NCLEX - PASSED!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ben for taking & passing the NCLEX on Wednesday!!! We are officially past our first obstacle on his career path. I had no doubts that he would pass the test but it's always nerve racking taking then waiting two days for the results...

Benny, I'm so proud of you (I know you're probably sick of me telling you that) but I honestly am so blessed to have such an amazing partner on this road called life. You've surprised me more in the past year with your faith, dedication, & determination to me & our family!! You've kept your head high & priorities in line. We've been through more in the past year 1/2 than most couples go through in their entire lives. I look forward to our future, including making you note cards, asking you questions, another couple graduations, adding to our family, & enjoying every day we have!! (of course it doesn't have to be in that order) LOVE YOU!!

4th of July!!

So I know I'm a little (a lot) late on this post but I wanted to share some pictures from our fun day @ the Grant farm!! It's always wonderful to be able to get together with family, we don't do it near enough..


it got a little toasty so Laci decided to run through the sprinkler!!



watermelon!!



our cousins, Katie - Adam - Grant



Laci & blackjack



Wes, Hannah, & Ben



Katie & Jace who got engaged on the 4th!!!! They are getting married in December, and I am honored to be a bridesmaid!! Congratulations again you two!!



Megan always wants to ride on the 4-wheeler



Uncle Marc & Aunt Connie (dads sis)



mom & Amber



Wes & mammaw Grant



Hanny & Megan



Megan & I



Laci & Ethel (the goat)



the fam!!



papaw Grant

At the end of last year I told you all that my papaw Grant was diagnosed with stage IV lung CA. Here it is almost 8 months later & he's still giving it all he's got!! His biggest issues are his weight (which he's losing) & pain control. He's going to start with a pain doctor soon so we're hopeful that will alleviate some of his discomfort..

Thank you mammaw & papaw Grant for another wonderful gathering @ the farm, we're so blessed!!

close to home...

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us - Ephesians 3:20

Wild River Country

Monday since mom & I were both off we decided to go with Amber & the girls to Wild River Country. I must say, I can't remember the last time I had been.. I got a double work out.. since Amber's pregnant she can't ride any of the rides & mom refused to. This meant double duty for auntie!! We wanted to get there when it opened to try & get a few chairs.. we weren't the only ones with that idea. Honestly, it wasn't to crowded..

the diva's waiting to get in..



wait for it.....



got her!!



Megan



Laci



where's Laci??



found her!!



BIG sisters!!



We had a great time!!

Redneck.... maybe a little!!

This past weekend we decided to break out the girls water slide in mom & dads back yard since it's flat. Needless to say it was a big hit!! The girls started playing around 11 and didn't deflate the slide until after 4!! Amber said, they got their money's worth in one day for sure!! I also must say the girls did not come inside once.. food was brought to them, they snacked on & off all day. We also got out the slip in slide which was a lot of fun!! We ate, laughed, threw water balloons, and got really wet!!

the slip-in-slide!!



Wes joined in on the fun!!



"No uncle Wes!!"



He was trying to be careful with his foot & he busted it!!



we all got a good laugh!!



Laci finishing off her front roll down the slide...



Wes & Meg filling up water balloons!!



watch out!!



"more water balloons!!"



Having a blast!!

Deal or Dud??

So since we've had Avery the only down side I've found is her shedding.. of course it's worse right now with it being so hot outside. The problem with Avery is that she's never been to a groomer, she's a super clean dog and her hair is short. The few times she's been dirty, we've put her in the shower. A month or so ago Ben found a "ferminator" and bought it... I figured we'd wasted money and she would not let us get close to her with it. So after cutting her nails tonight we snuck it out.. to our surprise, she just laid there. I'm pretty sure we got off two more Avery's!!

the final product!!



"feels good!!"



"Are we done yet??"



it just kept coming & coming!!



it was a DEAL!!!

Uncle Ben!!

The girls & uncle Benny - present



Laci & Ben - past!!


Ben has not been able to start working as a nurse yet because of all the paperwork that has to be done... therefore, he's had a ton of time off, which has been fun!! Today he took Laci to see Toy Story 3. Amber said she showered herself, picked out her own clothes, fixed her own hair, put on jewelry, and even found a purse to take. While Amber was getting ready for the day she said Laci told her not to worry that she would go wait for Ben at the door, she didn't need to go. Amber said, it was like her first date. (I was working today so I didn't get a picture of their date) It melts my heart that Ben took time out of his day to help make Laci a special memory!! He's going to be a fantastic father, I can't wait to see him with our children one day!! Until then (& always) we will spoil our nieces like crazy, including #3 due in November!!