Jaden Hamilton born 7.27.10 6lbs 10oz 19.5" long

Jaden made his debut 3 weeks early!  Baby and Mommy are doing well.  Mike and Sandi travelled out on Monday so they were there to welcome Baby Jaden to the world.  I love the last picture, Jared acts like he is going to "break" Jaden and Alayna has the sweetest smile on her face!  Can't wait to meet the newest member to our family!!!!

Family Weekend 7.23-7.25.10

Chad's extended family had their reunion' last weekend.  The guys all go golfing all weekend, starting Friday and ending Sunday.  This year they golfed a total of 90 holes!  What!?!!?  Yeah, 36 holes Friday, 36 holes Saturday, and 18 on Sunday.  Next year, they have decided to not golf as much due to the heat and not getting to just have some down-time.  The ladies, on the other hand, got together, shopped and ate!  FUN, FUN!  The Saturday shopping trip started with lunch at Flat Top Grill in Ft. Wayne and then the

shopping began.  Here is a picture taken by a random guy in the mall, very poor quality, but a picture none-the-less! 

from the top left-Ronda,Kelly,Cassie,Susie,Debbie,Sandi,Allison with Emmalyn,Mindy with Kailyn

from the bottom left-Wendy,Mary,Erica,Stacy,Janice

This was the 1st time I went to Flat Top Grill.  It was very yummy!

The original 4 brothers-Mike,Ernie,Donnie,Allen

The original 6-Allen,Debbie,Ernie,Donnie,Mike,Janice

with spouses-Allen,Ronda,Ernie,Debbie,Rick,Donnie,Kelly,Mike,Janice,Phil,Sandi

wow-look at Papa and Clay's resemblance!

Rick, Cassie, & Brittany

Clay, very short, telling Trey, very tall, a story

Mary, pregnant with #2, spinning Grant

Cassie and Stacy

This weekend, we got the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Trey's girlfriend Wendy.  Not only is she super cute, she is very fun!  We all fell in love with her!  On Sunday we had a family picnic before everyone headed off in different directions.  Family members travelled from North Carolina, Florida, Illinois, and several places in Indiana.   

Girls vs Boys (in our household anyway!)

I often get asked if my children are twins despite the 2 year age difference.  Brittany is a tiny thing while Clay is considered to be one of the taller boys in his class.  At the ages of 7 1/2 and 9 1/2 years old, they are becoming "big" kids.  I have started to realize some very distinct differences between the young lady and the young man in our home.  Here is just one example:

Back to School Shopping

Girl-Mom, I want to go shopping with you this year, our taste is just, just different, you know!  (not said in a sarcastic tone but a very meaningful statement no less)

Boy-Mom, you can go without me and buy me everything you can think of, except jeans, khaki's, dress shirts (yes, that only leaves basketball/football shorts, jerseys, and tshirts!)

Boy-My recent conversation with my son went like this, "Clay, I bought your new tennis shoes last night.  I hope I got you the right..." (this is as far as I got before Clay interuppted);  "Thank you, Mom."-I will never complain about being told Thank You from my children, but I didn't get to tell him that they are Bears blue New Balance size 2, which I hope will still fit his evergrowing feet, I bought them on sale and I had a coupon, etc., etc.  Clay just simply didn't need to know any specifics! 

Girl-after hearing the conversation with Clay, "Mom, please let me pick out my own tennis shoes, please!"  I quickly replied that I wouldn't have even thought I was capable of picking out my 9 going on 15 year old's tennis shoes for the 4th grade school year.  Once again, Britt didn't speak with any sarcasm but straight-to-the-point honestly that I don't have a lick of fashion sense in me!

Oh, Brother, I have a feeling my fun is just beginning!

Quick word game

What is missing c h _ _ ch?

The answer is u r.

Chad saw this on a sign for a small church.  VERY CLEVER! 

Memories of Mom 7.14.10

This is a picture of my Mom & Brittany from Spring 2006.  I love this picture (thanks Pam!) but man, 4 years sure makes a difference in children.  Look how little Brittany is!  Mom passed away 4 years ago today, I know, I already said that but maybe if I keep saying it, it will be easier to grasp.  I cannot believe I haven't heard her voice in 4 years, I cannot believe I haven't received any motherly advice from her for 4 years, I cannot believe I haven't felt my Mom's arms around me in 4 years.  I could keep going and going and going.  I think about Mom daily, but I really think about Mom when the family gets together.  She would have loved getting to know Morgan, she would have loved seeing Kennedy, Lincoln and Drew born.  She would have loved having 4 "local" grandkids.  She would have loved to watch Brittany turn into a beautiful young lady.  She would have loved hearing all about Clay's 1st golf experience.  I miss you, Mom!

Morgan is *8*!

Miss Morgan is 8!  Mary & Kenny threw her party last Sunday.

Uncle Chris playing with Lincoln

Kennedy undoing Uncle Roger's shoes (a trick she learned from Aunt Susie!)

Uncle Kenny swinging Brayden

Aunt Pam with Madi, obviously liking whatever Morgan was unwrapping!  LOVE their smiles!

Mary, doing what she does best, holding the baby (Drew in this case!)

Susie & Drew

Almost everyone was gone, so Miss Kennedy was tuckered out! 

Mary kissing her baby boy!

Papa messing with Lincoln's pacifier

Morgan, so pretty!

Molly-Jay, Pam, & Lincoln's new addition July 2010

Dakota, Pam & Jay's dog, was hit by a car last week. SO SAD!  They want Lincoln to grow up with a dog so they got Molly this past week.  The kids, of course, had to meet the new addition!

1st Softball All Star Tournament 7.10.10

Britt's softball team did really well for their 1st team, we didn't bring home any hardware but the girls had fun!

Mr. Lincoln was there to watch with Pam, Deanna, Madilyn, Brayden, Mike & Sandi.  Brittany had quite the cheering section!

Miss Britt can't resist Lincoln!

Brittany, anxiously awaiting her chance to steal to home plate!

Clay's 1st Golf Outing Ever! 7.9.10

For doing such a good job on his report card this year, Grandma and Grandpa took Clay golfing for the 1st time.  Clay had a fabulous time!

Coach O's Family Cookout 7.3.10

Bud & Kara invited us over for the 4th of July.  The kids played & swam.  Britt swimming with Ty.

Landry, with the best smile he would give me!!!

Miss Kylie-very photogenic

Bud manin' the grill

Chad hanging out with Ryan

the besties-Kara & Ann

Lexie

Clay devouring a hot dog so he could devour a brownie

the kids waiting on Ryan's to light the fireworks

Ty watched the fireworks from the safety of his Mommy's arms-adorable!  Tina & I were there too, not sure why we didn't get our picture taken!! 

Bud told me he was trying to keep the bugs off his head, but after hearing all of his firework horror stories and knowing his lack of love for fireworks I think this is more of a "when are these fireworks going to be over" picture!

This raccoon was our visitor when we got home!  The dogs were NOT happy!  Chad was NOT happy that this coon was hanging on his Bears' flag!