Gone Fishin'

Dan and Will were invited to go with Tim (Dan's boss) on a fishing trip Saturday morning. Will could not have been more pumped!! He started every day this week by waking up and running into our room asking if it was Saturday yet and if it was time to go fishing with Mr. Tim. So, on Saturday, he had no problem waking up early to be out of the house by 5:30 am!
Dan reported that he was a little skeptical of the boat at first, but once he warmed up to the idea that it wasn't going to sink, he started to have fun.
The first catch was a great big stick! Will was excited anyway.


He even caught a fish all by himself. Dan cast the line out and Will controlled the reel, hooked the fish, and then reeled it in by himself. He was so proud of his little bass.
Will's first catch

They came home tired and ready for a nice long nap, but I think it was a really special day for Will as well as Dan.
And big props to Dan for remembering to pack the camera. I love hanging the pictures to document the day.

Wedding Weekend

Last weekend, we were in Hartselle to be a part of Clay and Michelle's wedding. The whole weekend was really a special occasion filled with joy, excitement, as well as sadness.

I don't feel like I can move forward without acknowledging the sad start to the week that was the funeral of Michelle's sister, Danielle. She was tragically killed in the tornadoes that swept through the southeast last week, and in losing her, a very loved and wonderful young woman's life was cut short. It was a traumatic event that affected us all so deeply. The Downs family was put through a true test of strength last week and I have never seen a family prevail in such a way or exhibit such love and support for one another. Through that strength, they were able to move forward and celebrate an absolutely wonderful wedding for Clay and Michelle. I feel blessed to be forever linked with this great family.

On Thursday, the wedding festivities began with Michelle's bridal luncheon.

Some of the beautiful bridesmaids with Michelle

Then, Thursday night, we attended the Rehearsal and Rehearsal dinner.
Here is a classic shot of the Whatley guys!

The Rehearsal dinner afterward was really nice. There were so many nice toasts said in honor of the bride and groom and a really special toast made by the groom himself. I don't know that there was a dry eye in the room.

The wedding was beautiful, which you will have to take my word on until we have pictures to share. The weather was perfect, the bride was gorgeous, and everyone truly enjoyed themselves.

Thoughout the weekend, we were able to squeeze in a few other fun things as well.
We celebrated Gigi's big 5-0, even though she was still 49...until today, actually! Happy Birthday!! ;)


And of course, the three amigos spent lots of time together. On Sunday, Gigi and Jabo took them out to the pond for a little wet adventure!





All in all it was a really wonderful weekend, and a week I will always remember.

Congratulations Clay and Michelle!! We wish you both years and years of happiness!!

My Man

I am so proud of Dan!!! I am always proud of him, but especially recently for completing graduate school. He graduated from MSU (again) on Saturday, April 30th with an MBA with an emphasis in Project Management. He put in three long years to recieve this degree, doing all of his coursework online in his "free" time. And he made it look easy. I hardly ever heard him complain and there was very little disruption to our normal family life. Thanks for all your hard work Dan-O! You are amazing!!




Clay and Michelle also graduated! Way to go guys!


And a big thank you to Gigi, Patrick, and Katie for making the trip over to celebrate with us!