And icing on the cake....

Not only did we spend 3 weeks in Heaven with Mimi and Poppa, Eric and Lesley, but we also had the treat of flying down to Texas to celebrate the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Mom and Dad Bowman. Translation: Everyone in Texas + craziness=BIG FUN! We had a great time and got to see almost everyone from the Bowman side of the family. We also got to see many of Bryce's Dad's and Mom's family, as well, which was a great treat. Aunts, uncles, cousins galore! Needless to say, while we had lots of people around the house and mouths to feed, and kids to keep busy never once did we hear, "I'm bored!" (this was thanks to Aunt Rachelle and all the fun kids' activities, too...BINGO, tie-dying, marble tracks...etc.) There were just too many people to see and too many fun things to do.

The kids LOVED playing with their cousins and can't wait to see them again. The Bowman family seems to be pretty heavy on the boys (especially my kids' ages) so Brynn was thrilled when Alyssa finally arrived!

(A bit bigger than my family picture....this is just his parents/siblings-spouses/nieces and nephews....whew! Only missing one niece, one nephew, and two buns in the oven...ours and Bryce's younger brother and his wife's. Now that's a lot of family!)

(Kids had a blast with their youngest cousin, Spencer. He is two and we were able to stay in the rental condo with him and his parents. My kids adored him!)

One day, we headed to the Alligator Farm. This was a highlight of our kids' week in Texas. We held raccoons, pet alligators, held snakes (yes, that is ME holding a snake and then I called Bryce a pansy so he had to prove me wrong and held one, too. Let it be known that I DID IT FIRST!!!!!!! Not only that but I held the head myself while he was threatening the handler within an inch of her life if she didn't hold the head tightly.)

Another fun activity was paddle boating/canoeing with Daddy, Aunt Charlotte and her kids, and Grandpa. Funny story....Grandpa said, "There are no alligators in this lake. Nothing to worry about!" We get to the lake and here is the sign posted at the edge. Hmmm......

We had a big reception for Mom and Dad Bowman. The decorations were fabulous (thanks again Allison), food was yummy, company was delightful, and I think everyone had a great time. Best of all, we were able to celebrate a special couple and their 50....50!!!! years of marriage. Happy Anniversary again, Mom and Dad Bowman!