Happy Birthday honey!!

Chad's b-day was in late July and I had the bright idea of getting some of our friends together for a "surprise b-day dinner".  Chad is usually pretty in-the-know, so I was worried about him finding out.  This in mind, I casually mentioned that we should try out a restaurant at the new Harbor Center in Rockwall (just outside of Dallas).  They have built a small shopping center, restaurants, and other goodies right on the water overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard.....BEAUTIFUL!!!!  Little did he know, I had already made a reservation, contacted his friends-with strict orders to keep their mouths closed-and found a sailboat that takes moonlight cruises!! 
The big day arrived and I was soooooo excited that he seemed to be in the dark about everyone meeting us at dinner.  I accidentally forgot to map EXACTLY where we were going and got a little concerned Chad would miss his own party, but this worked out in my favor.  We almost got lost on the way there and I had to call the restaurant for EXACT directions....who knew the Harbor Center was so big?!?!  This threw Chad off the scent completely. 
We arrived for dinner and I hoped my worst fears would not be realized.....that the hostess would ruin the surprise by saying something about "everyone is waiting on us", "your just in time for the surprise" or that we would see someone in the parking lot.  Being the over-planner that I am, I called the restaurant several times during the week to change the reservation as RSVP's came in and to double-triple-check that they had "SURPRISE" written next to the reservation and not to say anything when we walked in!!  I should have more faith in people, I know, but when the 16 year old hostess is too busy texting to pay attention, I was a little worried.  But, when it was all said and done, Chad was truly surprised. 

  I think some people missed out on the photo opp, but thanks to everyone who came out to help Chad celebrate~you guys are the best!

Chad blowing out his candles

Miss Kella and her amazing creation....chicken on a stick! 

This is called her "I dont' want to smile" face.

The moonlight cruise on the Seawolf.  If you are visiting Dallas or live here, this is a wonderful

2-hour adventure and BYOB!  I wish everyone could have come on the boat, but it sold out in no time :(

.....And Your Little Dog Too!

I'm not sure how I could have lived in Dallas so long and have never been to the Dallas Summer Musicals.  My friend Katie and I went to see Wicked and it was AMAZING!!  I had a vague sense of what this show was about, but no idea that it would be some engaging.  I'm just getting so much culture in the big city.  I welcome anyone to come visit and we can go to a show. 

Surprise Baby Hunter

My bible study girls threw a surprise shower for Tina.  She is one of  MANY girls in this group who is either pregnant or recently had a child.  We had a great time showering Baby Hunter with gifts!

Go Mustangs...Christopher will be happy about this gift!

Family Weekend

We recently got the Canterbury and Parham families all together for our annual visit.  This year we went to Columbia, LA where Chad's Aunt Martha and Uncle Charlie played host. This year the Ilhe family (Chad's best buddy's fam) joined us. We had a fish fry (of course) out at the fishing camp, the men played golf and the women did what we do best.....we shopped.  I'm not sure how I missed getting a pic of my mom all weekend, but it happened.....sorry mom!  Thanks so much to our wonderful hosts and to our amazing family!  It is sooooo nice when everyone can just play nice and get along.  We are so blessed to have such wonderful families- We love you guys!

Row, Row, Row Your Boat.....

Master Fish Fryer

M.I.A.

UUUGGHHH....So my camera has been MIA for a few weeks and I finally located it...and all the photos I've been waiting to post.  I've been taking some not-so-great photos with my camera phone and trying to pass them off at the real deal.  Sorry for not posting for a while, but as a wise friend once said, "A post with no pictures....unacceptable!" 

So here's to my good friend Liz, a pic of my camera, as not to post picture-less.  I'm not a mommy, so I haven't upgraded to the ultra-zoom-so-I-can-take-great-photos-with-a-camera-strap-so-I-don't-strain-my-neck-camera.  One of these days I'll look like a tourist at Disney Land too, but until then I'm still rockin' the Easy Share!! 

Can't wait to see you this weekend Liz and take photos with your fancy camera again.  Love you!

Little Girl in the Big City

My friend Christina (with short dark hair in pics) recently moved to the Big Apple.  She has always wanted to live there and isn't tied down yet, so she went for it a few months ago.  She recently came in for a visit and we had a few celebrations to welcome her home....if only for a short time.  We miss you Christina-come back to visit often and soon.

Friday Night at the Stoneleigh P

Lazy Sunday afternoon in West Village

No Surprise Here

So my friend Alison was TRYING to surprise her husband, the un-surprisable Matt, for his b-day.  She failed miserably!!  All I have to say is Alison needs to perfect your "mis-truths" telling ability.  Maybe she can take some lessons from my friend Jodi who somehow pulled off a surprise or two for her always-in-the-know husband.  Regardless, we had a great time celebrating with Matt!

The birthday boy

Bonny Kate introduced my to Bandito's special drink....

The Zero Margarita...

Zero Sugar.....Zero Calories....Zero Everyting Right?!!?

Do glad Gwen and Charlie came all the way from

McKinney to help celebrate

Becky....just days before having her second child-John William. 

Lily is already prepared for the big day in her Big Sister shirt!