We went to the Wilburns Country House near Lake Sommerville, TX, in Ocotober.

The night before we had a dinner date.  We came home to this.

Do we have the sweetest babysitters or what?

The next day, on our anniversary, we headed out to the Wilburns' Country House, as Jake terms it.

We got in Friday night and the kids immediately got ready to go armadillo hunting.

The thorns that were believed to have made the crown of thorns on Jesus' head.

Looking at the drought.  No longer because apparently the tanks are all full now.

Justin could've stayed right here all weekend.

Gun shooting.  I can't remember which one I liked best, but it was this one.  Maybe the 22?

Definitely not this one.  Don't think I will be a marksman in this lifetime.

Helping dig a swimming hole

Loved watching this.  But my can't-swing-stomach didn't try it.

Caught one!

Yes, the boys had matching PJs.  Hilarious!

Dana was good with her guns.  I had a hard time hitting the hogs.

I always love me some hammock.  Enjoying the stillness of the weekend.  So nice to just be on the land, simplistic, and away from electronic distractions.

Avery's room

Jake's room.  We came home Sunday night and put Justin to bed.  He was crying that he already missed Jake's country house and the bunk beds.  Can you blame him?  There was even a cubby hole that opened in the middle so Jake and his cousin could talk to each other.  Every only child's dream.

The opposite wall in the room.  Dana is amazing with her decorating!

I actually enjoyed this.  It was fun to cut grass.  Who knew?

We ended the weekend with this.  This never happens as Justin still takes a nap everyday in his own bed.  This told the story of a fun filled weekend.

What a great weekend!  Such a fun time to have such quality time with the Wilburns.  And the location was just breathtaking.  Even derek was surprised at how much I enjoyed it.  Such a wonderful family the Lord placed in our life.  Thankful for these people!

Hilary's wedding weekend

My cousin Hilary got married back in October to Jeff Cook.  It was a weekend of family fun.  The only bummer of the weekend was the fact that Jessica Lundy got married the same weekend.  Boo!  Luckily, no one's marriage is dependent on the Smiths' being in attendance.

Friday night I went to the rehearsal to practice my reading and then hurried home to host all the Morby cousins.  Only the adult Morbys were included in the rehearsal dinner, so we young 'uns fended for ourselves.

Not sure what we were doing here but I think we were playing a game where Justin says, "Raise your hand if you..."

The next morning we hosted a bridal breakfast for the bride and crew at Ouisie's Table.  All the Morby women looking fancy.

Gingi, Kerry, & Val.  Val is sporting a fun new dress we bought as a reward for her hard work.  I can't do the story justice, so you must read it here and be inspired.  Proud of you, Val!

Memorial Bakery has done better than this.  Was most disappointed though the resulting taste was quite the same.  Nonetheless, one must do better than I could on these things.

Then the wedding night.  My computer starting getting cranky around this month.  I lost half of the photos from that night.  Including some great ones of the three of us.  Boo.

Justin was almost the same age and wore almost the same exact outfit as Dawson did at my wedding.  Justin loved wearing a tie.

I think this was from someone's cell phone.  Elise is completely hidden behind my cousin Clay.  Hilarious!

Sweet Roland sent me this during the night.  Made me feel like I was right there.  We love you, Jess!

Me and my Grandpa.  The Lord has been faithful in allowing my grandparents to spend so much of my lifetime on this earth.

Gingi and David about to spend their one year anniversary celebrating another.

This is the only photo my computer kept of the two of them.  I promise they were having a blast!

Joannie able to relax.  My cousin Grant had just been medically cleared after his accident and was starting to regain his strength.  It was a much needed evening to relax for all of them.

Derek & Aaron with Grant who was thankfully able to attend and healing.

Dancing

Smith ladies

My female cousins.

Yes they did - cake like from Steel Magnolias.

I love having family that I cannot wait to be around.  I love how the Lord continues to expand our family with all the new spouses.  It was a hard season for our family in many different realms.  We praise Him for refinement to bring us closer to Him.

I leave with the reading I chose for the wedding:
"They will be my people, and I will be their God.  And I will give them one heart and one mind to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of their descendants.  And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, promising not to stop doing good for them.  I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me.  I will rejoice in doing good to them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in the land."