Monday, December 29, 2008

Merry Christmas - Week Long Celebration

I love saying MERRY CHRISTMAS! I can't stand Happy Holidays! I saw one of the best magnets/bumper stickers that said "It is okay for me to say Merry Christmas!" How true is that...anyways on to the week in review.

My office was only open Monday and Tuesday the week of Christmas. Tuesday night we had a nice surprise....mom and dad offered to keep Parker for the evening. Braxton and I had date night and we went and saw 7 Pounds with Will Smith. Great movie!!! Wednesday, Braxton had to work 1/2 day. I got up and cleaned house then ran into Gardendale for those last few details. When I arrived back home, my mom and dad and Dakota had arrived to return Parker. Wednesday night we took it easy. I wrapped the last of the presents and cleaned up a little more.
Christmas day was great. Christmas Eve...not so much. Braxton decided to change Parker's diaper at midnight and Parker decided he did not want to go to bed! Parker and I had to sleep in the quest bed until 3:30am then I put him in his bed. Of course he woke up at 6:45! After he woke up....we opened presents.
Parker got three presents from Mommy and Daddy...Jesus got 3 presents when he was born, and so does Parker! Plus he got a stocking from Santa including a Cars Ball and his first Mickey Mouse.

We went to Chuck and Misty's "old house" for the Reno/Kennedy Christmas lunch. Then Christmas night we hosted the Reno family Christmas at our house. There were TONS of presents. Parker started getting tired, but never gave into wanting to sleep! After everyone left our house, we drove to Huntsville to spend some time with my family.

Friday (the day after Christmas) we hung around Huntsville....returning stuff and just enjoying being off of work. Friday afternoon, Elesha, Dakota and Gavin came to my parents' house for the evening/night because Brant was working at the fire station. Friday night we played games and enjoyed each other's company. We played a new version of Monopoly that uses credit cards instead of paper money. Braxton was not happy....he lost! He went bankrupt first. He really tried to not go to bed mad, but it was hard!

Saturday morning we got up and began getting ready for the Duckworth Christmas. About 6 years ago the Duckworth family started the tradition of Christmas steaks. Instead of the traditional Christmas dinner we have steaks, baked potatoes, salad and other veggies. SO YUMMY!!! After lunch we opened presents. I love watching Gavin and Dakota open presents. This year Gavin and Dakota shared the opportunity of being Santa and handing out the presents. Late Saturday afternoon we drove back to Hayden for the rest of the Christmas holiday.

Sunday night I took down all of the decorations. I guess I am ready for the holidays to be over and to get back to some type of normal living! Whatever that is! I guess it is time for new year's resolutions and the famous four letter word D-I-E-T!!! HA! I hope everyone had a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Too Tired for Words!!!!

Christmas Catch Up

Yes, the Braxton Reno family does still exists! Wow what a busy December and Christmas Holiday we had. Hopefully I can sum up everything in a short few paragraphs. And if you are checking in for pictures...well I have failed as a mom and my pictures aren't that great! OH WELL...we will always have next year!

FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER
We spent most of the weekend in Huntsville. We watched the SEC Championship Football game with our friends and part of the Duckworth family in Paint Rock Valley, Alabama. After the game we had my mom's side of the family Christmas party in Scottsboro. It was a great time to see my family that I don't have the chance to see as often.

SECOND WEEKEND IN DECEMBER
Busy weekend following my birthday!!! It was the Christway Choir's performances of His Promise. Friday and Saturday night were tiring, but it was a great turn out both nights and a great performance.

THIRD WEEKEND IN DECEMBER
I was trying really hard to be in the Christmas spirit. I guess this month has just been a strain on me personally. Lots on my mind, lots to do, and just stressful all together! I was almost finished with Christmas shopping...just a little more to do. We took it easy this weekend. Not alot on the calendar which was nice. Friday night, Braxton and I, joined my co-workers and their spouses as the Chop House in Huntsville for our annual Christmas party. It was a WONDERFUL evening. I love my co-workers and their spouses are so much fun as well.


Parker Helping Put up Lights!




The Reno Christmas Tree

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

First Thanksgiving, First Big Boy Car Seat, First Crawl!

It was a day of many FIRSTS! Even though it was not exactly Thanksgiving day, it was our first Thanksgiving meal with the Duckworth family.

Last Friday night we went to the Bridgestreet Tree Lighting ceremony. It was so COLD!!!! We buddled up the entire family and headed out for some Holiday fun. After we watched the tree light up, we went inside to Jason's Deli for some warmth!


