Birthday Blessings & Papa's Day!

Today is a HUGE celebration in the Barlow Bunch...my 31st birthday & Papa's Day! As I woke up very early to Nolan's cries, Peyton's fast feet running down the hall, & to my husband being the first to say, "Happy Birthday," my heart was so full of happiness & fulfillment.  

I try to be transparent in this blog, so I hope you know that we do not live a perfect life - we struggle with parenting, finances, jobs, weight/health, temper tantrums, family living hours away...but, this morning I feel my life is close to perfect...wow - how I am blessed.  My husband is a wonderful father - he gives 110% everyday.  Jonathan gets the boys ready every morning & takes them to the sitter.  If we are honest, Jonathan is the disciplinarian in this household.   He plays ball with the boys, changes dirty diapers, cooks for us (on Thursdays!), reads to them, bathes them (although he doesn't love it), & models the example of a Christian man.  I am grateful to Jonathan for my boys, my blessings.  What a wonderful gift it is to share this day with him.  Thank you, Jonathan, for living life with me!

Jonathan & Nolan preparing to leave the hospital  August 2012

Nolan's first Sunday to church  September 2012 

Halloween 2012 - Carving a pumpkin with Peyton 

Jonathan's 30th birthday  November 2012 

Nolan & Papa  Easter 2013 

Peyton's first baseball game, Papa's Father's Day gift June 2013 

Father's Day & My 31st Birthday!   6-16-13

Isn't life good?  Thank you, God for family, friends, & celebrations!

Our Days in Destin!

To kick off my summer break, Auntie Anna came for a visit! We had a much-needed, relaxing visit!  We took the boys to the park, ran every morning, ate at our favorite local restaurant, & she even helped us move Peyton into his BIG BOY BED! (unfortunately - I can't find the sweet pictures with Auntie Anna on the computer).  Here's a cute one while getting clean -

Here we are having fun in the tub! 

 On May 26th, Jonathan & I celebrated six years of marriage, Auntie Anna went home, & we traveled to Destin, FL to enjoy time with Nana & Papa Rusty Barlow & the beach.  We loved - jumping the waves in the ocean, swimming in the pool, eating delicious seafood, shopping at the outlets, watching sunsets, long walks on the beach, & most importantly spending time with family.  I told Jonathan, I couldn't be more happy than with my boys AND being at the beach!!!  The pictures can say more -

Peyton loving the backyard water table 

A quick visit with Aunt Amanda & Hayes

Harbor Walk 

Peyton & Papa Rusty loving the boats! 

Our TEN month old with Nana & Papa

Celebrating six years of marriage! 

Peyton LOVING the ocean! 

Nolan wasn't so sure about the cold water!  He loved being held! 

Loving time with Nana & Papa Rusty! 

It was a much-needed vacation for ALL of us.  We loved every minute of it, sad to return, but so thankful for the time away.