Hanging Out with the Pier 1 Crew

Got together a few weekends ago with my Pier 1 girls and their husbands and kiddos. We haven't really been able to get the whole group together since the newest little ones were born. I never would have thought in a million years that I would find 5 of my very best friends at my work. Odd. It was so nice to just hang out with all the families. Really low key, but so much fun. It makes me really look forward the years ahead when we can watch our kids grow together, and they will all be friends (hopefully). Love all you guys!

PS. Seriously missed the only members of the group who couldn't make it this day: Katie, Robbie & Bobbie. We'll have to do it again very soon to include EVERYONE.

Josie & Brendan watch as Maddie shows off her strength:

My future daughter-in-law, Josie :)

Paul, Alicia, and Maddie:

Brendan shows Josie how to correctly use his tunnel:

Christopher the airplane. Or was it clock?:

Good-bye kisses:

Annual Birthday Camping Trip 2010

Every year around Mandy's birthday we go on an annual camping/trout fishing trip. This year we went to our original location of these trips: Montauk State Park in Salem, MO. We had unbelievably beautiful weather! It was a gorgeous (and sunny) 75-80 degrees every day and the lows dropped down to the upper forties--perfect for sitting by a campfire. Though the fish were a lot more finicky this year than usual (we suspect that they are being overfed in the hatcheries), Ryan managed to catch his limit every morning we fished. Mandy hooked a number of fish, but was only able to bring in just one. No worries! We had plenty to eat.

We were joined on this trip by some of our favorite people. Mandy's brother & his fiancee were able to join us, along with 2 of their friends. Her sister and and a friend were able to make it as well. And our good friends were able to make the trip this year, too, Jessica and Dave. It was so much fun to spend time with such great company. We talked, and laughed...A LOT! I couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift. Here's to turning 30!


Daddy and his scotch:

Uncle Shane learns to chop wood:

"Happy Birthday" serenade:

Daddy and Dave...ready to catch some fish for dinner:

Mommy's birthday sign. Thanks Jessica!!!!

Mommy and her best friend, Jessica (pregnant with twins, I might add). Love her!

Uncle Shane and Aunt Lilly's crazy game...they're ready to play!

Aunt Lilly creates fire:

Eckert's 2010

We have not posted since early August, and there is a reason. We have been BUSY!!!! Ryan's sister, Tory, got married September 25 and Mandy has been putting her all into helping out with the wedding. We are glad to announce that the wedding was a beautiful success (it was a gorgeous day) and Danny and Tory are officially Mr. and Mrs. Danny McCorkell. (We hope to post pictures of the wedding later, but we didn't take any ourselves...gotta wait for the bride's copies).

Now life will slow for us for a little while. At least, that is our wish. We were able to spend some family time together this weekend and we went for our annual trip to Eckert's Farm. And as is tradition, we dressed Brendan in his Halloween costume to take some pictures. After the photo session, we ate some good country food and made our way to see all the animals. Brendan was a little too timid to get too close, but was able to name many of the animals that we passed. He's still reminding us, the day after, that he saw a "big camel." It's amazing to see how much he has learned just since last year. We then stopped to watch the pig races which Brendan loved. Each time they would let the pigs run around the track, Brendan would yell: "Go! Go! Go!" So cute. We then picked apples from the tree and found our perfect pumpkins: a daddy pumpkin, a mommy pumpkin, and baby pumpkin. We ended up with a beautiful day and another day full of memories.

Spider Brendan poses with a "scarecrow man."

Brendan drive a tractor:

The closest Brendan got to the animals. Watching Daddy feed the goats:

Uncle Shane and Aunt Lilly:

Brendan's ride around the park...Daddy. (Notice the beautiful blue sky.):

Our ride to pick apples:

Brendan picking his own apple off the tree:

Brendan eats his own apples this year, too!:

NaNa and BawBaw pose with Brendan (well, he watches them pose). Saying, "Cheese!":

Searching for Mommy's perfect pun'kin:

Uncle Shane found a winner!:

Holding "Baby" Pumpkin: