After a week or so in Birmingham we headed up to the lake house. Uncle Nelson and Presley came up from Mississippi State and we really enjoyed getting to know Presley. She is so sweet and willing to help with everything. We had a lot of fun just being at the lake house playing pool, playing wii fit, making cookies, and too many other things to count. Abbey, Warren and Baxter came that weekend and stayed for a few days. While they were there we tubed and wake boarded. Emma Kate LOVED the "tuba"! She would get on and then give a thumbs up to get Daddy Mac to go faster. It was really funny. Mason also loved the boat. He would pretty much sleep anytime the boat was moving. It was a great time for him to take a nap.
At the end of the week it was time to head back to Birmingham and get Matt from the airport. He arrived on Saturday morning and we stayed in Birmingham with Gran Gran and Daddy Steve. While we were in Birmingham we got a chance to visit with Tara and also Jeremy, Wendy and Tyler. We have such great friends in Birmingham and we love catching up when we come into town. On Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day with some barbecue and fellowship. After lots of fun playing in the pool, playing in the tent, having tea parties, playing hide and seek, taking walks, etc. we headed back up to the lake for a few more days.
While we were at the lake Katherine and John came down from Huntsville for a visit. It was our first chance to get the boys together (Mason is one day older than John). We had a great visit and I took pictures but my camera decided to make me sad and erase all the pictures I had taken after a certain point in the trip. Looks like we will just have to get together again soon! Gran Gran and Daddy Steve also came up to the lake. We had a blast! Daddy Steve water skied and Gran Gran went out on the boat. They also got to enjoy Emma Kate riding on the "tuba". We had a great dinner together before they headed back to Birmingham. We are so fortunate that our parents and in-laws are friends as well as family.
It was a great trip and we miss everyone so much. Emma Kate talks daily about swimming in Gran Gran's pool and riding the "tuba" at Gigi's house. We look forward to seeing everyone soon! God bless!
The kids (especially Mason) enjoyed the race car buggy at Bass Pro Shop
Hanging out with Hank
Mother's Day 
We did a lot of eating. Gran Gran made sure that no one was ever hungry
A rare shot of me with the kids
Nelson so kindly helped entertain Emma Kate with a small painting project while at the lake
Trying to get a Easter playgroup picture...never got everybody in one picture
On Saturday, Emma Kate and Ela decided to play dress up. They were making the animals sounds and everything.
I can't believe it, but Emma Kate turned two yesterday. The last two years have passed so quickly! We had a great birthday party and Emma Kate loved having her friends over to celebrate. This morning when she got up she kept singing "happy birthday to me". We had such a fun time with all of our friends and missed those that couldn't make it. I am going to post some pictures of the party and also of the fun week we have had with Gran Gran and Daddy Steve. Matt's parents came last Sunday and left today. One of the main reasons they came was to help us out after Matt had hernia surgery. His surgery went well and we were really happy to have Gran Gran and Daddy Steve here to help us. The week flew by with lots of activities. We miss them already and can't wait until we get to see them again soon. 
What a great family picture!
