Back to the Buff

Like I had said before... my heart was aching quite a bit after leaving family and friends and coming back to our big, empty house. My only consolation was our Buff friends. What would I do without them? In all honesty, I would have been fairly depressed.

While we were on our vacation, I saw this picture that I had taken the night before we left.... playing Quelf with the Cardons and Doug. And I got all nostalgic for Buffalo! That was a good sign. We are blessed living across the country from our families, with {away-from-family- families}.

The Carters invited us over for dinner, Sunday night. I was as much grateful for the Buffalo wings (we would have been eating a bowl of cereal otherwise) as I was for the company! It was good to see Collin having fun again with some friends.

Monday night we invited the Shaheens and Shaws over for dinner so we could then share our baby news with them. Collin performed his {tricks} seamlessly. He pointed to my stomach, right on cue. I think we should take the show on Broadway. It was so fun to catch them by surprise and finally have them know!

Tuesday night we went to Chuckie Cheese with the Cardons, Porters, and Dobbins. I don't know why we paid for tokens, because Collin was ecstatic to just run around and sit in toys, without any motion. Afterward, Tiffany treated us to homemade Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate. It was fancy. And I ate the whole. thing. I'm pretty sure it was as big as my head.

On Friday we went to Crystal Beach with the Marchants, Shaheens, Shaws, and Cardons. I'm not a fan of crossing the border, but it actually wasn't too bad. We brought back minimal sand to our house and I'll agree to go again once, next summer. I think that's my quota :)

Collin... getting reaquainted with his friend, Gavin. They like to jump.

On Sunday, our good friend, Steve stopped in. He was driving a friend's car across the country, so he had time to come see our house, stay for dinner, and stay the night. He's a character... can you tell? :)

Aug. 16, was the official first day of school (the week before was all orientation stuff). Of course, I forgot to take a picture!!! I was devastated that night when I realized my error. I am really slipping up these days. So, here is the SECOND day back to school. Not as cool, I'm sorry.

My handsome 3rd year dental student!  

Continuing with fun, Buff events....

Our last night of Bunco for the year.... shed a tear. Not to worry, we'll be starting it up again!

Chanda and Kristie are battling out a tie. Chanda won! Check out those guns though... I will not messing these girls :)

Here's the whole original group.... minus Camille and Briste. It's been a great year, girls!

My camera was on self timer and I yelled out "silly faces"! I was mucho impressed that everyone complied. I think this picture adequately illustrates what Bunco night is all about! By far, my favorite face is Denyse! Bahaha.... I seriously cannot look at her and not die laughing. Bravo. 

After most people left, leg wrestling got brought up. Some people had never heard of it and needed some lessons. Denyse said she'd be mad at me if I posted this video (she didn't see it, just knew I took one), but I really don't think its embarrassing.. just funny.... but if you don't agree Denyse- tell me and I'll take it off :)

 

Another Young Women's picture! Camille (far left) is moving this week and we (especially ME!) are devastated. Don't be deceived by the girls' sullen faces... they are awesome... not sure why they are giving the camera crusty looks.... probably because they are tired of all the many pictures we take of them.

I was feeling quite burned out from my calling, but my first lesson back snapped me right back into gear. It was awesome. There is nothing better than a lesson that hits home and gets the girls talking and motivated. It's like adrenaline in my blood.

For mutual, we did a pioneer night. They were THRILLED to wear the bonnets. And again, with the leg wrestling...

Tiffany invited us to the zoo, last Friday. It was fun, but exhausting. This kid loves to run away, way too much. And I don't love running after him. The highlight, was definitely his orange snowcone. He snarfed that thing down. Maddie even had to come get a bite... I think she was wondering what was so good about HIS cone that he couldn't stop slurping it down.

Trav threw out his shoulder somehow, and asked me to come walk on his back to try and help it. It didn't. But after I got off, Collin was ready to hop on and try out the new game. Not bad balance.

Ok, so it usually bugs me when people go on and on about their adorable kids..... but these are climbing the charts as my favorite pics ever. YUM! I want to eat him up! He is sporting a jersey that he got from his Uncle Trevor (who served in Mexico) and it is smashing. Yup, this kid is all mine!