Oops!!!

I just posted about our vacation and realized I hadn't written about Tate's seventh birthday!  So excuse the order of these last few posts...

I find myself looking at him, saying, "Where have the last seven years gone?"  Before I was a mom, I always heard people say that their kids grew up way too fast (my own parents included), but now I really get it.  I keep thinking that in seven more years, he'll be almost starting high school; then seven years after that, he'll be drinking beer (legally, that is!).  How can this be possible?!

Tate has taught me everything about being a mom.  He's my guinea pig, and unfortunately feels the brunt of my mistakes as a parent.  And the best thing?  He loves me through it all.  Completely and unwavering.  Just like I love him.

Tate...
You are my very first love (besides Daddy, of course!).  Those big blue eyes of your sucked me in the moment I saw them and have been doing so ever since.  You have grown into such a strong-minded, compassionate, and loyal little boy over the past seven years.  I am so blessed to watch you evolve into who you were meant to be.  Whether it's seeing you in the hallways at school, cheering you on in the stands at a baseball tournament, or watching you with Knox and Brady, I am in awe of you.  Everyday. Thank you for being my baby.  God Bless you, today and always.
Love you bunches,
Mom

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