Desert and Beach Life

Jack and I have been on two family vacations this summer. First, we headed out to Scottsdale with his parents, Jordan and Trey, his grandparents, and his aunt, uncle and cousins! It was a fabulous week in Arizona - great weather and great surroundings.

Full suburban - six people, 6 bags, 3 golf bags.

 Sadly, these are the only two pictures I can find of the week right now....

Yummy mac and cheese - I ate the twice during the week!

The following month, we headed back to the lovely beaches of 30-A as we loved our time there last year. A similar group as our dessert vacation came along, however we missed spending time with Trey since he had to start his job while we were there. There is something so special about the beach. I think worries are not allowed to be there.

First in line for donuts at 6:30am.

beach day.

So we rented beach bikes (think baskets and wide handle bars) and rode 9 miles into Seaside. It was fun, but the 9 mile ride home was ....not fun. But fun.

Nature.

Jack likes taking nature pictures.

Once in Seaside, Jack got a lobster roll.

I got a Grilled Cheese.

We had some snow cones.

A needed refreshing treat.

Coolest dog water bowl contraption ever - 30-A loves dogs and this contraption proves it!

Before dinner one night.

We hope you get some time this summer to go somewhere with friends and family. If not, plan a staycation! We are huge supporters of vacations. 

Vacations are awesome.
-Jack and Kayla

P.S. For those wondering about Duncan Dog, he goes to a pet resort in Norman while we are gone. He loves it there. The sweet ladies love him too - we are so thankful he is a good boy while we are gone!

Blast from the Past

My dear friend Hanieh is cleaning out her garage with her husband and came across so many pictures and items that involved me. That's what happens when your inseparable from the age of 2 to 6 (possibly until now since we are still good friends). Here's a few things she ran across:

Kayla, as snow white(?) circa 1993.

Hanieh was confused why she had a KKG angel in her stitching bag. I think I had her finish her for me... which she never did. So, fast forward 10 years and I've got to find some DMC to finish this bad boy up.

We have so many memories together, which always brings out the statement "we were weird little kids". I think it's safe to say we turned out okay, despite our weirdness. Hanieh has been my friend longer than any other (going on 23 years). I'm so happy we have kept in touch throughout college and beyond... otherwise, no one would believe me about the strange things we did growing up.

-Jack and Kayla

Puppy Play Date

Duncan loves his new cousin, Beau. Beau is growing so fast and is a great puppy friend for Duncan. Here are some pictures from there play dates.

Beau's second visit to see us.

Beau and Duncan found friendship early on.

Cute pups.

Last night, Jordan and Trey came over with Beau, who appears to have doubled in sized! He definitely has more energy and is so fun to watch.  Duncan was a gentle giant and somewhat to our surprise, super sweet to Beau.

Taking a breather from their fun.

Mr Giraffe - who's stuffing is coming out - was the victim of tug of war.

These dogs would have played all night long.

 Pictures really do not capture the fun these two had.

Until the next play date...
-Jack and Kayla

New Friend!

Duncan Dog has a cousin! Jordan and Trey picked out the sweetest golden retriever a few weeks ago and he comes home this week! We cannot wait for multiple puppy play dates, even though Duncan may end up bullying the sweet little guy. Duncan has some social lessons to learn.  And he needs some manners. And he is blowing his coat right now and shedding up a storm... that's another story though.

We cannot wait for puppy fun!
-Jack, Kayla and Duncan

Family Photo

I would like this picture to be on the top of the blog, but I can't seem to figure out how to change pictures. I managed to delete the old picture, but now I can't add a new one. I'll figure it out.

-Jack and Kayla (and Duncan Dog!)

A week with Maxi!

Maxi's dad, Jack's uncle, asked if we would watch Maxi while he was on vacation. We thought it would be fun for Duncan to have a friend. After the first day, they calmed down and went on with life as normal. I'll be the first say, I thought for sure on the first day of having both dogs, something in the house would break or one of the dogs would need hospitalization. Thank goodness I was wrong - they were great companions!

Maxi

Thankfully our couch is huge; two humans and two dogs fit nicely.

Maxi is so sweet. I had no idea she could just lay down and relax. In the past, she is running and playing so hard!

Maxi sleeps on a bed. Duncan sleeps in a crate. This is Duncan on Maxi's bed, either warming it up for her or telling us he doesn't want to sleep in a crate.

Maxi must have an internal alarm clock. Every morning around 6:45 (weekday or weekend) she would come stare at either Jack or I until we got out of bed. After the first few mornings, we told her to go back to bed! 

Duncan has a big head compared to her.

Duncan is taller, but Maxi may have more muscle than Duncan.

Similar profiles... wait, is that slobber coming form Duncan's mouth?!

Maxi stayed with us for week. We sort of didn't want to give her back to Uncle Jeff. It was fun having two dogs - maybe Duncan is ready for a friend. Although, after Maxi left, I think Duncan slept more to recover from his week of fun!

Come stay with us anytime, Maxi!
-Jack and Kayla

Play time with Silver Labs

We made a quick trip to Duncan, the town, for Christmas with the Jones (my mother-in-law's family). We always have a good time there. Duncan Dog really enjoys running in Gramp and KK's backyard. Duncan got to play with his best girlfriend Maxi.

She is faster than Duncan.

Jack thought ahead and packed some frisbees for playing.

Maxi does a great "give me five" or "pound it"

Jack, his uncle and cousins watching the silver labs play.

Duncan's tongue hung out of his mouth all day!

Duncan isn't used to playing this hard, so he took some breaks.

Those two love to play with each!

Duncan and Maxi are pretty funny together. We enjoyed seeing her in Duncan!

-Jack and Kayla

Wrapped and Ready

With Christmas just about here, we are wrapped and ready for the festivities!

Wrapped.

Ready.

Also ready are some sweet treats from our kitchen. We should have plenty to share!

No Bake Cookies.

Oreo Cupcakes.

We can't wait to spend time with our family. In just three short days, we will get to see almost all of our Oklahoma family. That's pretty awesome. We can't wait.

Wish we you a very, merry Christmas.
-Jack and Kayla

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving came quickly, but we enjoyed our time away from work and time with our families. Jack and I went to Duncan (the city) for Thanksgiving lunch at my mother in law's parents house. The whole family was there and it was lovely - great food and tons of laughing.

Before we left OKC, we snapped a few pictures in hopes they would work out for our Christmas card. Luckily one will work (which I won't spoil the card by showing) but here are the rejects -

Just a sweet little kiss on the cheek.

and then a second, bigger kiss.

Jack needs kisses too.

And for said kisses, he wants a belly rub.

Bad placement... and his skunk - Stevie - was in the picture.

No more pictures, please!

I will post our final picture and card once they come in.

Hope your Thanksgiving was full of family.
We're thankful for so much.
-Jack and Kayla

Weekend Fun

It's always nice to have a weekend home with no football games to attend and no real plans. This was one of those weekends.

Friday night, we made our own cinna-pie. You know, like a dessert pizza. 

Jack preparing for baking.

The product. Quite delicious.

As always, Duncan supervises.

We love Duncan Dog. And we are pretty sure he loves us.

Saturday, Jordan and Trey came over for dinner and some fireside fun. It was a very windy evening, but we managed to keep the fire going.

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Trey wanted to climb to the top. So he did.

He survived the climb.

Duncan wanted to follow up him; Jack had to restrain him.

It was a wonderful weekend. Soon, our weekends will be filled with more football, holiday gatherings and holiday decorating.

We will take the rest now.
-Jack and Kayla