old home movies.

The cousins watched old home movies in Pops and B's bed.  It was so fun, and I'm so thankful that my parents took so many videos.  All those times my brothers and I rolled our eyes as my dad took out the camera again...but so grateful now!

Cousins and coffee.

Joy and I met her cousin Mihaila and mommy Talitha at Cuppies and Joes. 

 We had a fun time letting the girls coo at each other, 

while the moms downed some coffee and yummy cupcakes.

 So sweet.  

They are going to be best buddies being only about 3 months apart. 

Nate loses his first tooth!

He did it!  After one long hour of agonizing over his lose tooth 

and how it would ever make it out of his mouth....

well, thanks to his corn on the cob it's out!

 So proud.

Love Daddy.

I know I'll spend a lifetime telling of how wonderful this man,

 husband and Father is everyday of his life.  So yay, he's simply wonderful and just so lovable.

The kiddos are saying goodbye before he heads out to go teach in the training schools in Waco.

Soccer medals and pizza.

Yeah boys for a great Soccer season!  

So thankful for amazing friends to play with and great Daddy coaches.

 Beau and Koop, best buddies...and oh so silly.

Soccer Season 2011 comes to an end.

Beau and Nate had a great Soccer season this year and we had so much fun!  

Beau-man, as always, was fast on his feet and so aggressive. 

He is great on defense and scored a handful of goals!  

Gi Gi and Papaw came to visit!

It was such a treat to have all the grandparents at the last games!

Pops didn't miss a game and always brought plenty of gatorade

 and enough lounge chairs for every parent. Ha!

      The boys love visits from Papaw and Gi Gi,

 they are so good to their boys!

 Naters played on a team with all his buddies. 

 Kooper Hartsock, who jumped in the picture was kinda like a mascot and team encourager.

Nate always plays with all his heart, thinks of others when playing and never gives up.  He was a great utility player and did great playing goalie some too.

He also scored a handful of goals!  

 Braxton, Dax, Nate, Noah, Port, Sutton and mascot Koop!

Costume Ball!

Meet scary hair Orphan Annie and the one and only Jack Sparrow!  

We has so much fun at the Brackins costume party.  We won second place in the costume contest....totally worth buying that $10 horrid red clown wig from Wal-mart!!  

And the winner is.....Mary Poppins and Bert!!! 

Heather and Samuel's costumes were amazing.  I mean so worthy!

 Right after the pie eating contest....we lost though :(

oh Brooks!

I just love this pic.  I've been taking pictures of Joy each month on her zig zag rug in her room.  Brooks decided to join his little sis this time.  Brooks said "I'm not a baby anymore but I will be today so I can be in the picture...please mom!?"  I mean really, it doesn't get any better than a Brooks belly shot and a his funny statements.  Tonight I was putting the boys down for bed and it was Brooks turn to pray....lets just say he spent some good time praying for santa claus.  Hilarious.

Refreshing friends. sweet memories.

We had a fun weekend in Waco celebrating Oak Jackson Hopkins 1st birthday and then hanging out with some of our best friends.  We love the Gaines family.  These boys had more fun than they knew what to do with!  Lots of wrestling and adventures to be had when these boys get together.

 Duke, Nate, Drake and Beau

This is what we did to get ready for bed--dog pile BEAU!!!

We had so much fun, and this night Joanna and I had the kids to ourselves...we had the sweetest bedtime devotional with the kids, and lets just say the Holy Spirit showed up to surprise us! :)  I'm so thankful for those friends God brings you along the way that bring such life and refreshment.

Oak's 1st Birthday!

My Brother's little boy Oak just turned ONE!  I can't believe it's been a year since his precious life came into the world.  It was such a sweet time with the family on both sides, cousins, grandparents and friends there.  My sister-in-law Laura knows how to throw a birthday party. WOW, wish I had pics of all her decor because it was so thought out, hand-made, and perfectly her own.  It was pretty much amazing, like her.

 Brooks was excited about the cake coming out, 

wanted the first lick with Oak.

 My big bubba Greg with the boys.

 Such a sweet pic. This is Nate, always wanting to take care of the little ones.

I love Oak's face...it says "yep, its my birthday and I'm the man!"

 This is Greggy praying over Oak Jacksons life.  He is one blessed

 little boy to have that man as his Daddy.  

Greg's life is truly a picture of a man after God's own heart.

 Some of my besties from Waco. 

Loved the creative milk mustaches Laura made.

 Oak opening his gift for the Bennett boys.

We love Oak Jackson!  He has such a sweet spirit and we love who God is making him to be.  Greg and Laura are truly two of the greatest parents in the world, who loves this boy with every fiber of their being.  Oak will radically pursue the heart of God and see a great movement among the nations for the glory of God!!  

Tender Hearts.

Beau and Nate.  Brothers. Best Friends. Men of God. Tender.

I love my big boys...and big boys they are becoming.  These two have just warmed my heart today.  I'm daily reminded of how fast they do grow, how fast the little moments of life go by.  I can't believe they are 7 and 6, is it possible?   They are like their daddy-- 50% ruff and tumble, 50% sensitive.  

Yep, perfect.

 From legos, to spy gear, to outdoor adventures,  homeschool, crazy Beau inventions, more legos, throwing the football,  knock-knock jokes, priceless Jesus time together, questions--lots of questions, sweet hugs after discipline takes place, books and drawing...I pray the precious moments of their lives are buried deep.  Beau and Nate make everything in life a little sweeter.  The Lord was speaking the word "tender" over them today.  They each carry the tenderness of the Father inside of them, and that tenderness has a unique flavor of its own, like no other.   People will come to know the Savior because their love is tender towards them.  

Okay, gonna stop typing, I'm crying now....mmm love my men.

Let the games begin!

Beau had a fun day at his 2nd grade Greek Olympics!  

He won 5 first place ribbons and 2 second place. He did awesome in the events, and a great job during his assembly with his speaking part.  He is becoming such a confident man of God!!

 Annie B came to support!

 Joy....madly in love with her biggest bubba Beau.