Visit to the Valley

After Addie's last day of school, we headed to the airport that evening to fly down to visit my family.  Addie's school was closed for in-service and orientation from Thursday through Monday and Jason already had a boys weekend planned in Louisiana so a trip to the valley seemed like the perfect plan.  Unfortunately, the weather delayed our flight almost 3 hours, but Addie stayed happy playing with her books and running around our corner at the airport despite it being way past her bedtime.  We had a wonderful long weekend in Harlingen.  Thanks Mom and Dad for always making us feel so welcome. 

Entertaining herself at the airport

Thursday morning, we got up early and headed out to the bay to fish.  My dad took Cale, Tasha and I out to Port Mansfield, and we ended up having a great trip.  We ended up with a full stringer of fish and had lots of laughs.  Sarah was nice enough to keep Addie for me while we were fishing, and she had a great time playing with the kids.  Thanks Sarah!!

Sunrise on the bay.....my happy place

Cale and Tasha

Tasha caught a big ole Jack fish that gave her a really fun fight.

My big red fish

I just love this one of Tasha's face when her huge black drum surfaced.  haha

Sportin' her huge catch

I caught the trifecta (red fish, trout and a flounder) for the first time in my life.  So fun!!  I credit my amazing guide.  Thanks dad!

Posing with the guide.  :)

Sarah with Addie, Claire and Tyler

Thursday evening, Dad took Addison swimming.  She of course loved every minute.  That baby LOVES the water.

Trying on the life jacket that was too big.  She wasn't too sure about it, but I do love the funny picture.

Friday morning we headed up to the farm to visit Grandma and Grandpa Johnson.  We spent the morning hanging out with them, and then met all the guys at lunch.  It was a great day except for Cale's car getting hit in the parking lot at the restaurant.  Sorry again Cale.  :(

Checking out the tractor with Papaw.

After lunch at the farm, we headed over to Cody and Brittany's new house to help them with a few things since they were planning to move in on Saturday.  We spent a few hours Friday evening and part of Saturday helping them get moved in and settled.  I can't wait to see pictures of the finished product.  I have no doubt Britt has the house looking adorable.

Busy girl carrying her keys and talking on the phone.  haha 

Friday evening, Cale and Dad took Addie swimming again.  That poor baby gets no attention.  :)

Sunday morning breakfast before we headed to church.

I don't know how I made it through the entire weekend without one picture of my mom (or Cody or Britt for that matter).  I promise they were there.  I am already anxious to get back down to Harlingen for another visit.  We always have the best time seeing family.  Love y'all!!

Goodbye Kittens

It's hard to believe that Addie had her first, last day of school.  Jason and I were beyond blessed this year that Addie ended up in the Kittens class at FBA.  It is so nerve-wracking dropping your baby off for the first time and leaving them in someone else's hands.  Fortunately for us, we never had to worry.  Mrs. Jeannette and Mrs. Maria were better teachers than we could have ever hoped for.  They loved our baby like she was their own, took care of her and taught her so much this year.  They are patient and understanding, and most of all, Addie LOVED them.  It was a sad, sad day when we had to say goodbye to them as Addison's teachers.  Luckily we still see them in the halls of FBA.  We had a little party in the their classroom to say thank you to the teachers and celebrate the Kittens finishing their first year of school.  Addie's teachers bought all the kids a gift and said sweet things that had us all teary-eyed.  Like I said, they are the best!  Thank you Mrs. Maria and Mrs. Jeannette for everything you have done for us this year!

Addie with Mrs. Maria

Addie and Mrs. Jeannette

Giving her teacher one last hug.  So sweet.

Best teachers around

and just to see how far we've come....Ad on her first day of school.

Celebrating our All-American Girl

The day after Addison's birthday, we had her first birthday party.  We invited some family and friends, and what was supposed to be a super low-key affair turned into about 35 people which was just perfect.  We had a total blast celebrating our baby girl.  We did an "All-American Girl" themed party with red, white and blue decor and an all-american, summer menu.  Jason grilled burgers and hot dogs, and we had chips and other homemade sides to go along with it.  My dad made homemade ice cream and sliced watermelon for dessert.  Despite the hot day, I think everyone had a good time.  Addie was spoiled with lots of fun toys and cute outfits, and she really ate up all the attention.  We have a blessed little girl that is loved by so many.  Thanks so much to everyone who came to celebrate this milestone in our baby's life.

Hangin' out in her birthday outfit before her party

A package arrived from Deb and Drew, and Addie loved the books they sent her.

Addie all ready to go in her party outfit

At first, Ad seemed a little skeptical of her cake, but it didn't take long before she decided she was a big fan.  She sat there and methodically ate bite after bite.  I took it away before she ate too much bc I didn't want a sick baby at her birthday party.

Feeding daddy some cake

Yummmm

I hung each of her months pictures up on the wall.  It was so fun to see how much she grew this year.

Opening gifts with Aunt Donna.  She loved pulling the paper out.