Wow, and I thought that being a mother was absolutely the BEST possible "thing" to be ! I remember always wanting to be a mom and was thrilled beyond belief when my time came...I knew that my husband Rick, was the best possible person to share parenthood with ! Years and years of growing together as a family, brought happiness and meaning to my life ! My children taught me much and undoubtedly always will......

But I wasn't prepared for the TOTAL JOY of being a grandparent ! I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful Grandmother who is 97 years old is still teaching me and guiding me. MY Grandma told me that she's so very happy to be alive to see me enjoying this new adventure with my beautiful little "stars", Levi and Grayer !

Every picture , every little story, is so fun to share through a new prospective ! Just the idea that our "kids" were so excited and looking forward to being parents themselves was so neat to see...but oh, the pictures mean so much AND "say " so much !!

My "babies" and their BABIES ....I love this picture !!!

To see just how much the LOVE their babies and just have so much fun with them....

For Chad and Missy to know the bond of parenthood with their spouses....

And what incredible spouses they have !! Yes, I've got stars in my eyes , ... Levi and Grayer..our fun has just begun !!!

Savoring the good times !

So many fun pictures...so many wonderful events to share and savor......

Little Levi out for a breakfast date with his mommy and daddy. He's already getting into the people watching at the restaurant, smiling at and watching all the other little kids . His hat has gotten to be his little "trademark"...he just looks so cute in them ! This little family has been busy preparing their new office building for the big move in day ! It's a beautiful and perfect place for the new home of Core Therapies Family Wellness Center ! Quite a busy time, and Levi has been busy just trying to keep up with the comings and goings of all the preparation! He's quite the trooper and we couldn't be happier for this sweet family with this latest BIG accomplishment for them !

Daddy and his best buddy, Grayer, enjoying time together. Grayer is wearing his daddy's badge number on his onesie as they celebrate Chad's new achievement together. Chad is now the newest member of the K9 unit, something he's wanted and worked for since he moved to Tulsa!
Baby Grayer at a photo shoot with mommy's friend, Jeana. The paddle is from "camp" and will be a part of his nursery decor...also perfect for a unique picture of our sweet little guy !
Ok, just couldn't resist another picture...these sweet little lips and baby resting. It takes a lot of work to be growing so fast...rest well little one !
I'm so thankful for the pictures, the videos and the phone calls from our "kids" !! It's not easy being so many miles apart, but they're so thoughtful and keep us close by all their sharing !

ONE WEEK

Just a week ago......Rick and I were starting our trip to Tulsa. We were expecting to be there a day or so before our baby Grandson would be born. Selena was scheduled to be induced the following day. We were going to be there in plenty of time ! We got a few text updates from Chad, saying that he thought that Selena was IN LABOR ! He was starting to time contractions and make a phone call to the hospital to see if they should check in ! Next text said that they WERE headed to the hospital....Rick and I started driving faster (still safely though) and deciding not to overnite in St. Louis but head straight to TULSA. We don't want to miss THIS !

So we arrived at the hospital...and the waiting begins !

It was a long night.....Just a week ago, the morning brought a new day and a beautiful new life !

GRAYER ANDREW.... One week old.... in the morning !

Happy Birthday Mel

Happy Birthday to you Missy ! We're proud of you for who you are and what is important to you! " Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. " We know there will be many sunny days ahead for you ! We love you forever and then some !!!

Grayer Andrew, our new reason

The wait is over and our perfectly precious Grayer Andrew Murtaugh has arrived ! He made his mommy and daddys' dream come true !

With a little help from their friends and family....we waited and cheered them on. Chad would come out and give us all updates on how Selena was progressing. We were all trying to be patient, but we just wanted to see him and of course, hear his name, as that was the big surprise.

He had been called Baby "M" for so long..... now we had a name, as well as a beautiful little boy to love ! Papa and Grammy got to finally have him in our arms ! We fell in love !

Sweet little boy, just look at this face....and his hair .....oh, he's adorable !

And this daddy,...well he's already having so much fun with his little boy....and mommy can soothe his cries with just the sound of her voice....

So many wonderful adventures ahead for this little family of 3 ! So happy for this wonderful son of ours, to have his own son to love and cherish !

Note to Baby "M"

If we could just let you know how excited we all are to meet you ....

or tell you a little secret about how I've been dreaming about you, what you're

going to look like, what you're going to sound like....

or tell you about how your mommy and daddy have been wanting you for

so long; how they're so ready for you to come into their lives and to make

them a family...

how Papa and I know that you're going to win our hearts.....

that you have a little cousin, Levi, who will love having you to play with

and get into mischief with ...

Your time is near and we don't want to rush you sweet baby ! Just keep growing and being

cozy until your birthday. You have lots of love waiting for you !

While we are waiting .......

One of the beauties of camp.....our gathering place of friends and family, and now summer HOME to Rick and I...... A place to share, fresh air, woods to hike and explore, and of course, the WATERFALL !

This Memorial Day weekend, Missy and Jasons' friends and co-workers, (and soon to be newlyweds) Matt and Megan came to camp. We LOVED having them here ! They are such a sweet and adorable couple !

Speaking of cute couples....oh, and cute family......PAPA, Mel, Jason and LEVI !! This was Levi's first time to "CAMP" too. He is a real outdoors baby and of course, loves spending time with his mommy and daddy . Levi has a great time with his Papa too !

Levi loved seeing the sights from his very own backpack ! Everyone took turns having him on their backs. Levi couldn't have been happier !

Papa just couldn't resist getting in a few smooches !

Well, and a guy can get kinda dirty, hiking and playing all day ! Levi used the sink for his own little hot tub and pool ! Geez, it was kinda fun ! Clean fun that is :)

Nothing like relaxing and thinking about the fun day and more fun to come !!

What a happy guy ! Loving all the attention and all the people to hold him and play !

Of course, the weekend wouldn't be complete without a hat or two to show. Papa bought Levi his first camo hat. So perfect for camp. And of course, Papa had a new hat with built in flashlights on the visor!

It was a great Memorial day weekend. Lots of fun and new adventures, and it was wonderful to

keep busy in a fun and special way.....we're waiting for our new baby "M" to make his appearance.

We know that there will be more fun and wonderful adventures when our new little guy and his family can join us all together at CAMP ! Then our arms AND our HEARTS will be so nice and

full ! While we were waiting.....