A Gamecock Day!

Carson and Daddy had the opportunity to attend the USC/Wofford game last Saturday, but were unable to because it was the day of Carson's party. They were also set to leave early Sunday morning to see the Braves. Well, Brian got a call from Aunt Lizzie this week telling him that a friend of hers was willing to sell two of his tickets for this weekend's game. Brian was scheduled to work, but was able to get off to take Carson to Columbia for this BIG day! We kept it a secret from Carson until early on Friday morning! They had a fabulous time! It helped that Carolina beat the opposing team! I truly don't know who was more excited- - - Brian or Carson!! They sure have enjoyed sporting events lately!! They have another BIG football game planned for Friday night!

A Thank You for a Thank You!

Aunt Lizzie is so talented! She created Carson's super cute 6th birthday party invitations and thank you cards AGAIN this year! We love them! Thank you Aunt Lizzie!! If any of my guests ever need any birthday invitations, announcements, thank you cards, etc. I would HIGHLY recommend Liz!!!!

We Met at the Pole!!

A Sneak Peek...

at "This Little Piggy"!

An End to a Great Birthday!

This picture is cool because this was the Braves on the year Carson was born!

On Sunday, Carson and his daddy traveled to Atlanta to see the Braves play the Mets. Carson had wanted to see this match-up since he played for the Mets this year in baseball. They had a great time! Sorry for the lack of pictures...Daddy does not take pictures like Mommy! We are so grateful for the wonderful birthday Carson had!

Six Years Ago Today...

Dear Carson,
It is officially 5:44 in the morning. Six years ago at this time, I was patiently, but very nervously awaiting your arrival. Mommy spent the night in the hospital, and waited for the doctors to help you make your grand entrance into this world the next day! My world was forever changed when you made your grand entrance into this world at about 3:40 in the afternoon. All of your family and mommy's friends were at the hospital patiently awaiting for those doors to open and the announcement to be made that you were here! When I think back to that day I can't help but cry tears of happiness. God gave me the best gift ever... a baby boy that would grow up to be the AMAZING BIG boy you are today!! This past year has been a difficult one for you, one that I never imagined you would have to experience as a small child. To begin with your baby sister whom you absolutely ADORE had to be put in the hospital for a few days. That was so hard for you. It was hard for you to understand and hard for you to be away from your family while we were in the hospital. Then in April your mommy was taken away from you for a month. I know that is NOT a lot of time in the grand scheme of life, but to a five year old it could seem like an eternity. I praise God for allowing me to live on this earth as your mommy. He knew you needed me as much as I need you!
Even though I am much better now and am at home with you, I am still not the mommy I strive to be. I am working really hard to be able to run with you, play baseball with you, let you sit on my lap, let you be able to hug me tight... all the things I used to do and LOVE! I love that we are still cuddle bugs, that we race every morning to see who can get dressed first, that you are at school with me, that you are my BIG BOY!!!!! Carson, God provided me with the greatest little baseball fan and "Jimmie Johnson" that I could have ever asked for. I pray that as you grow up, you will grow closer to God, and fully understand the miraculous things He has done in your family's lives. I can't wait to see what God has in store for your life this year! Before we know it, you will be seven! Carson, I love you to the moon...and back!

I love you,
Mommy

Carson's 6th Birthday Fun!

Carson is so excited about his party!

We loved our Gamecock cake!

These are the treat bags Uncle Chris helped me put together!

Grammy arrived early to decorate for us!

Papa and Phil decided to hang out in the party room for the party!

The presents were piling up!

My cutie patootie cuddle bug Will!

Ella enjoyed the water with her daddy.

Josh and Savy

Brianna was a big girl! She didn't need her mommy in the pool with her!

Isabella

You can't be a mom if your shirt isn't pulled by a baby!

Savy is such a cutie!

Carson and Tripp enjoyed the pool together! They even managed to throw the football back and forth in the pool!

Sabrina with Isabella

Aunt Lizzie

Alex

Luke

John

This picture makes me laugh

Carson was so excited about the pool!

Tripp was so cute in his goggles.

