Tanner followed Taylor around like a puppy dog and asked for him the second he walked in the door!
... brings Heather home ...
... gives Chris a break ...
...allows freedom of expression...
...gathers the family...
...bbq's and banana pudding...
...finding pleasure in Texas sheet cake
...and cupcakes with flags... 
...a time to make matching tshirts...
... a good excuse to play with long sparklers ...
... oohs and aahs of spectacular fireworks ...
Last year we stormed Chicago on our girl trip, and this year we decided to start knocking off the wonders of the world by going to Niagra Falls. It was a fresh adventure since none of us had been there!
Our first view of the Falls from our hotel room made them look wimpy, but up close and personal, they did not disappoint.
feeling the power and hearing the roar of nature
had a fun lunch in Niagra by the Lake and enjoyed this cutsy town and fun shopping
Ashley needed a snack even tho it was smashed and melted
Loved this bridge linking USA to CA!
I also tried to drive across it but turned out to be the wrong bridge, ended up on the US side - no passports and traffic jam through customs. Took a while and got an abrasive customs clerk that did not find the humor in our plight. He asked us to remove our sunglasses, and where are we from, of which none of our answers were consistent. He ran things through his computer (or really was just finishing his solitaire game) and played hard ball with us.
Every big city trip requires
This guy in the leather jacket thinks he's MJ and was living his 10 minutes of fame.
This is the view off the rooftop of our hotel where we hung out in the hot tub and exchanged funny notes about the day - spectacular!
The girls, (actually all of the kids) find it very amusing to expound upon my various foibles, punctuating each other's stories with recollections and bursts of laughter. It makes me chuckle too. (Heather has incredible stories that none of us remember!) Despite the many flaws and imperfections that have not escaped their notice, I am grateful they still love unconditionally.
Haley and I were excited to try to catch a matinee performance of the Wizard of Oz at Fair Park. We didn't have tickets, but left in plenty of time to make it all happen. Surprised to hit obnoxious traffic in Dallas and murmured, "Haley, this is not good for us." The next second, Haley says, "let's say a prayer...Dear Heavenly Father, help us to get out of traffic and get to see The Wizard of Oz, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen ... gramma, we're gonna make it" all in one run on thought!
"candles - blow"
Cash is a boy of few words, but you get the whole story. He speaks in shorthand - no need to expend more words than necessary!
He wasn't nearly as interested in the gifts as he was cake and ice-cream. This is his joy!
Tanner on the other hand was excited with each gift and his eyes show he's making his birthday wish list!
Couldn't imagine life without this sweet boy! xoxo
Family members were invited to come watch the last day of ballet class and it was a joy to watch Haley Mae show off her skills.
It warms my heart to see her dance, not only because it brings back great memories, but gives focus and discipline to a graceful art.
She is a beautiful dancer and especially loves the "free expression" time as the whole floor is her canvas! The girl can move!
Of course, if this doesn't work out, she could always model! 
Cash was a supportive brother, but enough is enough!
We have these two, sometimes three, smart toads that come out with the moon and hang out by the stair light to catch dinner. They are so smart, albeit lazy, as they just patiently sit there and wait. The light baits the bugs, and their tongues just snatch them up without moving a muscle! They don't seem to mind us or Roxy, and shocking Roxy leaves them alone as she is quite the critter hunter.
It's great they are 30, but I can't believe I'm a mom of a 30 year old! Blows my mind!
When we put the memories behind the years, they are there, but truly, it's a blink!
Years ago when they were all young, I remember wondering what they will be like as adults. Happy to see the four have each retained the things we loved about them as little people, and added their individual splash and flair, embellishing them with great qualities to be strong, noble adults! That is success!
Some Andy facts:
Fun facts about Chris:
Happy Birthday Andy and Chris - we love you to pieces!!! 
