Sawyer's Arkansas overnighter

John's mom and step-dad live in Marble Fall, Arkansas, about an hour and a half from our house. They asked if they could steal Mr. Sawyer for a night of fun with his mawmaw and campaw (in his words), so we got a night out. How sweet!! On the agenda for him was feeding the deer (they have private land and lots of wilderness), baking s'more cupcakes and playing with his new truck. He had a blast and talked about it the whole way home Sunday! He can't wait for another Arkansas sleep-over. I got to get a mani/pedi before John and I had a night out, it was heavenly! We met some friends for dinner at the new Aviary and drinks at the cute little Barley, Wheat and Rye Social House, all at Farmer's Park. 

Thank you so much Donnetta & Derrick, we appreciate everything greatly!!!

First stop was Walmart for a new toy. Spoiled much?

Playing with killer

Obsessed!

Baking Success!

Another fun new you!

PB&J pancakes for breakfast Sunday morning

Meanwhile,

PARENTS NIGHT OUT....

Amanda, me and Nicole at the Aviary. 

Jamie, John and Chris

Back at Barley, Wheat & Rye

The Boyce's

Weekend in Pictures: Family Reunion & Father's Day

We attended our first Hamra/Homra Family Reunion as a family this past weekend in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They have been hosting the reunion for many many years although John hasn't attended since he was in middle school. Friday night, his grandfather's sister-in-law Carolyn hosted a cocktail party at her beautiful home in Little Rock. After drinks, we all went to dinner together at this adorable little restaurant Caper's.

Saturday, we drove to Hot Springs for the rest of the festivities. We had such a wonderful time and we loved getting to introduce Sawyer to all the other family & kiddos. He LOVED the dancing & swimming (see dancing videos HERE). We drove back Sunday and were able to meet John's Mom in Harrison for lunch. When we arrived back in Springfield we also celebrating Father's Day with my parents. We swam a little and made ice cream sundaes (my dad choose a root beer float). Overall, it was a busy family weekend but a great way to celebrate the awesome Dads we have in our lives.

Relaxing in our room before dinner

Carolyn's Beautiful home

Sawyer getting to know Spencer and Madelyn

The Men at the Cocktail Reception Friday

what a beautiful pool

Perfect mat to the pool

had to stop at Dunkin before Hot Springs

View from our the Clarion in Hot Springs

Sawyer loved it!

Heading to the Pool

He sure does like to strut

Lunch at On the Border with John's Uncle Bob & Aunt Karen and cousins Robbie & Katie

Did a little shopping at Home Goods, Sawyer found a dog bed to relax in

Dinner Reception Saturday Night

Dance floor time!

Lots of dancing!

Sawyer with his new friends Hadley,  Stella and Elizabeth

Lunch with Grandma in Harrison

loving the snuggles!!

One of John's Father's Day Gifts 

And his other gift, Sawyer picked it out of course

Ice cream sundaes and my Mom & Dad's

My amazing Dad with his Root Beer Float

Sawyer enjoying his ice cream

Enjoying his Aunt Rachel

Sawyer’s First and Many Merry Christmases

Besides the 24 hours sickness that struck John and me, this was a wonderful Christmas. We were able to celebrate with almost every side of the family and Sawyer got to meet many new faces and reunite with family members he only gets to see every once in a while. We had 6 Christmases total starting Saturday Dec. 22 in Arkansas, then to St. Louis and back to Springfield for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We enjoyed every one of them. He received some amazing toys and clothing. John and I feel very blessed that Sawyer is so loved!!! We feel so fortunate to be so close with all our families and this season reminded us of how important it is to stay in touch and tell your family you love them!! Since it was Sawyer’s 1^st  Christmas it was only natural that I take a ton of pictures, so enjoy! And from our family to yours, we hope you all have a Safe and Happy New Year!!

New tradion of Christmas T-shirts at John's family's

Playing with all his new toys with dad

Sawyer sharing his new table with his cousin Chase

Tam from Scotland from his cousin Erin

Opening his present from Cousin Meghan

The Engel cousins

Glow balls from Grandma & Papa Engel

More balls from mommy and daddy

Christmas morning with John and me

Keepsake & Boots from his Great Grandfather all the way from Florida

Christmas Day with Papa

Christmas Day at my parents house

Block wagon from his Great Grandparents 

Riding in his block wagon

Ate a ton of Turkey Christmas day 

Hamra Men - 4 generations

Hamra Family Christmas