Last Saturday (November 22) was the Duckworth family Thanksgiving. This was the first time for my dad's family to be together for Thanksgiving in about 8 years. We had a wonderful spread of food. Parker showed off as I knew he would...being as cute as he could possibly be!

Once the extended family left, Braxton and I went to Babys R Us and bought Parker a "big boy" carseat. He is still facing backwards, but it is definetly a big boy seat! It even has armrests for his little arms. While we were shopping Elesha sent a text message saying that Parker was crawling! It was an army crawl using one arm and scooting on his belly. This was the best picture I could get of him trying to crawl!



The 3 Grandchildren - Gavin, Dakota & Parker


Thursday, November 20, 2008

Thanksgiving Around the Corner

Well I am sitting here WAITING patiently for Thanksgiving to roll around. For me Thanksgiving will begin Saturday! The Duckworth family (my dad's family) will be having Thanksgiving at my parent's house. This will be the first time the entire Duckworth family (minus my uncle's wife, Marcia) has been together for Thanksgiving in 8 or 9 years! So it will be an exciting day.

I can't decide if I am looking forward to seeing my family more or the food!?!?! Just kidding! It will be nice to see everyone, and enjoy the food and fellowship with my family.

As I said this kicks off our Holiday season and I just can't wait. My plan is to put up our Christmas decorations Saturday evening and finish them Sunday night. I am also anxious to see how long our Christmas tree will stay standing up. I am thinking that once the bright lights, and shinny ornaments adorn the tree....Parker may start crawling after all!! I can't say that I won't be a little excited, but hopefully my tree can wish stand a 25 pound little boy pulling on it.

And yes, I promise to post pictures soon!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Crazy Few Weeks

I have not done a good job of posting lately....but as I warned everyone in the beginning, no promise of posting every week.

This is a busy time for everyone with the holidays beginning, but things are even crazier because this is a busy season for me at work. How busy? Let's just say that the last 2 weeks I have had a headache EVERY DAY!!! But I am making it and I will survive. Once Monday, December 15th hits, my stress level will go from 150% to about 50%.

Last weekend was a little busy. Friday night we were in Huntsville for Gavin's 4th birthday. Hard to believe he is 4! It was at my home church. Parker was not feeling the best, but he survived for at least 3 hours. Saturday morning I drove back to Gardendale for a hair cut/color....it could not wait any longer! Braxton stayed in Huntsville for the morning to take Parker to the doctor. We thought he had an ear infection, but Dr. Laue saw nothing! That afternoon we went to Brayden's 1st birthday. It is amazing to see Brayden and Parker sitting beside each other. 4 months apart and Parker (the younger of the two) is 4 pounds heavier! Parker was definitely making a list of all the toys he wanted for Christmas and his birthday in March. That evening we sat around the house and just took it easy. Sunday was another day at the house. Sometimes it is just nice to get stuff done on the weekends.

This past weekend we took it easy. Friday night me, Braxton and Parker went to eat at Habaneros. It was Parker's first experience with all of the bright lights and bold color. Parker spent most of the night leaning back looking at the ceiling. And we did find a new love....refried beans (no cheese). Saturday we slept until almost 8am. I cleaned house during the morning while Braxton ran into town to run a few errands. The afternoon we spent hanging out and playing with Parker. Then we watched the football game. ROLL TIDE! It was a nice laid back, no makeup day!! Sunday we had church and then that afternoon we had our Choir Social at the Stardome Comedy Club. We ate lunch/dinner and heard Mickey Dean a stand up comedian. It was a great time of laughter and it was a nice chance to have some adult time.

I hope to post a few pictures of Parker from the last few weeks. One of my particular favorites is him trying to eat spaghetti noddles! TOO CUTE!

Hopefully everyone will have a great week!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Socks - Parker's New Friend

Promised picture of "Socks" and Parker.....too sweet!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Halloween Weekend

Friday evening we stayed with my parents. Saturday morning we got up and had a wonderful pancake breakfast thanks to Nana! Then we got ready and drove to Tennessee just south of Nashville. Braxton has a great uncle and great aunt (Uncle Mike and Aunt Pat) that live in a beautiful area of Tennessee. Other than pictures they had not had the opportunity to meet or see Parker. We ate lunch with them and stayed to watch the Alabama vs. Arkansas State football game. Uncle Mike played for Bear Bryant in the 60s. I actually got to see the letter that Bear Bryant wrote to him telling him that had received a scholarship to play football for the University of Alabama. It was pretty cool!! We had a some great food and wonderful fellowship. Parker fell in love with Aunt Pat. He actually let her rock him to sleep and before long, they were both asleep in the chair together. It was SO SWEET! Thanks Uncle Mike and Aunt Pat!

