Papa Retires....

Papa we are so proud of you!


Cheese Mommy!!

Mommy and Mimi

Crazy Uncle Rhett and daddy - I knew we should keep an eye on you two!!

3 Generations!
Granddaddy singing us a song - life is good!

The whole crew......What a picture!

We had another great reason to get the family together. This one also included extended family that we don't get to see very often. My dad/Braxton's Papa retired from the Air Force back in May. It wasn't a decision he wanted. He actually went after an extension. I knew this was going to be an emotional weekend, but I had no idea how emotional. I met people who have known my dad/papa since before I was born. Everyone had such wonderful things to say about him. It's one thing for you to know how great your dad/papa is but when so many other people tell you too - it has to be true!

The weekend was filled with people that papa has worked with over the years, his four children (me, Leslie, Ryan and Blake), his grandchildren (Braxton, Cameron and Lexi) along with his mom and dad (mimi and granddaddy from AL) his brother, Uncle John (who I haven't seen in over 10 years, also from AL) and last but not least my Aunt Vida (who is an absolute nut), Uncle Ken and niece Hannah who just moved back to the states from Germany. It was awesome seeing all of them!!

CONGRATULATIONS Papa - we are proud of you!

Folly Beach 2008

The boys flying a kite!

Lou and Uncle Bryan















Braxton "shopping" at the Children's Museum















Grandpappa sharing one of his stories...















Braxton wore these sunglasses 2 days straight -
thanks Grandmomma!















Look at those good looking boys!















The boys and Lou!















That's one proud Grandpappa!















We love you Uncle Ryan!








This year at Folly Beach was a blast! There were 7 kids (6 of which were under 4.5) and 11 adults in one house!!! And everyone survived! It really was a great vacation. Grandmomma, grandpappa, Aunt Sessie, Uncle Rhett, Cameron and Lexie-Lou, Aunt Lene, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Scott and their kids Cayden and Brinlee, Uncle Blair, Aunt Linda and their two Jessica and Preston along with the Carpenters were all able to get together and have a ton of fun. We were busy building sand castles, flying kites and went to the Children's Museum downtown.
Papa, Gigi and my Uncles Ryan and Blake came and spent some good times out with us too. I love that we live close enough to where we can get together fairly often (never often enough).

There is nothing better than a great family. Love you guys!!

The Summer at Bald Head!

My Funny Braxton!!




Mommy and Daddy
This is how it all started!





The gang at the pool!




Uncle Kevin is so silly!






Braxton LOVES him some Brynn!

Sweet boy Braxton on the ferry to Bald Head

Me and mommy on a golf cart ride at Bald Head 4th of July Weekend!

Now that I think I have the "blogging thing down" I will try not to be too overwhelming. I wanted to share some fun time pictures of our big summer vacations. Here are some of my favorite shots from 4th of July at Bald Head with Mimi, Pops, Uncle Kevin, cousin Sean, Uncle John, Aunt Marie, cousins Anna and Brynn. It was a blast. We went to the beach, pool and played hard! We usually try to get together for at least one holiday with all of us. We missed you Aunt Meighan. Can't wait until the next Carpenter Celebration!!!

Well...here we are!!! 2 years and 4 months later, let's see if I can keep this blog going. I am embarrassed to admit, that yes, I started a blog for Braxton when he was born (April 8, 2006) and have never posted since. I have to make my password easier to remember:)

Better late than never though. My goal will be to update with stats, pictures as well as everyday life with Sweet Boy Braxton.

Braxton is wonderful! He is a funny, funny boy who makes us laugh everyday. It totally amazes me how grown up he is at only 2.5. Don't get me wrong, it's not all fun and games with his 2 year old tantrums, but the good outweighs the bad everyday.

Our biggest hurdle we are experiencing these days is transitioning from the crib to a "Big Boy Bed!" Bryan and I are having a tough time deciding between a bunk bed (how often will the top bunk really be used) or a captain's bed with trundle and then do we start off with twin and move to full, or bite the bullet and go full to begin with....decisions...decisions. So right now he is sleeping on a blow up mattress (thanks Olivia) that he loves and calls "our bed!"

Due to the fact that I have been so slack, I will probably overload the blog with pictures and posts to catch up. Wish me luck with this whole "blogging" thing!