Alex

Friends for a lifetime! :)

Sisters that look too much alike! :)

Isabella enjoys swimming party from her stroller!

Can't tell you the last time we had a picture together!

G.G. enjoyed the pool from the sideline.

Ella taking a step into the pool

I had no idea Carson could go all the way under the water and hold his breath!

Aunt Donna and Cousin Dawson enjoy the pool!

Papa decided NOT to go for a swim!

Uncle Chris enjoyed the pp

Tripp

This picture makes me smile!

Aunt Karen and Cousin Ian

John

Carson and Clark

Pure excitement!

Just being a little shy!

If we only knew his wishes!

Time for cake and ice cream

I think this is the first time in Carson's life when he didn't want cake!

Grant

Hayden

Ella enjoyed her ice cream after her meltdown!

Grammy and Carson

Aunt Karen tries to capture this precious moment!

Papa giving Kristy some sort of advice I am sure.

Grandma Bobbie with Dawson and Ian

Josh and Savannah enjoy the snacks!

Let the present opening begin!!!

Tripp gave Carson this Byrnes sweatshirt with his name monogrammed on the back!

Carson is one lucky boy to have this special hat!

Carson loved his special card from Bobbie.

Uncle Chris and Cousin Dawson

Carson opened this game before opening the actual Wii! I tried to convince him we would probably have to take it back since we didn't even

What's inside????

THE WII!!!!

We love the Gamecock BIG BOY bank! Now it must be time to get rid of Carson's baby teddy bear bank!

Carson even enjoyed opening his cards this year!

The Gamecock basketball outfit was a HUGE hit!

The JIMMIE SUIT!

The BOYS! (Luke, John, Hayden, Tripp, "Jimmie", Clark, Alex, and Grant)

Cousin Ian

Alex and "Jimmie"

Aunt Lizzie and "Jimmie"

Pure happiness!

"Jimmie" is driving!

Two thumbs up!

Our little Gamecock basketball star!

Carson's 6th birthday GAMECOCK party was so much fun! We are so blessed to have such amazing friends and family members that have helped us celebrate Carson's birthday each year. I have always been a HUGE party planner when it came to Carson's birthday. I typically began planning the theme and party in the summer. Well, since God had other plans for me this summer I waited pretty much til the last minute for this year's party planning. Carson knew he wanted a Gamecock party and decided he wanted a swim party when we went to Luke's Clemson swim party a few weeks ago. It worked out great! While we were at the YMCA for Luke's party, I scheduled Carson's party, and we were off to the BIG DAY! Aunt Lizzie designed the adorable invitations, I spent a DAY trying to pick out the perfect party treats, Aunt Lizzie ordered the Gamecock cake, and Grammy purchased all of the decorations! We could NOT have asked for a more perfect party! All of the children had a BLAST swimming! The only problem was Ella's pretty severe melt down that lasted for at least half of the party. I think she had an ear infection and once water got in her ear...that was it! Thank goodness we had a prescription for an antibiotic we were able to have filled right after the party.

Carson's 6th Birthday Party Stats

Theme: Gamecock Swim Party

Location: YMCA

Time: 10-12

Guests: Mommy, Daddy, Ella, Grammy, Papa, Aunt Lizzie, G.G., Grandma Bobbie, Aunt Karen, Cousin Ian, Aunt Donna, Uncle Chris, Dawson, Kelli, Josh, Savannah, Isabella, Freddy, Sabrina, Will, Tripp, Kristy, Brianna, Kevin, Lorie, Hayden, Grant, Eric, Karen, Alex, Luke, John, Sarita, Phil, Terri, Clark

Food: Gamecock cake, ice cream cups, Capri Sun, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite

Gifts: Wii, Wii games, Gamecock hoodies, Gamecock long-sleeved shirt, Gamecock basketball outfit, Target gift card, money, Batman shooter, Rebels monogrammed sweat shirt, Jimmie Johnson car, Jimmie Johnson shirt, authenic Army suit and helmet, pajamas, Gamecock bank

Pictures Taken: TOO MANY!