Sunday was church. We actually had a pretty smooth morning of getting ready for church. No ruffled feathers today! Sunday was Pastor Appreciation. We had a guest speaker from the Alabama Church of God State Office, Stan Holder. I had only heard him speak one time while Braxton and I were completing the MIP program. Wow did he do an amazing job. I think I pretty much cried last 15 minutes of his sermon when he was talking about how God completely healed his son and then we he talked about the mental healing he had experienced after he accidentally shot his brother in the face at the age of 8. If God can heal both of those situations, then there is nothing to big for GOD!!! After the sermon we had a wonderful time in the altar of God's reassurance that He is in control and an opportunity to just worship Him.

After church Parker, Braxton and myself went to eat lunch at Chili's and then to Target to pick up a few birthday presents. I think this was the first time that Parker had ever been down the toy isle. Boy were his eyes opened wide! As we were walking down one isle we saw a SOCK MONKEY stuffed animal. We showed it to Parker and his eyes lit up and a big smile came across his face. When Braxton put it back on the shelf Parker's eyes followed it. Well it was our first experience of being a SUCKER in the toy isle. We bought it. But to watch his face light up, it was worth every penny! I will try and post a picture of Parker with his new friend Socks.

Hope everyone had a GREAT week!

Happy Halloween!!!

It is Parker's FIRST HALLOWEEN!!!!! I worked from home on Halloween. Parker was such a good boy. He is so good about playing while Mommy works. I was so proud of him that I had to stop and take a picture! He is so content. Sometimes he will try to "move" towards me and the computer. He isn't always successful. When he starts to get real fussy, I move him closer to me and he will sit beside the shinny trash can (paper only!) and look at himself...he loves it!!

I hope Parker doesn't always think that every Halloween will be like this years! We had a wonderful Halloween. We loaded up and went to Huntsville for Parker's first Halloween. Two of our great friends, Tish and Jamie Engel hosted a hayride and Halloween party. We all (about 25 of us) met at Hampton Cove and had a hayride through the community. We stopped a few times and let the kids (and adults) trick-or-treat. See Parker's first house? Picture is not great, but it is what I got! Parker was so good. He didn't cry once, but he did try and eat the hay. I guess Sock Monkeys and hay don't go together. At the end of the ride he leaned his head over and was out!

After the hayride we stopped by to see my boss, Candy and her husband John. It was a nice surprise on Halloween. Parker never woke up while we were talking with them. After a short visit, we went on to the Halloween party. It was crazy! Some of the grandparents had also come by to see their grandchildren all dressed up for Halloween. We had Peter and Lucy from Narnia (Gavin and Dakota), a skeleton, 2 princesses, Peter Pan, a cowgirl, Indian Jones, a knight, one of the stars from High School Musical 3 and an octopus. It was GREAT! We ended up not leaving the Engel's house until 11pm. Thankfully Nana and Papa took Parker home around 10pm. It was a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Week in Review

It has been awhile since I posted anything, but we have been a busy family. Last week was just a busy day-to-day week. Parker was fighting an ear infection last week. I worked from my parent's house one day. When the work day ended I took Parker outside to grass (which we don't have at home) and took a few pictures in his "First Halloween" shirt. I think he was more interested in the grass than smiling for the camera.

Last weekend we just hung around the house. I wanted to get a few pictures hung up and I actually had the opportunity to go through all of Parker's (aka Gavin's old clothes) and hang up his clothes. It is hard to believe that he will be wearing 12 months in just a month or so!! Parker is actually slimming up....not to much weight gain, but of course his belly is still there.


We were just hoping that is 0-9 month Halloween outfit was going to fit!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Liz Hurley Ribbon Run

Is it Sunday yet????? So this is probably the BUSIEST week at Huntsville Hospital Foundation. For those who might not know...I work for HHF. We are the fundraising arm of Huntsville Hospital. We have 12 employees in our organization. This week is our largest event, the Liz Hurley Ribbon run. It is a 5k run that benefits the breast cancer fund at Huntsville Hospital. Last year we had about 2,500 runners registered. This year as of Wednesday night we had over 2,800 registered...and when I left work (at 6:45) we had over 3,000! WOW!

