1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, NINE!!!

Last week, on July 29, Corey and I celebrated our 9th year of marriage. I cannot believe that it has already been that long!!
I am so blessed to have him in my life. God placed the two of us together and I can honestly say that he has been and is my best friend. He has a heart for families of teenagers and ministering to them (which I love about him). Corey is incredibly loving and caring. He is so much fun to laugh with. He is a great listener, encourager and provider for our family. He is a hard worker and has a desire to know and learn more. He is a REALLY amazing dad. Nathan wants to do everything dad does and Kate lights up whenever he is around. I look forward to spending time with him (even if we are just running errands)! I could go on and on and still not be able to quite get my point across in writing. I treasure past times with Corey and look forward to what God has planned for our future together.
This past weekend we were able to go on a date night together, which was much needed and a lot of fun. We drove down to the Riverwalk in San Antonio and ate dinner at this really nice restaurant called, Boudros. Everything sounded good so it was hard for me to decide, but I ended up getting the Seafood Platter (which doesn't really sound fancy, but was) and Corey got the Blackened Prime Rib) so we could share. Wow, both were excellent! We got this new camera last week and noticed that it has an option to take "food" photos, so while we were there we tried it, but haven't really figured everything out on the camera--so I don't feel like the pictures do either plate justice. Here they are anyway:

Then, we decided (instead of a movie) to take a boat for a river tour. That was a lot of fun and pretty interesting, too! It was just nice to be able to take time and walk around enjoying the evening together.

Happy Anniversary, Corey! I LOVE YOU!

The Birthday Parade

Nathan had quite the birthday parade this month. I say that because it seemed to keep going on and it was a lot of fun! It started with a fun trip to Oklahoma. Kate and Nathan were perfect riding companions as the three of us made our way up (and back) to visit Gigi, Papa and Aunt Melissa. I know people were praying for a smooth drive and we certainly had it.

We had a great time relaxing, eating and playing all together. My parents ended our visit with a birthday cookie cake and candles for Nathan's fourth birthday. Was he ever surprised! After a couple of gifts, Nathan opened a very special one. Gigi sewed a heroic cape (or caffe-as Nathan calls it) made of royal blue satin on the outside, gold on the inside and a gold star with a red satin letter "N" proudly displayed on his back. It is amazing what energy pours out of a little one that places a cape on their back-jumping, running, and "flying" were soon the highlights of the evening. What a treasure!

On his "actual" birthday day, Corey and I took the kids to "Old MacDonald's (A.K.A. McDonald's) to eat and play for lunch. Then we headed out to Schlitterbahn for the evening. What fun! After that we sang "Happy Birthday" and he was able to open up the presents that we got for him that night. He was so sweet with all of his thank you's and hugs.

On Saturday, we had a birthday party, (I know...parade...right?!) complete with a couple of inflatable swimming pools, water balloons, his Thomas the Train tracks set up around the house and a jumping castle. Granny, Papaw, Mimi, Poppy, Aunt Allison, cousin Rylie and many sweet friends all came for the grand occasion. This age is just so much fun. They are excited about anything and everything surrounding a birthday party and Nathan was full of excitement. When I asked him later what his favorite part of the party was---he threw his hands up big and wide and exclaimed, "Everything!"

Happy Birthday, Nathan!

Happy birthday to our little man!! It is hard to remember life without this little guy. He has been such a blessing in our lives. He has brought more smiles and laughs than we could ever count. Nathan gives the best hugs! He will curl up in your lap and love on you so sweetly. He is full of life, smart, curious, adventurous, funny, clever, daddy and mommy's helper and an excellent big brother. It has been amazing to watch him grow from a 7 pound 8 ounce baby to a four year old. Corey and I look forward to all that God has in store for him not only in this year, but in the years to come. He is special indeed!

We LOVE you, Nathan James Bearden!

Nathan on July 7, 2005

Nathan on July 7, 2006

Nathan on July 7, 2007

Nathan on July 7, 2008

I will post pictures of Nathan and all of his birthday fun this weekend!

A Little Lady

I wanted to quickly post some photos that we had taken of Kate at 16 months. I was pleasantly surprised by the photographer. He was able to capture some great shots of her in a very short amount of time. She was "extremely" shy that day and did not want to stand by herself on the backdrop. It took a lot of coaxing, but here is a little of what we got:

Oh, sugar, sugar...

This is what "can" happen if you momentarily walk out of the room Kate is in! :)

Bike Rider

Nathan figured out how to ride his bike this week! Here is a quick video of the second day of riding it! It is his favorite thing to do outside now! There is also a little bit of Kate in it, too. I was hoping that she would talk to the camera, but no such luck! Enjoy!

We had the joy of spending time at Mimi and Poppy's house this past weekend. I wish that my camera had not run out of batteries! I will need to plan ahead next time! :)

We were able to see most of the family at a dinner in downtown Waxahachie, which is always great fun (especially now that "all of the family" includes 10 year old Alex, nearly 4 year old Nathan and the busy one year olds: Luke, Rylie, Austin and Kate! Whew! NEVER a dull moment there!

We watched movie, "UP" in 3D which was incredibly good for all ages!

Mimi performed her summer show "The Pump Boys & Dinettes" at the historic Texas Theater. Great job, Mimi!

In addition to visiting family this time, we were able to spend time with Zahns and the Adams (friends from college). The Zahn's were having a Star Wars themed birthday party for their son, Luke, who turned 4 and it was a lot of fun! It was really nice to see everyone's kiddos and catch up!

At Mimi and Poppy's house the kids enjoyed splashing around in the pool. I took a couple of pictures of a little family of birds that nested in between Marla's pillow and chair outside. Pretty neat to see them that close up.

All in all, it was a great weekend!