Celebrating many more Firsts...

We have been quite busy since our last post a few weeks ago. Here is a run down...

1- GUESS WHO IS WALKING???? That's right, CADE! In a matter of literally a week we learned to take one step, then 3-4 while falling into our arms, then walking on our own! We are having so much fun learning that we can walk wherever we want! Here's a little taste!!

2- First day of School...the first day of school holds a special memory for me. Those who know me well know my Gangaw will always be my biggest role model. Ever since I was in Kindergarten, my Gangaw and I have shared this memory. When I was smaller, she was ALWAYS there for my first day of school to give me a hug and a kiss as I walked out the door. This happened until I graduated high school. When in college, I continued the tradition and called her the morning of the first day. As with every year, she would say, "Here's to another year of making you smarter!" After college, when I started working in Schools, this continued. Only the message was a little different. Now on the first day she would always say, "Here's to another year closer to retirement." Well, Gangaw passed away last September, just after school started. So, this year I was not able to hear her sweet voice say those words of advice for the 24th year in a row. However, I did pause last Monday morning and wish I could. I love you Gangaw, and will NEVER forget.

Gangaw and I in McAdoo, TX where she grew up a few years ago

The Fam the night before the first day of school this year
Another special first!! Lil Ricky (our Godson) started Kindergarten this year! I had the joy of being able to eat lunch with him!

And now for some RANDOM catch-up pics!


Cade playing in his sea of many toys

Look it's a paper vest!

I never get tired of watching this!

Yes, that would be my little angel CLIMBING and DANGLING from his toys! I'm in trouble!

Saying "Cheeeese" at lunch with Aunt Lou and Cousin Rob!

Did I mention we learned how to use a straw last month?

Need a ride?

Happy 1st Birthday Cade Beatty Hall!

As I sit here and think of what to type, I am truly overcome with emotion for this blessing in my life. Years of praying, doctor visits, praying, crying, and did I mention praying...here I am with this lil man who has taken over my life. Words could never even begin to touch the way I feel. In the other room, I hear Charles reading, "Happy Birthday To You" by Dr. Seuss (nevermind that this is the 4th time Cade has demanded he read it!) and it is so hard to even believe how I am this blessed. So many things I want to type at this moment, but I just can't find the words. All I can say is that I am blessed and I pray that each of you reading this one day find your true moment when you sit in silence and realize that God is real. All my life, my favorite verse has always been Psalm 37:4 which states "Delight yourself in the Lord and he shall give you the desires of your heart." Through the years, it's funny how the meaning of that verse changes and how I learn more and more from those simple words.

So, today we celebrate the desire of our heart, which is Cade Beatty. Welcome to the world of 1 year old's! I love you and am so proud of all your accomplishments. You are such a delight to me around. Always happy and full of life!

To celebrate his first birthday, we had a family BBQ in Round Rock at my parents house. It was such a special day, and one we will never forget. Here are some of the best moments...
The Birthday King!

The cakes made with love by Gam-ee!! These were the same pattern that Charles had on his 1st Birthday! Ironic that they are bears?? Hmmmm... Sic 'em Bears!

Charles grilling out

I FINALLY got his baby calendar, baby book, and photo album completed!! So, we enjoyed looking at those and Charles/I's baby books as well! Can I just say what a PROJECT a baby book is? Whew...

Lovin' his green motorcycle from Aunt Lou/Uncle Ray!

Opening gifts!

As always, my lil angel LOVES books! So, he took a break from the gifts to read a new book!

Taking over Nana/Papa's yard with his motorized 4 wheeler. Yes, call me what you want, but my 1 yr old got a motorized car and rides it around everywhere. He loves it! Don't worry, it doesn't go very fast and we monitor him closely as his steering could use some improvement. He is hillarious on it!

Chowing down on my BD cake!

Since today was Cade's REAL Birthday, we got gourmet cupcakes to celebrate. They were super yummy flavors: andes mint, dark chocolate, and peanut butter. Even Baylor got a "pupcake" to celebrate!

When you are not sure how to eat a cupcake, here's how you do it! Simply rub it all over your plate, then throw your head down into it like a true porker!

Happy 1st Birthday Cade! We love you and cannot wait to see all the wonderful things you accomplish in life!

All our love "around the world and back again",

Mommy, Daddy, and Baylor

Parks Palooza 2010

This past weekend was one of my favorite weekends in a long time! We celebrated our annual "Parks Palooza" with all the cousins on my Dad's side! There were all 7 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren present! Husbands/Wives joined in on the fun which made for one eventful day! We all drove into Austin, TX and rented 2 Pontoon boats on Lake Travis. It did not take us long to drive the boats out to a cove, anchor up, and start swimming! We had a great time catching up and laughing at each other. Once we got off the Lake, we headed to my Cousin Danny's house. His wife Sally and him grilled burgers and hotdogs while the festivities continued. It was so great to be with family and not worry about anything! Our cousin Shelly even commemorated the event with official T-shirts! I know Grandma and Grandpa Parks are smiling down on us and happy that we all made the effort to be together as a family! I can't wait for next year's events...Swimming in Lake Travis
The Girls

Swimming really takes it out of you!

Charles cliff jumping

Cade and I

Cade's first slip-n-slide ride! See... 11 months old can still be fun!

Charles and Cade

The 7 Cousins

The entire gang...18 of us if you count Jaxson in Mendy's belly!!