Life's a beach

The Hoggatt family planned a beach day and we were invited! Luke and Blayne (and Dadda and Andy -and- Momma and Marlina) play so well together we thought it sounded like fun, and heck, who really needs an excuse to spend the day at the beach?

Of course, we didn't realize this "play date" would involve quite so much k-i-s-s-i-n-g. If future "dates" are even allowed, these two will need serious monitoring...

What? It wouldn't be a real date without dessert.

sasses

Don't think we didn't take advantage of having a teenager in the house...An Hah-lee paid her 'rent' by babysitting amoungst other household tasks (like we said, she was truly very helpful...mommy only hopes I might be so helpful someday). Momma and Dadda went to a wedding with Luke's parents, Marlina and Andy. While they were out we wanted to look our best on a Saturday night, so what did we do? We dug out the sasses, of course!

Pink, blue, up-side-down, right-side-up- either way...

moviestars!

Aunt Haley

Aunt Haley (pronounced "an hah lee") stayed with us for a few weeks after the rest of the Millers headed back north. We got to spend lots of quality time together- she was working in the days with one of our residential designer friends, but in the evenings and weekends we went to Kemah, the pool, on golf cart rides, boat rides, played in the cold tub, and more.

We really enjoyed having "An Hah-lee" stay with us- she was lots of fun and very helpful...we're secrectly planning on kidnapping her from Tech this fall once Caden gets here and we really need some extra hands and energy. Thank you so much An Hah-lee for hanging out with us this summer- please come back and see us soon :-)!

Family Photo Fun

Strike a pose

Quinn inspired us to put up some 'outtakes'...

(note the finger in Blayne's mouth-that is what she really thinks about arranged photo ops...and ironically, it was pretty much her attitude this particular afternoon as I recall...)

Some of our finer moments over the last few days, no doubt.

Happy Cake

So, since Mia and Bucca and Aunt Haley, Aunt Quinny, Uncle Dave and Kennedy were already here, we figured we might as well do one more happy birthday to me celebration!

After we had a nice dinner, someone suggested "birthday cake" and I eagerly replied- "happy cake? Happy cake!" and another great re-naming was born.

I did a great job on blowing out my happy cake candles this year...but I won't lie, I was not a huge fan of everyone looking at me and singing.

A little encouragement from Momma, and I was back on board...

especially when licking the candles was part of the plan!

Happy cake for everyone- on me!

Sail Away

After a nice relaxing weekend, we headed back to CLS and back to work...

Sailing seemed like a good way to ease the pain of the real world...

It's a tough life...someone's gotta do it...