi, Harris, Brax, Brody and Maggie. I got together with some of my college girlfriends last week and these are our kiddos. We had a great time catching up with one another while the kids kept each other busy. It's sad that we live in the same city and rarely get together unless there's wedding shower or baby shower.

I'll try to be better about taking pictures this week. Josh and I are headed out of town this weekend (alone... no kids... for the first time in a LONG time), to celebrate one of Josh's friends getting married. Say a prayer for me as this will be the first time that I've left Brody. However, Josh's parents will be here to hold down the fort, so the kids will be in great hands. And I'm sure that we'll manage... and probably even have a lot of fun :)