Galveston Island, Texas

Well it certainly wasn't pink sands and turquoise water, but it made us just as happy (well almost!). Chris traveled more than 20 days of July and the days he had off I managed to convince him to take a quick trip down to the coast. Mimi, Papa and Auntie C joined us. We rented a great five bedroom house in Pirates Cove last minute thanks to VRBO. Galveston is the perfect road trip-leave at breakfast-get there at lunch. We were margaritas in hand by 3pm-if I had it my way we woulda had roadies, but apparently no one wants to drink as much as me these days-guess that's what two pregnancies and two rounds of breastfeeding in three years will do to ya. We had a great time playing games, making meals, reading books, swimming in the ocean and at the country club, having happy hour, sitting in the hot tub on the deck, fishing, collecting shells, building sand castles, searching for crabs, finishing crossword puzzles, driving up and down the seawall, shopping on the strand (in the pouring rain!), going to the docks to see the big ships and drink mojitos, checking out the local real estate and enjoying the beautiful hibiscus (it's everywhere!). It was a nice getaway. Parker loved the beach (no surprise there-he loves everything) and stayed very busy playing in the sand. Dillon loved the beach too (this time around-phew!) and had a blast chasing the waves and building sand castles. I learned that the best way to get babies to sleep easily away from home is to wear them out! We wore them out, they slept and we drank and then slept-everyone was happy. I hope we can continue to make memories at the beach for many summers. There's just something about the sea.

It's My Birthday (Party!)

Our number two is ONE! Happy Birthday Parker James Ring. Today you are one. It has gone by way too fast and sometimes I think it's just not fair that you are SO big already. You have really taught me to slooooow down and watch, partly because if I am not always watching you, you are attempting to drink the dog water, eat the cat food, climb the stairs, unroll the toilet paper, unplug the lamps (how very green of you) or eat the soil from the plants! I have enjoyed every moment of watching you this year and cannot wait to watch you and your brother for many years to come. Mommy loves you more than could ever be expressed through words and I vow to live my life showing you through my actions. You and Dillon are my sunshine. Of course I totally have my hands full with the two of you, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I hope you have enjoyed your birthday cupcakes, birthday pancakes, birthday presents, etc, but I hope most of all that you enjoy the gift we have given to you and Dillon-the gift of brotherhood. There is nothing better for me than to watch you and Dillon together. Laughing. Hugging. Playing. Learning. Sleeping. Eating. Tugging. Crying. Negotiating. Sharing. Not sharing. Destroying. Encouraging. Loving. Allowing. Listening. I am awe of you both and the relationship that you already share. Sometimes as I watch I think you two have a secret language-it is a beautiful thing that makes me very proud (until of course you get together and use it against me!). Parker, you are the sweetest, most adventurous baby, the master of hugging, the king of laid back with the biggest heart full of love for your brother. I am constantly praying that you and Dillon live long, healthy, happy, christian lives together and are the best of friends.

Today I am the proudest mama of two. My heart is completely satisfied. Life is good.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-139. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up. 11. Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm (alone)? 12. And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him