Needless to say, I am tired and worn out. Tomorrow will begin at 8:00am (well probably 5:30 because that is when Parker usually wakes up) and I won't get home until after 9:00pm. Then I have to be at "work" at 6:00am and I will work until 1:00pm. And then Parker and I will finally go home to Birmingham since Monday morning to see Braxton/Daddy.

If you have a free moment, pray for sanity, patience and a strong back to lift all the heavy boxes! Signing out and going to bed....Crystal

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Slow Weekend Preparing for a Busy Week!

This weekend was a family weekend. Friday night was a low key evening. We cooked dinner and watched a movie in our PJs!

Saturday we tried to sleep a little late, but because Parker went to bed at 7:30pm on Friday night he wanted to get up at 7:30 Saturday morning. I cooked breakfast (which I don't always do Saturday) and we started the day watching football. It is amazing how Alabama can not be playing football yet we have to watch football....ALL DAY LONG!!! After breakfast we got ready to go in to town. Parker needed new shoes! I must say that infant/toddler shoe designers could do a little better! How can you get a wide foot in a narrow opening???? Doesn't work! ANYWOO....we got some cute New Balance tennis shoes in a large size of 4! It was nice having Braxton with us shopping. We walked up and down the store front pushing Parker in the stroller. It was a nice afternoon. Saturday evening we spent at the house playing with Parker and "picking up" the house and of course watching football! Parker also had his first taste of Baby Mum-Mum aka a teething biscuit. Wow, he had fun with that!

Sunday we got up and went to church. We had an amazing service. Bishop Nassan Ibrahim from Africa preached a powerful message on prayer. This was the 5th or 6th time I had the opportunity to hear Bishop Nassan. He really opened my eyes to my prayer life and how I want to change things. The first point of his message was "Jesus prayed". He talked about how Jesus had no problems, nothing to pull him down, nothing to weight him down, yet he PRAYED! After an awesome message we had an unbelievable altar service. I really feel like the congregation at Christway needed to hear and see the move of God.

Sunday night was preparation for the week to come. At work we have our largest event of the year, the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run. Parker and I will be staying in Huntsville all week long because of me having to work late and of course the weekend is the event. Nana and Papa will be a big help this week! While I was packing, I put Parker in his Johnny Jump....what fun!!!

Hopefully this will be a good week. I PRAY that it will be as calm as possible and that I will have patience with myself and with work. HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Promised Pictures

I have been meaning to post some new pictures...here they are. Some are older, but thought everyone might enjoy them.



Gavin, Dakota, "Spot" & Parker



Parker and his friend Brayden

Parker at his sweetest....that is his friend, Sparky.






Bath Time at the Lake....the sink is now too small for Parker!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Catching Up

I have been a little behind and have not blogged in awhile. So here is what has been going on. Last Thursday, Parker was sick. He had his 6 month check up on Wednesday. Everything was good. He weighs almost 23 pounds and is 29.5 inches long. Big boy....ready to play football! Dr. Laue saw a little fluid in his right ear so he wrote him a prescription for an antibiotic just in case. WELL....Thursday morning he woke up with a 100.4 degree temperature. I took him with me to work and my dad came to pick him up. He kept him until I could leave after lunch. Parker is feeling much better. Now we have moved on to cutting our top 2 teeth....tough times!

Friday night Braxton and I were supposed to go to a movie with couples from the new ministry we are working with "One Love" to see Fireproof. After some unfortunate circumstances when we walked up to the counter to buy tickets, they were sold out! We were supposed to leading other couples to this movie! Talk about a bad night. Braxton and I left the movie theater and grabbed a bite to eat....we might as well take advantage of having a babysitter. By the way, thanks Brandie for keeping Parker. After dinner we called Brandie and she was willing to keep Parker overnight. So, we went to the 9:45pm Fireproof movie in Cullman. WHAT A GREAT MOVIE!!! Braxton and I cried - pretty much through the entire movie. It puts your life into prospective and made us realize that although we have a strong marriage, there are still things we can work on to improve our marriage. We are a work in progress!

Saturday, Braxton went to the Kentucky vs. Alabama game. Parker and I ran errands in the morning. We bought his Halloween costume - Sock Monkey and picked up a few groceries. My parents called after lunch and asked if we (Parker and I) wanted company. They came to the house and watched the football game with us. Parker was a little shocked to wake up from his nap and see his Papa and Nana. Thanks Mom and Dad for the company and for helping with Parker. AND....ROLL TIDE! It might not have been pretty, but it is still a win. Braxton made it home about 9:00 and I was off to bed!

