30 years alive

My 30th Birthday was on July 9. I was really looking forward to turning 30, I don't know why. A lot of people dread arriving at this year of their life but for me I was so ready. Maybe because I am so mature and all :) This year was really special because Lucas and I arranged a staycation here in town. We dropped the kids at my mam's in Alamo and we stayed at the Mirage for 3 days. It was seriously the most amazing birthday I have ever had. We got a killer deal on a Mercedes to drive around (Lucas' brother works for Mercedes, so we got a fantastic hook-up.) That was really the icing on the cake. We also got to see the Cirque du Soleil show LOVE. It was out of this world and I found myself once again falling in love with The Beatles. We ate at all our favorite yummy places, Lucilles, The Yardhouse & The Cheesecake Factory to name a few. Our room was spectacular, we had a strip view and our room was upgraded by a sweet friend. Lucas even tried his hand at some Roulette and we walked away twice with $100, only starting with $10. We really missed our kids, but that time together was priceles to us. We're already planning our Anniversary this December.

Independance Day

We celebrated the 4th of July in Alamo with my family this year. I really look forward to going to Alamo to enjoy the parade and the kids really enjoy the games and booths there. This year was really perfect. It wasn't as hot as it usually is on July 4th and it was just a really laid back day. We made different pizzas for lunch. My sister Trudi made the best BBQ chicken pizza EVER. My family surprised me with a birthday cake and presents for my birthday which was the next week. The kids had a blast swimming and lighting sparklers. In the evening we went down to the church ballfield where everyone congregates with blankets and chairs to enjoy the fireworks. They always do an amazing job with the fireworks and the patriotic music they play along with the fireworks always brings a tear to the eye. It was one of my best 4th of July's by far. I'm so happy to be able to adopt this holiday and I'm so grateful for all the men and women who fought for this country to be a free land. God Bless America.

Niamh Liberty

Gavin & Tyrone after the money spray

Gavin with his "Harry Potter" sparkler

Beverley, Trudi, Mam & Me

Lewis, Bev, Niamh & Mam

Lucas & Me

The boys with their lightsabers

Gavin & Tyrone learn to swim

For the past 2 summers, Lucas and I have talked about signing the boys up for swimming lessons. We always procrastinate and before we know it, the summer is long gone. We spent a week in June taking care of Lucas' brothers 4 children. We were able to use their awesome pool everyday, all day long. One day both Gavin & Tyrone wanted to take their life jackets off and try to swim. And they did. It was awesome, a miracle :) They were so happy and confident and I am still amazed how they taught themselves to swim. Gavin has always been a little fish and he is very confident and can swim under water and come up to breathe every now and then. Tyrone loves to follow his older brother. He doesn't trust himself quite as much but he is getting better and better each time we go swimming. I am so proud of my little men!