The Beard Babies

Jessica's wedding, July Fourth weekend, and having Arizona cousins visit over the past few days has been so much fun. It was great seeing so many family members, friends, and spending time with our little family of four. Our adventures started on June 25 as we arrived in Henderson for Jessica's wedding. She was in our youth group and have remained close through the years. Jess is the sister, friend, teacher, and daughter everyone wants to be or have. I'm so proud of her and so excited she asked Jason to perform part of the wedding ceremony. We've said from the beginning of our pregnancy, that if we had two girls, we would interview Jessica and Anna Catherine's parents and take notes about what they did to have two such amazing girls and now adults. It was also great catching up with the Bloomingburg's. We stayed with them and enjoyed our visit as well as eating homemade sticky buns for breakfast. It was very nice of them to keep the girls so we could attend the wedding. We got to hang out with another youth group favorite, Rachel, at the rehearsal dinner. She's been a great friend to Jessica and I still remember lots of fun memories with these three girls on the back of the bus during youth group trips. It was nice to catch up with her. I always feel like we pick up right where we leave off. Seeing our first group of babies in Henderson all grown up makes us feel old! So thankful for those sweet Henderson days when we first got married. It still feels like home each time we visit.

On Sunday, my brother, Terry, flew in from Houston and my niece and nephew from Arizona came to Nashville to meet the girls for the first time. We were able to go to Laser Quest, swim in our pool, visit Pancake Pantry, and have a day on Jason's parents' farm during their stay. It was so good to see their sweet faces again. They were both very sweet and helpful with the girls and it's amazing how much they've grown up since last summer. They especially enjoyed the farm day and were not one bit afraid of horses, four wheelers, or even algae in the creek. Denae especially loved this part of country life. She smeared it all over her face and J's, and then told us about how that's probably how the Indians painted their faces for war long ago!

On Thursday, we loaded up all four kiddos and met my Mom, Dad, and Grandma Golda at Patti's 1880 Settlement to drop the kiddos off. Everyone enjoyed 2 inch thick pork chops as well as mile high pie. This is a half way point between my parents house in Illinois and now our home in Nashville. This was the first time all four of their grandchildren have been in one place at the same time! It was great getting to spend four full days with Davis and Denae. It was was seeing them leave with Mom and Dad but I know they are having a great time there as well. We look forward to seeing Darren and Denise, my oldest brother and his wife, in a few days.

After the wedding, visits, and trips, we were glad to be back home for July 4th. Staying at home, playing with babies, taking in the beautiful weather, and doing laundry were the most ambitious events of the weekend! I hope you have a great week! Love and hugs from the Beard girls!