Jack's Birthday Party

We had Jack's party Thursday night in Jackson. It was loads of fun! We all met at my parents house, ate BBQ and cake, and some swam in the pool. Fred's sisters drove all the way from Memphis (actually Holly Springs and Oakland) just to come to his party! What sweet aunts they are...not to mention what sweet husbands they have! Many presents were left to be opened, but Aunt Elizabeth gave Jack a sucker.
As you can see Jack is interested in the present I am opening, but he will not relinquish the sucker!

Happy Birthday Jack!!

Jack's birthday is today! Time sure does fly! I remember crying myself to sleep at night when I was pregnant with him just wondering how I could love two children. What wasted tears those were! Jack has truly been a blessing to this family! Where have these 2 years gone?
We had a small birthday party here at the house last night. All the children got to decorate their cupcakes with icing and sprinkles. You will notice that Jack is not in the picture...that is because he just started eating his cupcake without icing. When he noticed all the other children with icing he continued to eat his cupcake and lick the icing knife (it wasn't sharp). He was too busy eating when I took this picture.

Sweet Baby Jack!

Big Boy Jack!!

We saved the best for last

What a day we've had today! We went to the beach pretty early this morning. I am convinced that Noah and Clayton would have stayed all day had we let them. They had the best time. Jack enjoyed the water today, but still preferred playing in the sand. Noah got stung again today and so did Billy. Noah was so brave and just got back in the water. What a trooper!! We went tonight to The Original Oyster House. We got there at 5 and still had an hour and fifteen minute wait...it was worth it!! What a week! We couldn't have asked for more! Clayton and Noah playing in the ocean!
One final beach picture...could be my favorite!?!
Waiting at The Original Oyster House
Second year in a row that I've seen a sailboat while on the beach. This picture is for Christie! When I saw it I thought of her! Christie, hope you are having a great day and know that I love you! I thought I might see you on this boat!!

Shackelford Family Photo Shoot (and Mauldins)

Renee was taking our picture. She kept telling us to kiss or look longingly into each others eyes. This was all Fred...

Another fun day in Gulf Shores

Erica, Renee, Jack, Noah and I headed off to the outlets this morning around 9. We shopped for several hours and then met the older boys at The Track. They were on the bumper boats. They had so much fun! I can't decide which set of boys had more fun though!! Currently we are eating grilled burgers. We are heading out around 7 to take family pictures. Hopefully, we will get some good ones. The plan is to put the little boys to bed (Renee will stay here with them) and all the grown ups and the older boys will go swimming! What a day!!

Our date night!

We have arrived!!

We left Paris Sunday night after church and headed to Memphis. We spent the night at Fred and Renee's house and then headed out around 5 a.m. We drove all day and took our time. The boys were so good! Clayton never went back to sleep. Jack slept for maybe hour and a half. Fred and I were really impressed!

Before we went to dinner we headed to the beach. Clayton and Noah headed straight to the water. We had to bring them back to the condo and change their clothes. They were soaked! Luke and Jack were a little timid, but Luke eventually warmed up. Jack is still not too sure.

Noah got stung by a jellyfish. Clayton is now saying he doesn't think it is a good idea for us to go back to the beach. He thinks the pool will be great! Speaking of the pool...it is great! Clayton can stand up in the shallow end. He thinks it is so cool that he can stand up in the pool!

We went to a new restaurant call The Hangout. The food was wonderful, but even better was the childrens play area. They had a playground with sand and water and all kinds of fun! The boys played and played! I felt certain the boys would fall asleep before we got home, but no!! They were still going strong when we got home. Great day!

Swimming at the City Pool

We joined the city pool today. Now that I can handle both boys by myself at the pool we are going to spend a lot more time there this summer! I can't wait! They both LOVE it! I took this little video of Clayton because this is what he does the majority of the time. The music in the background was playing at the pool. I didn't add it for special effect. Also, the water on my lense is courtesy of the kiddo that jumped in before Clayton.

The boys had to wear t-shirts since we got a little pink Monday. Clayton was very concerned about wearing a t-shirt in the pool, but once we got there he was fine!