Baseball Season...officially

Well, it's official...Brenden's first baseball season started tonight!!!! We're very excited about this new adventure in our life. Anyone that knows our family well knows that baseball is a big part of our life. It is one of Bobby's favorite sports and it's probably the only sport that Brooke can get into! ;)

Well, since birth, it has been a passion for Brenden. He has LOVED every aspect of baseball since he was tiny. When he used to throw things at us we would say...hopefully one day he'll put that arm to good use playing ball and make us some money in the process! Ha! Once he started walking he was eager to "play" baseball whenever we would let him. He would play catch with Bobby at home. Run the bases with Papa at his house. Watch rerun games on DVR no matter what time of year. It has been a constant in our life for 4 years now!

We knew that the day would come when we would sign him up to play in a local little league and honestly, we were both eager to see that day arrive. He has such a love for this sport that it's actually nice that he's finally old enough to play some "real baseball."

Tonight was his first practice and we're both very proud of how well it went. We won't lie and say that he's the best on the team...shoot he wasn't even 2nd best. However, he was probably the most eager out there! He leaned against the fence at one point punching his glove saying "I can do this! I can do this!" He was PUMPED about this opportunity and that make us so happy!
Coach Brad was also great with him which is refreshing as well because we didn't mind stepping back and letting him take over with any guidance, discipline, encouragement, etc.

It was a GREAT night and we're hoping it's just the start to a GREAT season. We know that Brenden has A LOT to learn about the sport and we're eager to watch him grow this season. However, we also know that you can't teach passion and so we're excited to watch him getting to do something that he loves so much at least twice a week!

I mean look at this face...

he's in heaven, right?!?

P.S. Brenden is now an "Expo" which is something that may take awhile to get used to! ;)

Friends and Family

Last weekend was a very special weekend in the Farr house. Bobby headed to Plymouth to pick up Brenden and Bryleigh from their extended stay with MawMaw! We were so ready to have the kids back home and it was actually interesting to see that for the first time ever, the kids acted ready to return as well. We are so blessed to have MawMaw keep those 2 when we want/need her. The kids absolutely LOVE their time with her and we are able to enjoy each other's company knowing that they are totally safe and happy. Bobby really loved being able to head to Plymouth to squeeze in more time with his family before heading back to Durham with Brenden and Bryleigh. It was also perfect timing because Brooke had plans for the weekend as well.

On Saturday, Brooke headed to Burlington with Kelly and Tonya to meet up and enjoy an extended visit with Jenn. The girls typically try to meet up for dinner about once a month (if they are lucky), but this time they decided to do a little more. There was shopping, dinner, laughter, and lots of visiting and stories involved with this trip. They decided to get a suite at a local hotel and really make the most of this visit. It is such a blessing to have good friends no matter where they live or how often you get to see them. However, to still have friendships that you started years ago...that's a rarity.

Our special visits this past weekend only remind us of how much we truly love our family and friends. We cannot get enough time with each one of them and constantly thank God for the impact and influence that they have on our lives daily.

Thank You MawMaw!

This past weekend we were SO thankful for MawMaw and her willingness to take care of her Grandbabies when we ask!!!

We had the opportunity to take the kids to MawMaw's for the weekend so we could enjoy some days of relaxation and dating! :) Both are a rare treat in our household currently!!!

On Saturday we had such a good time on a day-long date. We started our day by sleeping in late and enjoying a low key breakfast at home. (Anyone that knows us well knows that sleeping in late is treat enough for the 2 of us so we could have stopped there and considered it one of the best weekends ever!) ;)

After our morning at home we headed out to Chapel-Hill (God's Country) to watch our Tar Heels play baseball. It was a gorgeous day and a wonderful game...the Heels pulled out a win and we all know that's also a rarity now a days! ;) We could not have hand picked better weather for this game and it was a perfect location for our day out and about.

