Well, I finally did it. I let someone cut my baby’s hair for the first time. It was hard for me to let go of those sweet curls, but Braxton’s hair was getting a little shaggy, so I figured it was time. I took Braxton to a great barber that many of my friends use. I anticipated it would not be something Braxton enjoyed, and I was right. Braxton is such a happy little boy...UNLESS he is experiencing something that is out of the ordinary for him. He doesn’t like someone messing with him, and he is not comfortable with new situations. So, I expected a haircut would be interesting! Even though I was equipped with a sucker and a balloon I bought strictly for this event, Braxton still showed his temper to everyone in that salon! He sat on my lap the whole time, and, boy, was he mad! He looks even more like a little boy now. So cute! I will always miss his curls, though. It’s taking some getting used to. And I need to take him back for some touch ups. The poor barber did the best he could with a wiggly, mad little boy. Check out the video of his torture.

The kids have always had a very sweet relationship, which comes easily when the kids are very close in age. But, lately, their relationship has gotten even better. Ainsley and Braxton are BEST FRIENDS. I marvel at them every day. They treat each other with love and respect, and they understand each other so well. I am so proud of how they treat each other. It is very obvious that their hearts are very connected. It is a joy to watch them play together. They are always together. When one wants to do something, the other follows. This has always been the case, but now that Braxton can play what Ainsley plays, they are on the same page and love to be together. Check out another video of one of their play sessions.

Our family was able to enjoy a wonderful weekend at the beach. It was one of the best weekends I have ever had. We never got in our car and walked everywhere we needed to go. The beach was right outside our hotel and was beautiful. There were not any waves, so the kids can go out pretty far without being knocked down constantly. That was nice. We were at the beach constantly, with the exception of times in the pool. We enjoyed some great places to eat too, but my favorite was “Frenchy’s”. Their fish tacos were one of my top 5 best foods ever list. You need to go to Clearwater Beach, stay at the Hilton, and eat fish tacos at Frenchy’s CAFE.

We just enjoyed a great visit with Brian’s parents, David and Donna Kay...or Papa and Kaymi (their new names). They were so sweet to watch the kids while Brian and I went to Rock the Universe at Universal Studios with friends for the weekend. We enjoyed our time with our friends and heard some great concerts. Of course, a night in a hotel without kids was a rare treat, and we savored the sleep! It was so strange to wake up and not have to jump right out of bed! We didn’t even eat breakfast until past 11:00 with everyone! The kids enjoyed some shopping and much playing with Papa and Kaymi. Check out our pictures for some from their trip. But more are to come.

I also included pictures from our Texas trip--Part 3. I want to get all the pictures posted before our next big Texas trip, which is coming up soon! Can’t wait! And make sure and check out the videos...random ones, but fun.

I am SOAKING up this time at home with my little ones. This is a fun time of year. Football season and holidays, along with cooler weather. Isn’t this great? We have a lot planned for the rest of 2009. This weekend I am going on a women’s retreat with ladies from my church. My favorite speaker, Beth Moore, will be speaking, along with others. I really look forward to hearing from God as I am in a quiet place. I know that the greatness of this coming weekend will have a heavy heart to go with it, as I will think of my dear friend, Stephanie, often. This was her thing. The sting of her death is still very raw at times. I’ll be thinking of her a lot this weekend.