Surprise! Papa is 70!

Papa turned 70 years old on July 25, 2013. We decided to throw him a surprise dinner with some of their sweetest friends, Mike and Mary Sanders. Without their help, we wouldn't have had a party! They cooked ribs at their hunting cabin and the whole family went out to their cabin to eat and spend some quality time together. It also happened to be Mimi and Papa's "46th" Wedding anniversary on July 28, so we also celebrated that! The whole family (minus Lindsey who had to work!) was there. We ate so good, played kickball, sang karaoke, and just enjoyed being together as a family! Here are some pictures from the festivities!

Papa's delicious Chow cake!

Papa entering the cabin and realizing it was his party!

Papa and all the grands (minus Lindsey)

Daddy and Sam hanging outside!

Aunt Karen and baby Andrew!

So sweet--loves his daddy and his paci!

Mark and Andrew

Daddy and Sam's photoshoot!

Mimi and Papa enjoying the rocking chairs on the porch!

Mary and Mike's fantastic cabin...the kids playing kickball!

Our family!

Mimi and Papa on their 46th wedding anniversary!

Best Friends--the Sanders and the Stovalls!

The girl grandkids (except Lindsey)!

The Boy grandkids!

"Happy birthday to you"!

Blowing out his 7 candles (to represent 70)!

Mommy Gets a Vacation!!

WooHoo! Mommy got a vacation with some of the sweetest girls around! I was so blessed to have gone to Gulf Shores for a few days with Liz, Hollie, Angie, and Holly. We had so much fun hanging on the beach solving all of the world's problems! :) My heart was so full when I got back home. Our trip was so easy and heart-warming! We got to spend some great time on the beach, as well as some great time eating GOOD food! I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. Chet was so sweet to be a "single" dad for the weekend while mommy had some much needed R&R!

4th of July Fun!

We went to the annual Independence Day celebration at the Tupelo Country Club again this year! The kids had a blast with all the games, food, and fireworks! Sam was especially "active" as he ran all over the golf course. It was a fun time had by all.

Kendall watching her balloon flower get made!

Daddy and Sam in their favorite spot--the putting green!

Fun and games!

Sam had so much fun putting the flag in and out of the hole!

Sweet Kendall was so proud of her balloon flower!

Showing her flower to brother...

and then the "POP" of the stem! She was so upset!

Family picture! Sam wouldn't put the balls down!

Later that evening, Uncle Mark, Aunt Jessica, Jon Mark, and Baby Andrew came to visit stay! We were so excited to see sweet Andrew. He is growing so big and we don't get to see them as often as we would like! We celebrated the 4th by cooking a huge lebanese dinner...Kibbie, Tabouleh, Grape Leaves, Cabbage Roll Casserole, and Mint Tea! We slaved all day in the kitchen but it was SO worth it! Later that evening, we cut and ate watermelon in the driveway! We were glad that the Stovalls were here to help us celebrate our independence. On Saturday, July 6, we went to Corinth to join Jessica's family at the Ball Family Reunion. They are always so sweet to include us! We had a great time eating, playing corn hole, golf, and just meeting all of Jessica's extended family! Here are some pictures from the fun week!

Kendall and Andrew...precious!

Sam wouldn't get close enough to them to take a good picture!

Sam LOVED the watermelon!!!

I just love him and those Big Blue Eyes!!

Kendall loves watermelon as much as I do!!

The Ball Family Reunion in Corinth

Jon Mark!

Sam loves any type of ball...love his sweet self!

Beautiful Kendall and her beautiful blue eyes!!

Jessica's family...look at that large group!

The Abrahams and the Stovalls!

All of our favorite "Men"!

Sweet Brothers...Andrew and Jon Mark

Sam did NOT want to take a picture with them...bless his heart!

"Super" Andrew!

The Stovall Crew!

Of course, Kendall never wants to take a picture with Jon Mark, even though she absolutely loves him! This is the best I could get!

The big cousin holding the baby cousin!

Kendall loves to take pictures with my camera. So, here are couple of her shots...Not to bad for a 4 year old! She may have a career as a photographer!

I love this shot...she did awesome!

One of the few pictures of mommy! Just 2 days shy of age 36 in this picture!!!

 On Sunday, Mimi came to pick the twins up from Alabama and Mark and the crew came back to Tupelo. We met at the Olive Garden to eat and then came back to our house for a visit with the entire crew! We wanted another few pictures with Andrew since we don't get to see him much! He is so sweet and such a precious little boy!