Courtney and Chris' New Home

Courtney and Chris are getting settled into their new home. They like it and like their new church home, but are missing everyone back in the Panhandle. Bryson is really loving playing outside in his big backyard and the weather is very nice. They live just around the corner from the church so Chris walks to work. Courtney told me they had about 40 youth come for last Wednesday night service.  They posted these photos on Facebook but since not everyone has Facebook I told them I would repost the photos on the blog. I know they would love to hear from everyone. Last week Darla, Lavonna and I all Skyped with them. It was fun and I recommend it. You should try it.  Enjoy the photos and leave a comment for them.
Linda


These photos are in random order. This is the backyard. There is another one in the group from Lavonna of Bryson and Mallory playing on his swing set. He loves that thing and wants to play outside all the time.

Bryson's bathroom. Courtney and Chris' looks similiar. A bathroom is a bathroom.

 The garage had been converted into a bonus room and that is now Bryson's playroom. Big enough for his trampoline.

 Bryson's bedroom. Look at that big boy bed.

 Courtney and Chris' room.

 The dining room or breakfast nook. Since I haven't been there I don't know. Maybe Courtney or Chris can clarify for us.

The front of the house. Definitely a ranch rambler.

Mallory and Bryson playing on his new swingset.

 View one of the kitchen.

View two of the kitchen.

View three of the kitchen.

 And the final view of the kitchen.

The living room.

Embry checking out the outdoors through the living room windows.

Let's all load up the cars and vans and go see them. Any takers?

A Bittersweet Day

Today was Chris, Courtney and Bryson's last day in Amarillo. I of course woke up with a headache and didn't get over to see them as soon as I had planned but we did make it over before they left. It's bittersweet because they are leaving, but also a good thing because they are going where God has directed them. They will be living about 8 and a half hours from here. The good news is they live really close to a nice large lake and Houston, Austin and Dallas. It will take some adjusting for all of us, but I know it will be a good thing. We will all miss them so much and will miss seeing Bryson growing and changing. I told Courtney she has to start blogging. So when you talk to her, remind her you are checking in and want to see photos of their new life. Here are some photos I took in the past month.


These first three are from a day in January when Courtney stopped by the house. Those are the days I will miss the most.

These are some I took at Bryson's 2nd Birthday Party.

 He had a blast and really thought he was one of the big kids. He definitely tried to keep up with them.

I took these next few with my camera phone as believe it or not I forgot my good camera. Thankfully Kevin was sweet enough to go back home and get it for me.

Then after the birthday party our family went out to dinner. Again, Bryson thought he was one of the big boys, so he had to sit at the booth with his cousins, Dam*n and Azari*h.

And finally we get to today. This is what we saw when we turned the corner and I knew for sure it was real . . . they were moving away.

Chris's dad and step-mom were there to say their goodbyes too.

Bryson seemed to be a little freaked out about the whole situation and was not letting Courtney and Chris out of his sight.

Jackie giving Courtney a goodbye hug. The tears started about this time.

Jackie and Chris saying "Goodbye."

Chris' dad Jerry saying "Goodbye" to Chris and Bryson.

After this Kevin and I gave them hugs and told them we loved them and would see them soon. I just hate changes, but I wish them the best of luck in their new home and new church. We love you Chris, Courtney and Bryson.  

Labor Day at Three Falls Cove

Last year our family had a reunion over the Labor Day weekend at Three Falls Cove and everyone had such a great time we decided to do it again this year. Last year Courtney, Chris and Bryson were only able to come for a few hours as that was the same weekend Angela was getting married. This year they were able to come for one night and one day. Here are some photos from the weekend.

This is the lodge at Three Falls Cove. It is hard to believe it is only 45 minutes from home.

Chris and Bryson with other family members enjoying the paddle boats. 

The zip-line is always a big hit. Here is Chris taking off.

And Chris dropping into the water.

Courtney decided to give it a try. Notice Chris giving her a little "push."

Courtney finally did step off the roof and made it safely back to shore. She even said it was fun.

I'll have to take her word for it.

Courtney and Bryson enjoying some fun time in the lake. Bryson loved his little boat.

Coming in after a swim. I love this photo of Courtney and Bryson.

Courtney enjoying the floating chair. 

Cousin S*mi watching over Bryson. So sweet the way she was tenderly playing with his ear.

Serious boy. Looks like he was thinking, "Enough with the camera Leelee."

My most favorite photo of all. I loved this one. Bryson was cracking up at his daddy on the zip line. I bet by next year Bryson will be thinking he's big enough to try it.

A Growing Boy

The other day, well actually two days in the past week, Courtney and Bryson have been over. I thought I'd post some photos for those of you that live out of town or don't Facebook so you can still see how Bryson is growing and changing into a little man. He is so precious and is all boy if there was every any doubt. He loves to play with the ball and is very good at kicking the soccer ball. I think he gets that from his daddy Chris. He is a little brown berry and has a great time playing in his wading pool in the back yard. I haven't been over to take pictures of that yet, but will before summer is over. Bryson likes to come over to Leelee's and Kevin's but only if Mom or Mallory are staying. Enjoy the photos.

This hat that came with a Lego set has seen lots of play over the years. This photo reminds me of another one of my favorites that I took of  Kevin's nephew. You can see it here.

I love the look on his face. This would make a good "caption contest" photo. What do you think Bryson is thinking?

Dad in training . . . "Honey, not now. I'm watching the World Cup Series. Got my remote. Got my soccer ball. Yep. All ready."

This was a couple of days later. We went out in the front to play with bubbles. I'm pretty sure Bryson thinks Leelee and Uncle Kevin are pretty crazy. That look . . . . "What are you talking about Leelee?"

Bryson had a good time and was insistent that HE do the bubble making. He never did get it though, but sure had fun trying.

If one bubble wand is good, two must be better.

Forget the bubbles. Me and Uncle Kevin will just have a sword fight.

And my most favorite photo of all . . . my two favorite baby boys . . .Bryson and Hans.

Can you say "Awwwww." By the way that motion he is doing with his hand is his own invention for the sign for "more." I'm not sure what he wanted more of, but more of something.

As you can see Bryson is doing great and growing rapidly before our eyes into a fine young man. I love that kid.