Right after the baseball game we had to hurry home so we could change clothes and get ready for our annual date to Easley's Silent Auction. This is hands-down one of our most favorite date nights all year! We met up with some friends and headed over to Umstead Pines for some bidding, socializing, and enjoyable adult conversations. It was a blast!!! We even left the auction with a few new and fun items that we will be able to enjoy in the months/year ahead...but that's for a different post on a different day! ;)

We really can't thank MawMaw enough for her willingness to keep the kids for us and for also taking such good care of them while they are there. These dates always remind us of how blessed we are to have such supportive families, enjoyable adult outings, and of course The Heels! :)

Wordless Wednesday

The Big 3-0!

Last Sunday Brooke turned 30 years old!

Yep, you read that right...the big 3-0!

Now, we know what you're all saying/thinking..."But Brooke looks so young!" "Wow she really looks hot to be 30!" "She must really eat well, exercise daily, and avoid sunlight to look so great!" We hear you and we're all just as amazed as each of you, but it's true. She is aging and this year was her 30th! ;)

The family had made some plans for this special weekend that included Greg coming in from out of town, Hopie having an Upwards game on Saturday morning, followed by lots of family time that afternoon, and then dinner at Outback that evening. Brooke was very excited about her "special day" but nothing could have prepared her for the weekend ahead...

On Friday night Greg arrived into town for dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. It was a blast to hang out (until entirely too late), eat some yummy food, and just catch up over dinner. After dinner we went home and Bobby decided to go ahead and give Brooke her birthday gift. She was super excited to get some Dansko shoes that she has been wanting for about 4 years. It was the perfect gift and a HUGE surprise!!!

Bobby informed Brooke of some changes in the weekend plans but it was nothing too major for Brooke. Bobby had decided to hire a babysitter to keep the kids so Saturday's dinner would be a little more relaxing and enjoyable for the entire family. He had also decided that we would all go to Bennett Pointe instead of Outback for a quieter evening of celebrating. (Smart man, huh?) It still looked like it was going to be a great time for Brooke and the entire family.

So, having a babysitter meant that we had to leave for dinner after every one else to make sure our kids didn't feel too overwhelmed by everyone's immediate exit at the same time. After e giving the babysitter 1001 different directions we finally headed out to meet up with the rest of the family. Walking into dinner Brooke was her normal talkative self and was oblivious to what was about to come. Nana was waiting in the lobby for us and then quickly opened the door to a private room where Brooke heard, "SURPRISE!"....that word was a perfect description of how she felt! She could not believe her eyes. The room was filled with some amazing friends that had all come out to mourn...I mean celebrate the big 3-0 with Brooke! The night was great!!! Bobby had ordered an amazing 80's themed birthday cake that had some of Brooke's childhood favorites like MTV, PacMan, CareBears, and Smurfs! It was also covered with some favorite games like a Rubix cube, SIMON, and of course a record labeled with the #1 hit from when she was born (Michael Jackson - I wanna Rock with You). The cake looked amazing but also had to be one of the best tasting cakes as well!

Brooke was definitely a little bummed to see some faces missing in the crowd but she received special text messages, phone calls, emails, etc from them so she knows that they wish they could have come. Overall, it was an amazing night. It was filled with laughter, great stories, faithful friends, cute (and hilarious) cards, and yummy food! It was a wonderful way to celebrate such a special occasion. It was a HUGE surprise to Brooke and tremendous testimony to how blessed she is daily!
On Sunday (Brooke's actual Birthday) the family went to Outback for the much anticipated dinner that Brooke had requested originally. Her parents and sister's family did a great job of making her feel loved and appreciated with lots of attention and some great gifts. Plus, Outback gave her a YUMMY birthday treat which was exciting for the whole table!

Many people say that their 30th birthday was a hard one for them. Some say that it was depressing for them or hard to except in comparison to the others. For Brooke, 30 was definitely a dreaded birthday and she was not looking forward to the transition. However, now, thanks to this guy....
...Brooke will always remember her 3oth as a celebration/recognition of her many blessings! She will never forget what an amazing family she has or what wonderful friends surround her daily. She is so thankful that her hubby gave her this weekend to help her remember what God has given her daily already...no matter how old! :)

Wordless Wednesday

(Not taken by Brenden this time...we'll return to that next week) :)

Dear Uncle Greg...

