Annual "Vacation"

Every mom knows that a vacation that includes kids is anything but a vacation.  As much as we love our little munchkins, getting home is a huge relief.  And it's about that same time that we wish we could go on a "real" vacation. 

That being said, my mom and I set off with the kiddos on Monday for San Antonio to the JW Marriott Resort and Spa.  I'd heard LOTS of great things from my friends about the resort, and they were definitely right on.  It was a gorgeous hotel (I'm sure the spa was great too...sigh...), but totally geared for families and little ones.  All of my kiddos had an awesome time and were completely EXHAUSTED every night at bedtime. 

Here are just some of the highlights of our trip...

 Hanging out at one of the many resort pools.

 LOVE them.

 On top of a slide.

 Playing a little Monster Trucks in the water.

 Best Buddies

 Silly girl.

 SMILE!

 How sweet are they?!

 Water Slides!!!

 Happy boy!

 She loves her grandma!

 Playing baseball in the pool with a beach ball.

A rare moment of "calm."

 

A Day at Sea World...

 Baby beluga whales born a few weeks ago.

 Sliding down from a HUGE play area.

 Hot and sweaty boys!

 Big and little.

 CHEESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Riding some rides.

 Checking out the stingrays and sharks.

I can't believe we've only got two weeks before I head back to work.  Where has this summer gone?!

Love to y'all,
Tracy

Family Time in Iowa

We got back from our annual trip to Iowa a few days ago.  It's always such a bittersweet time of year.  We have the BEST time with Brad's family - fishing, boating, HUGE family dinners, baseball games in the front yard, fireworks, water park, the parade, cheeseballs, laying around outside, manis and pedis with the girls, talks after the kids are FINALLY in bed...  When it's time to leave, I always wish we could stay.  

 Fishing with Dad

 All by myself!

 Jumping in the lake!

 Brady Girl

Knox's infamous pout.

 Girl Power!

 Besties

 First pop with caffeine in it - can you see how happy he was!?

 The newest Sievers (#8 grandchild) - Baby Emmett

 Silly boy swimming.

 Brady and cousin Colton

 Dirty girl watching Brad's cousins play high school ball.

4th of July Parade

It's tough that July 1st is always smack dab in the middle of our time there though.  I love that we're  surrounded by so many people that love Nash (and us) on this day.  My parents make a trip all the way to Iowa to be there and Brad's family is there all day.  But it sure doesn't get any easier.  Yes, I know more of what to expect.  I know the feelings that will undoubtedly surface.  But no matter how many years have gone by the feelings are still just as deep and hurt just as badly as they ever have.  

I'm so, so grateful for Brad's family.  Fifteen years ago, they welcomed this city girl into their lives, even though I know they were a little lot skeptical.  And now, they truly are MY family as well.  I adore each of them and can't wait to get back.  

Love to y'all (especially my Iowa family!),
Tracy

June 25, 2008

It seemed like a normal day.  I got home from one of my last days of grad school; my last big project under my belt.  Feeling great that now I could devote the rest of my summer to my two little boys.  I remember my mom snapping some pictures of us before she left our house that afternoon.  

This is the last picture I have of Nash and me.  I can't believe that only six short days later, he would be gone.  Every time I see him in this picture, I can't help the irony of the onesie that he's wearing... Heartbreaker.  Literally.  Little did I know when this picture was taken that my heart was about to be broken into millions and billions of pieces.  Heartbreaker.

We leave for Iowa tomorrow.  Ready to celebrate the short, yet meaningful life of a very special little boy.  Please pray for our family as we come up on the five year anniversary of missing Nash.  Five years.  Heartbreaking.

Love to y'all,
Tracy

Summer, Summer, Summertime!

The kids and I have been home for our first week of summer vacation... I don't know that it's really "vacation" per se, but it is definitely summer.  We've been running around, trying to keep busy, without roasting in the Texas sun. Here's what we've been up to lately...

 A little "pre-summer" slip'n'slide action.

 Tate lost his first (and second tooth) right before school got out.

 

 Remodeling the boys' bathroom... major demolition.

View from Knox's room.

View from Tate's room.

 My little "worker man."

 

 Playing a little ball.

 Watching big brother.

 Ready to bat.

Sweet baby girl.

I'm so blessed to have a job that I love, with people that I love AND get to be home for two and half months each summer.  The best of both worlds, for sure.  Wishing you all a fun-filled, memory-making, happy summer!

Love to y'all,
Tracy