A few more pics...

I am trying to catch up on all of my posts today because for the next few days the posts will be all about Drake's birthday! I can't believe that he will be 1 in just 2 days!


This is the face that Drake makes when you say cheese (or just point the camera at him)















Closeup of "cheese" face















Drake likes to show off his 2 teeth (more are trying to come in)



















Drake does this when he's sleepy (sucks his thumb and holds his arm)




















The girls haven't made an appearance on the blog in awhile so here are Maggie and Rudie

Happy 96th Birthday Grandma Pate

My Grandma Pate celebrated her 96th birthday on July 16th. We went up to Oklahoma to celebrate with her. Drake absolutely LOVED cuddling Grandma and she sure loved Drake too.

Drake grabbing Grandma's chin



















Drake telling us he's going to be one soon















Me, Grandma Pate and Drake





































































Drake cuddling with Grandma

Mimo and Dado

Drake's mimo and dado stopped by for a visit on their way to Florida on July 10th. Here are a few pics:

4th of July

We celebrated Drake's first 4th of July at a pool party hosted by our friends Betsy, Jared, and William. Not only was it Drake's 4th of July, it was also his first time to go swimming! He loved the water and was already trying to do a sort of doggie paddle. There were a bunch of kids there that are about Drake's age including his little girlfriend Halley who is just 2 days older than him. It was a lot of fun trying to get them to all sit still on the couch for a picture in their adorable 4th of July outfits!

Drake LOVES to read

Drake loves books and it's so cute because he "reads" them out loud. Recently he started to point to things when we ask him where they are. We finally got a picture of this when I asked him "Where's the baby"...he's so smart!

Uncle JT and Stacey

In June Uncle JT and his wonderful girlfriend Stacey came to visit. Drake had a great time except at Freebirds when I told him to stop biting the table, (see the look he gave me in unhappy Drake pic below).

July 17th

July 17th is a day that I haven't looked forward to in 8 years. It is a day that is burned into my mind for the rest of my life. July 17th is the day that my dad passed away. It's not like I want to be sad on this day, I just am. I can't help but think about that day, 8 years ago now, when my life was changed forever. So much has happened since then, I graduated from college, got engaged, married, and had my first baby. These are a lifetime of things that dad has missed. I know that he is in a better place, but I can't help but wish that he was here telling us his crazy jokes and playing with his first grand baby.
I miss you dad.