Thank you for the great Christmas present!!! I absolutely love my Chuck the truck! It talks about dirt and sand and makes different noises depending on how I move it. I also like how it rolls over just about anything...even Mommy's foot when she's not paying attention.

My only problem with Chuck is that sometimes I can't find him when I'm ready to play with him. It's weird because I can still hear him say "Bye" to me but I just can't find him. Do you have any clue where he might go to hide from me???


Oh well, thanks again for the great gift and we hope to see you again very soon!

Love always,
Brenden :)

Wordless Wednesday

(The view from our front door on Saturday morning.)

Fun Fun Fun

This weekend has been filled with lots of fun activities for the little Farrs in the family!!

It all started on Friday when Brenden had "Hibernation Day" at school. The kids were supposed to wear their pajamas to school and they ate pancakes for a special snack. They also took a teddy bear in a box to put into hibernation for the rest of winter. Brenden was VERY excited about this special day at school!! He could not wait to get "dressed" in his pajamas on Friday morning and he wouldn't put down his teddy bear all morning for fear he would forget it when it was time to walk out the door. Last year he went in his Hugh Hefner PJ's but this year he decided to go a little more low key in his sporty pajamas! :) He had a great day and loved this special time at school!


(Pajamas are on and he's ready to go)

("Cheesing" for Mommy)

(Brenden with his teddy bear)


Finally, the rest of our weekend has been filled with lots of cold wintry fun! Brenden was super excited to see the snow start on Friday night, but not as excited as he was on Saturday when he looked outside and saw all that accumulated.
We thought that he would be very eager to go outside and play in the snow but he was very reserved at first. He just said "not yet" when we would ask him if he wanted to go out. About half way through the morning we asked him again if he wanted to go outside and he just looked out the door and said "Not now, I have to wait for that (the snow falling) to stop." We're not quite sure why he thought he had to wait, but we didn't argue with him. Finally, about 30 minutes later he looked at us while playing and said "Okay, I'm ready to go outside!" :) We don't really know what changed his mind, but we were eager to get him dressed and send him out to enjoy! He had a blast playing on the deck by himself for awhile and then he wanted to venture out to the front and side yards so Mommy decided to join in on the fun!
After making snow angels, trying to build a snowman, making tracks in the snow, and having a snowball fight we decided to head inside to warm up for a bit. Brenden didn't object too much since he had face-planted during the snowball fight and got the snow all in his mouth and nose! ;) After lunch, some indoor play time, and some rest Brenden was eager to get back outside and this time the whole family joined him for the fun. All four of us bundled up and headed out.


Brenden was just as eager to get as cold and wet as he was earlier that morning! He was digging, throwing "snowballs", making snow angels with Daddy, and enjoying every second of his experience. Bryleigh on the other hand was not as sure of the cold and snow! She didn't trust her feet and was VERY fearful of falling. (Which was ironic because she never did.) She mostly just stood still watching the 3 of us but after awhile she warmed up to the idea some and walked around the yard behind her "Bubba".
It didn't last very long though and then she was ready for Daddy and Mommy to hold on to her and help her stay warm and of course we didn't mind that ONE bit! ;)
We have had a house of coughing, runny noses, and fevers this weekend...which has been NO fun at all! However, this snowy weather was just the perfect "medicine" for our souls! It brought smiles to our faces and encouraged us to get outside and get some fresh air. PLUS...it gave Mommy and Daddy lots of quality time with these two cuties which was the biggest blessing of all!

Quality Time with Uncle Greg!!!

Our family packed up and headed to good ol' Charlotte last weekend to spend the weekend with Uncle Greg. Gregie will be celebrating a birthday next week so this was our chance to go and visit him and recognize him in honor of his special day. We always LOVE our time with Greg, but to hang out with him in Charlotte is a huge bonus for us all. Below are some of our pictures from the weekend of fun, family, and festivities...



Oh Yeah...one more thing...