Welcoming Colin

I didn't realize how truly amazing this gift was when I received it.  The Sutton/Gardner/Fox family gave us the unbelievable gift of a maternity and newborn photo session with photographer Janie Gable Stockton.  I was super excited about this gift and knew we would love documenting this special time.

I was around 35 weeks when I received this gift and was already experiencing a lot of practice labor signs.  I wanted to make sure we didn't miss the opportunity to take pictures of my big belly!  We scheduled the shoot and I was a little past 37 weeks. With 139 photos it was hard to chose.  Here are a few favorites!  Before you scroll down, beware of the big, bare belly!

Fabulous shots of Whitney!

Next are the photos of sweet Colin.  He was 3 weeks old.  How tiny he was and how he has changed so much.  I am so thrilled that we have these pictures of him as he joins our family.  As Janie and I sat looking at all the pictures we both had tears coming down.  She did such an amazing job capturing the love and joy we all felt now that Colin was in our lives.  Janie I cannot thank you enough!

This last picture could not be planned or be more perfect.  Janie did not even  know our story yet. When I told her, she said she usually tells people to take off jewelry and isn't sure why she didn't this time.  

Here Colin holds on to my Christine necklace.  There will always be little piece of me that is missing but I am starting to feel whole again.

Ocean Isle

The annual O'Neill beach trip to Ocean Isle is one we look forward to all year.  Tim's family has been going here for over 35 years.  The infamous Tim and Caroline first kiss picture was taken here 29 years ago.  We have two houses and the number has now reached 27 people.  Three new babies were born this past year!

Whitney was a little fish and spent hours in the ocean with Papa and Grandma.  Colin made his morning appearance for about 15 minutes before it was all a little too exhausting.  The wind was pretty strong this year.  In the afternoon Tim would rest with the kids after a long morning with Whitney and I would get some time relaxing at the beach.  We had another wonderful year creating priceless memories with the family.

Ok, lots of pictures...

The favorite princess tent that Sue bought before she even had grandkids!  Sue, I am glad we made your dreams come true :)

 Chris is such a trooper!

 The new little ones!

 New book from Niki and Brady

Sorry Colin

 Ryan treats everyone to Krispy Kreme!

 Niki grabbed him when she could...he was a popular guy!

 He loved the water.  One day we sat for awhile while the waves broke at his feet.

 Getting clean after a long day at the beach!

 Thought she was pretty cool hanging out with cousin Maddie.

 Movie time with Haley and Jasmine.

 Welcome MaKenna Marie

Caroline holding Gavin.  He's two days older than Colin.

 Dawn celebrating her 40th this year!

 Whitney alternating between cake and ice cream.

 Siblings!

And the countdown begins till next year...

Butler Reunion

Every two years we have the Butler reunion and alternate between Galax and Winchester.  This year was in Galax.  The Vaughans treat us to amazing food and fun at the pool.  This past year 4 new babies join the family!  It was so great to all be together.  This year wasn't quite the same since saying goodbye to three of the grandparents.  Mimi, Aunt Rose Ellen and Uncle John were greatly missed but we know they were all watching down on us so happy we are keeping the family tradition going!  Can't wait till next time! 

Our little fish!

 Whitney and Joey having a blast together as usual.

 Missing Marguerite!

 The whole group!

 The new generation is growing fast!

 Colin with Austin who is about 3 weeks younger.

Ruth and Evelyn are 10 months.

All so sweet!

Mike was handed the torch of family photographer.  I think he did a fantastic job capturing the weekend..  These are only a few of his fabulous pictures.

Kiawah with Friends

This June we got to spend 5 wonderful days in Kiawah with some of our closest friends.   With five families there, our kid total was eight!  Luckily, four of them are not mobile yet!  We all pitched in on meals and ate extremely well.  We enjoyed wine, specialty drinks and beer that made us feel like we were "young" again.  It is crazy how vacations have changed.  We were all up early and eager to head to bed by 10pm!  On Saturday night some friends who live in Charleston came it to join in the fun!   There really is nothing like close friends, good conversations and lasting memories with our precious kids!  Can't wait to do it again next year!

Lunch on the deck!  Showing off there maraschino cherries in their kidtails!

 Can you tell these three just had a blast together!

 Sweet Nicolette, you will be keeping up with them next year!

 Hangin' with her little Bro!

Nothing like waking up from a nap on the deck!

Eric likes naps on the deck too!

 Abby snuggling with Mommy!

 The Gallo's alway travel in style!

 Play Mat time with Parker

 Abby doing her morning stretches!

 Cheers Brian!

 Jake and Mommy

Doesn't get much better!

 I think Steph sums up the trip!

Ok, Sam and Chris, next year we gotta get you in some photos!  We did have the high hopes of getting a group kid shot.  First, finding a time when they were all awake was tough, but second a time when they were all happy!  Maybe next year!