Sunday we went to church. We had a great service and it was nice to be back at church after missing last week. We (B, P & Me) went to eat lunch. Parker had mashed potatoes for the first time....yummy! We took a nap at the house. I love my Sunday naps. Then I had a meeting for church to go to. How the weekend flies by!

Monday, September 29, 2008

Last Weekend of September - First Weekend of Fall

Why must our weekends be so short? It has been a couple of weeks since I posted, so I guess I need to catch up everyone up on the Reno Family!

The Renos have been fighting the fall time cold. Braxton had it first, then Parker, then Crystal, then back to Parker, back to Braxton and again back to me! NO FUN! Fighting the household sickness takes all your energy out and I had none left at the end of the week. Plus the work week was a trying one as well. Thank goodness for the weekend.

Friday night, Parker and I spent the evening with my parents at the camper in Scottsboro. It was great sitting around the campfire and laying on the hammock. Very relaxing! Saturday morning we woke up and went to Gavin's soccer game. He scored 2 goals...great for a 3 year old. He was decked out in his shin guards, blue t-shirt, soccer shorts (past his knees) and of course the famous blue mo hawk! After his game, Parker and I went to a pottery class where they took Parker's hand and foot print and the decorate a plate for Parker. I will post pictures once we get it back!

Saturday night we had friends/family over to watch the Alabama vs. Georgia football game. ROLL TIDE! WOW...what a game. It was unbelievable to watch Alabama play as hard as they did against a number 3 ranked team. Saturday night was a night filled with little sleep. I did not sleep well at all. When I woke up Sunday, I knew I could not make it to church and through the entire service. So...we did something we NEVER do....we called in sick to church. We actually had our own little church service. We watched First Baptist of Gardendale's church service....in our pjs! The rest of the day we spent at home relaxing and just taking it as easy as possible.

That was our weekend in a nutshell. Hopefully next weekend will be a more eventful one! And if time doesn't get away from me I will hopefully post a few pictures. Have a great week!!!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Parent of 3...just for tonight!

Tonight I was a mom of three! I stayed in Huntsville with my parents (try to save a little gas money!) and my niece and nephew were staying as well. Elesha and Brant had to go to a trade show in Memphis, TN. Nana (my mom) had a planning meeting at church, which left Dakota, 6, Gavin, 3 almost 4, and Parker, 6 months with me and Papa (my dad). WOW...what energy those 2 children have. We started by eating pizza for dinner...nana and papa's treat. After dinner we went outside. The weather was so nice. I put Parker in his stroller and let him watch us all play. Get this....we played with a frisbee. I haven't played with a frisbee in forever! We had 5 frisbees, 3 softballs and 1 football. Dakota and Gavin won the "football game". And for a moment I thought about doing a cartwheel but was too afraid I would have to drive myself to the ER! Once we came back in the house, it was homework time....flash cards and piano. Finally it was bath time. After they smelt nice and clean, I fixed the kids orange sherbet and let them watch a little bit of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. AND finally at 8:30pm they were off to bed. But of course the day doesn't end after that! Lunches must be packed, clothes for the next day laid out and a much needed piece of chocolate cheesecake had to be eaten! GOOD NIGHT!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Our Weekend: Can you spell B-U-S-Y!!

Wow, it feels like this weekend has flown by. And what do I have to show for it? Nothing except the memory of a weekend. Friday was a work day and Friday night we spent at the house hanging out and relaxing after a long week.

Braxton wasn't feeling well so we wanted to sleep a little late on Saturday...we just were hoping Parker would agree. HE DID!!! After a bottle at 5:50 am, Parker went right back to sleep and slept until almost 9:00 am! Braxton and I had decided to save money on gas we would not leave the house all day Saturday, but plans changed. We packed up the car and ran errands in Gardendale/Fultondale. Braxton really hates to go to the grocery store, but he was a trooper. I had a little leverage because I let him buy something at Bama Fever. =) We had planned to stay at home and watch the Bama game, but Braxton's family invited us over to the house to eat and watch the game.

