Steeped in Old-timey Material

Memaw asked if me and my siblings would sing for her birthday. We did "Hide Thou Me." A classic with our group. And yes, we have been steeped in old-timey Southern Gospel music. We started singing together when I was 6 or 7. I am about to be 30.
Singing has come pretty natural to me and my siblings and I believe it is because we have been around music all of our lives. My mom and dad sang in a group together even before we were born and sang in church a lot. I loved listening to them! Mom plays the piano beautifully by ear. I am spoiled because I can just sing a song one time for her and she can play it almost instantly. My dad had the most beautiful voice! Truly amazing.

(Dad & Mom pictured far left)

They were always so supportive of us singing and so proud. They would even convince us to stand up and sing for family at reunions.

We did travel a lot and sing at various churches growing up.
(NOTE: not my proudest picture but I am practicing a little humility today:)
I can't begin to think of how many churches we have attending to do specials at. Either my mom was the best agent ever or the word just spreads amongst churches and friends when there are four young kids who can harmonize. I am thankful that God gave us each talents in this area and give Him all the glory for it. I absolutely love to sing with family and I think it has brought us closer together.
Thought I would share the song we sang for Memaw, enjoy:

Left to right: Amy (the youngest), Andrea (me), Aaron (the oldest), Drew (my twin brother). I love my family and I treasure this video. NOTE: in this video we were pretty distracted by all the kids and happenings going on behind the camera. Good times. Made my Memaw cry.

Happy Campers

We are so happy for Randy & Shelia. Congratulations on 30 years of marriage!!

(Pictured w/their kids. Left to right: Stephanie, Randy Jr., Amanda)

We were so excited when we got the invitation for my Uncle Randy & Aunt Shelia's 30th Wedding Anniversary. They invited friends and family to celebrate with them at Hord's Creek Lake in Coleman, TX while camping over the weekend. It was so fun to hang out with my dad's side of the family. I have only seen them off and on briefly for the past 20 years. It was great to really spend some time with Randy (my Dad's brother) and all of his kids & grandson - AND Aunt Narva (my dad's sister), most of her family & grandkids. I was so excited that Uncle Joe (my Grandpa's brother) and Aunt Doniece showed up as well :) (Love you guys!)
My twin, Drew, and his clan made the drive also which was awesome.

Randy & Shelia reserved a covered pavilion/kitchen with plenty of campground around it and they treated us well with lots of yummy food!

Setting Camp
This was Aubrey & Pete's first camping experience and it went so well that I am sure we will be doing it again. Bryan is awesome at setting up camp and is really in his element outdoors. He leaves no stone unturned. He thought of everything and made it so comfortable for our little family to all sleep in one tent.
Pete and Aubrey LOVED exploring! (despite the fact that neither of them are smiling in these next two pics :) I just thought these were cute.How did our kids sleep? WELL! They were pooped out from all the driving that morning, the dirt digging, the brisket eating, lake swimming & people meeting; they were both out like a light the minute they entered the tent.

Swimming at the Lake

On the way to the lake, since we were on back roads, Drew and the girls road in the back of the truck. It was so fun to see them enjoying themselves (victory!) Unky Drew is fun!

NOTE: Aubrey found my toiletry bag just before we went and applied some lipstick to her face.

The lakefront was nice and clean! I was so grateful for that. There was an area sectioned off for swimming so it was fun to get in and cool water with family and just have some fun. This is a picture of Charlotte and youngest daughter, Allie, at the lake:

Of course we brought Buck which was an awesome decision. He was so awesome the whole trip. He really surprised us because he typically HATES water but just got in and started swimming. We loved it! When else can you feel good about being in a body of water with your dog? Thanks Drew for taking a family photo for us. (He actually took most of these pictures I am posting)
Then, I asked Bryan if he would squat so we could get a picture to add to his squatology set, so he did gladly.
The girls loved the ride in the back of the truck on the way back from the lake. Drew and I didn't get what was so funny but Aubrey and Lysie seemed to be telling jokes and laughing like crazy. It is so precious to see our girls enjoying time together.


Boating/Tubing on the Lake
Randy asked if we wanted to go out on his boat and we jumped on that! I didn't realize he had a Pontoon boat. SWEET! I had lots of fun just hanging out, tubing, enjoying the low percent humidity, and cute little kids in life jackets.