Simply Sara: August 2014

Saturday, August 30, 2014

It's Finally Here

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. It's GAME DAY! I woke up at 4 this morning and was off and on until 7 when I finally decided to get up. Too much excitement. Anyway, GWU Football takes on Furman tonight at 7. I'm anxious, excited, and stressed; I can't image what the players and coaches are feeling.

In honor of tonight, I wanted to post pictures from the staff cookout at the Head Coach's house (we missed you KaShanda, Keenan, and Kendall). Coach McCray and Ms. Angel were kind enough to have all of us over before camp started early this month. Their house is absolutely beautiful and was the perfect place to have everyone together. I love moments like this because it reminds me of how God has blessed Brett and me so much with a great head coach, one of the best support systems for me in the football wives, and much entertainment from all of the coaches' kids. We really couldn't ask for a better staff or a better man to lead the ship.

Sweet little Daniel. The youngest coach's son.

I think Issac was posing for this one.

Sydnei is the best big sister.

Michelle holding Piera, Rocco and Melissa's youngest. What a doll.

Love this man and the ministry we have together.

I just love this picture of Kelly with Daniel.

Those precious little hands.b

During camp, we take the players to church. Those two Sundays are some of my favorite Sundays of the year (I know I have a lot of favorites in this post). It's one of the clearest ways I see how God uses us. After service, the church we attend feeds us lunch. It's a big task with all of the men, but I'm very thankful the local churches want to be involved.

The first Sunday of camp was picture day, so after church we headed back to GWU to get family, coach, and player pictures. Another moment where I realize how blessed we are. And how hilarious and full of energy the boys are.

Sharp. And he dressed himself.

My coach

Coaches' son minus Daniel. Nothing like it.

Be still my heart. So precious.

Some of the football wives. So thankful.

After the second Sunday taking the team to church.

And with that, let's get ready.

It's GAME DAY! GO DAWGS! BEAT FURMAN!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

July = Weddings and Birthdays

July started out with two weekends of traveling, but they were worth it. The first weekend, we came home from our week-long vacation with Brett's family. The next weekend, we headed to Raleigh for Greg and Emily's wedding. Greg and Brett met while working a football camp and have been friends ever since. Greg was actually a groomsman in our wedding so Brett repaid the favor. Issac, one of the other coaches at GWU, was also a groomsman, which made all of the wedding festivities easier for me since Quanza and Sydnei were there.

Greg and Emily's wedding was full of a ton of sweet moments. At the rehearsal dinner, Greg's two sisters told Emily the top things she needed to know about living with Greg. The points were full of football lingo, and had us all in stitches. At the wedding, Greg and Emily had a sweet, choreographed first dance. I also loved watching Issac dance with Sydnei. The love between a daddy and his only baby girl is truly something special and to be cherished. Greg and Emily's wedding day finished with a sparkler exit on the lovely cobblestone road in downtown Raleigh. What a perfect wedding day for two dear friends. Thanks for including us in your special day!

Handsome groomsman before rehearsal dinner

Thankful for her friendship

The last night as an engaged couple!

Coaches' wives. So true.

Another Piper and Aunt Sierra picture

Glad my parents could watch Piper while we were at the wedding.

Tug-of-war

My family before the wedding.

Coaching buddies.

One of the kindest, most welcoming families I've ever met.

For once, he was in the wedding!

Adorable first dance

A love between the daddy and his daughter is so special.

Get it Quanza!

Welcome to the married coaches club

My favorite picture from Greg and Emily's wedding day.

Thankfully, Greg and Emily's wedding fell on the same weekend as my birthday, so I was able to celebrate my birthday with my parents. My parents made my favorite meal: Dad's bbq chicken with cheese potatoes, watermelon, rolls, and Mom's 1-2-3- cake (thanks to Aunt Tricia's mom for the recipe). After we ate lunch, we headed out to the pool, where Sierra and Piper swam and later played fetch. I'm glad we got to wear Piper out before we headed home.

Of course Dad had to be funny and say I was 72.

Pretty girl loves the water

Action shot of Piper chasing the ball

My sweet little Asian lady. Love her with all my heart.

The parents and me on my birthday. Love you!

After Greg and Emily's wedding, we started gearing up for visitors and football season. Stay tuned for our first football function of the year!

Monday, August 25, 2014

Cuteness Overload

Since the view from our driveway was so pretty, Laura said that she wanted to get some pictures of Laney in one of her patriotic outfits by this cute little red barn. I was more than willing to take some with my "fancy" camera. Unfortunately, it was so bright outside that I didn't notice that my shutter speed wasn't correct for some of these pictures. Regardless, Laney is a beautiful little girl. I love how you can see her personality in these pictures.

Since the traffic in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg was going to be insane, we decided to stay at the cabin on the 4th. We went to this cute little general store in town to get some homemade ice cream. I love being in a small town on 4th of July because the residents are so proud to be Americans.

All across the Valley that night, people were shooting off fireworks. We were able to walk to the field by our house, look up at the mountains surrounding us, and see the show. It was awesome seeing Laney's face light up with each firework. Something I'll never forget.

After a fun-filled week, we headed home on July 5th. Thank you Will, Laura, Yogi, Gail, and Laney for making that week one we will never forget. Love y'all!