Sunday was the busy day! We left the house at 8:30 am and did not got back home until a little after 6:00 pm. We went to church as usual then over to Braxton's grandmother's house to have lunch. Then we had a birthday party for Kennedy, Braxton's cousin at Froggy's. The picture is of Parker falling in love with balloons! He attacked this balloon. He had so much slobber on the balloon that no one wanted to touch it. I think for his birthday we will just fill the room with balloons! Parker also slid down his first inflatable slide with his mommy and daddy. Not too thrilled, but at least he didn't cry! After the party we went to Tiffany and Brent's (Braxton's brother) new house to check it out. Then we finally went home to wash clothes and get ready for the next work week.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Painting Class


Not only am I a musician, but now I can call myself an artist! And this is more than just an art class you were required to take in elementary or middle school. I actually paid to take the class. This past Thursday night me, Elesha (my sister), and two ladies I work with, Susan and Michele, took a painting class. We painted a picture of Big Al. I must say that it is very tough for someone who is OCD to paint. Everyone in the class could hear when I would breath heavy and sigh. The artist and her assistant kept reminding me that you can't mess up. Well, as a musician you can mess up...it must be perfect! Oh well, it was fantastic evening....and I will do it again. Maybe once every two months??? The best part was spending time with friends and I have a cute painting to add to my Alabama room.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

3 am ER visit & Baby Dedication

WOW! What a weekend. Friday evening Parker and I spent the night with my parents in Huntsville. We were supposed to go to Intergraph's family picnic so that my mom could show off all of her grandkids. Thursday and Friday Parker was not feeling great. As far as I knew it was just a cold with a cough...but Saturday morning things changed. Parker woke up around 3 am coughing and unable to get a good breath. So, mom, dad, myself and Parker took a trip to Huntsville Hospital Pediatric ER. And might I say he was ADORABLE in his XS hospital gown! Unfortunately it was the one time I did not have my camera in the car. Parker was given a shot and a breathing treatment, and diagnosed with croup. After 2 hours of observation we left the hospital at 7 am.


And Sunday was a big day. Parker was dedicated at Christway Sunday morning. We were so blessed to have our entire family there including great-grandparents, grandparents, brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. I must say that Parker looked cute. He had a beautiful dedication gown (yes a dress!!) on that was white with blue smocking. After church service we had lunch at our house. 20 people and a wonderful spread of food. Jim 'N Nicks does come in handy when you need lots of food. Plus some home cooked goodies including potato salad, peach cobbler and sweet potato casserole. YUMMY!! It was a great time to spend with both families together, however we are so thankful that it is over. And hopefully Parker will be back to himself in a few days.

Friday, September 5, 2008

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

It is Friday, and I am just getting around to posting about last weekend! Talk about a busy week! Our Labor Day weekend was great. Friday evening and Saturday were spent in Huntsville because I had to work Saturday morning, then it was back to Hayden to watch the Alabama game. This was Parker's first Alabama Football game, and what excitement it was! ROLL TIDE ROLL! We made an appearance at our neighbor's house for a little while, then it was time for Parker's bath and bedtime.


After church on Sunday, we left for Jackson County State Park in Scottsboro. We spent the night at my parent's camper and then spent all day Monday on Guntersville Lake. Parker hung out at the camper most of the day. It was a great weekend with the Duckworth and Maynard families.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

First Vacation Without Parker

It had to happen sometime! Better earlier than later. Braxton is having to attend a government sponsored safety conference at Perdido Beach. I made the decision to tag along for a mini-vacation. Three days at the beach is not a bad time.

We left Parker with my parents on Saturday. As we were driving down the interstate I asked Braxotn if he would turn around and go back to pick up Parker. He told me "no". That evening Braxton and I actually enjoyed a peaceful night of rest. No baby monitor to listen for, nor a night lite to direct our path to Parker's room. It was very restful! And of course so was that Sunday. It is amazing how much later you can wake up when you don't have to get little man fed, dressed and ready for church!

Wednesday will be the last day at the beach, however we won't get to see Parker until Thursday afternoon when I get off work. WOW, 5 days without kissing his sweet cheeks! I do miss him!

Thanks to Nana and Papa for taking care of him while we are away. It means so much to us.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Welcome!

Welcome to the Reno Family Blog! I have decided this will be the easiest way for people (including those who do not use My Space) to keep up with the busy Reno Family.

Why did I decide to start a blog? Well, I am sitting at the beach on vacation and figured I needed something to do. Plus, we have so many friends and family who live out of town and we do not keep up with everyone as we should.

How often will I/we post? Well let's just say not as often as some of you would probably like! Hopefully I can get around to this once a week, or at least after big events with some great pictures.

Keep checking back to see our latest post. Trust me, there is always something going on with the Reno Family! SO....as we sign off for the evening we say GOODBYE, from Braxton, Crystal and Parker Reno!