Fun with Family!

Last Friday, Daron's older brother and his family came by for a visit on their way back home to Michigan. It was so great to see them and get to spend some time with them. We enjoyed lunch together, LadderBall in the backyard, and chatting on the screened in porch! We love you guys!



Morgan, Uncle Daron, David, Amy, Kyle, and Levi





Playing LadderBall in the backyard.


Morgan and her Dad, David!


Daron and his big brother!

4th of July Celebration

This year Daron and I hosted once again our annual 4th of July Celebration. We had so much fun with friends and family (over 50 people showed up). The fireworks were amazing and we had GREAT seats (our front yard)! Here are some pics from the night:


Don't we look festive in our Red, White, and Blue!?!


Alicia and Christy with Baby Zuri!


Playing Cornhole!


Waiting on the Fireworks!


Crafts with the Kiddos!


Mom and Avyn!


Hanging out on the Patio!


Watching the fireworks with Baby Zuri!

Presents for Parker

Here are some of the cute gifts that we have received for Baby Parker lately!!!



Aunt Ashlee sent Parker this adorable "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" onesie and matching burp cloth. She always finds the cutest things!!! It had a tag attached from Queen B Boutique. Check it out here: http://queenbboutique.blogspot.com She has lots of cute things that can be made to order. Thank you Aunt Ashlee!!!



Our friend Christy got Parker these ca-ute plaid pants. Baby Nolan has a pair to match. Can't wait to see the boys in them.




Aunt Angie, Uncle Cory, and Cousin Jena gave Parker these cute Clemson things. A wipe caddy monogrammed with a "P". A burp cloth with his name on it and a Clemson bib. They also gave him this little Columbia jacket!!! How cute is that? Daron has a Columbia jacket that matches, so I can't wait to take their picture together!

These are only a few of the awesome gifts we have received lately! Thank you everyone for helping spoil our little Parker!!

Our Last Baby-Free Vacation

Daron and I enjoyed 10 days at the beautiful Hilton Head Island for our last baby-free vacation. Our vacation started with a stop in Walterboro to visit Daron's family. His dad and Brenda had a nice lunch for us when we arrived. It was nice to see his sister, niece, brother, Jennifer, and little Bryce. We also got to see Daron's mom and his grandparents. After our visit, we hit the road to the beach. I love crossing the bridge onto the island. I always say when we cross the bridge to leave all of our worries behind. We spent the first week with my family and then a few days with our friends, Tyler and Christy. I must say I enjoyed it soooo very much. The weather was HOT, but gorgeous! We spent most everyday on the beach, reading, splashing in the waves, playing Bocce ball, and soaking in the sun. Off course the girls shopped til we dropped and the boys played many rounds of golf. At night, we had fun watching movies, playing the Wii, and we even got the "band" back together for Rockband. Daron and I also enjoyed the fireworks show at Shelter Cove. After my family left on Saturday, Daron and I enjoyed spending some time at South Beach. We got our annual T-shirts from the Salty Dog Cafe and enjoyed lunch at the Marina. While in Sea Pines we headed out to Harbour Town. We shopped some more, looked around at the incredible yachts there, rocked in the rocking chairs, and walked out on the pier. We went back that night with Tyler and Christy for a seafood dinner at The Crazy Crab. We got there just in time for one of the most beautiful sunsets. There were even dolphins playing just as the sun was setting. It was absolutely perfect. We enjoyed playing putt-putt on a really neat course that had a water hazard on every hole. The next few days we lounged by the pool and at the beach soaking in all the sun we could get before heading home. Praise God for a wonderful vacation this year! We can't wait to go back next year. Let's just hope lil' Parker loves the beach as much as his mommy and daddy! As we pulled out of the driveway, I looked at Daron and said, "Where will we put Parker next year?"

Baby Shower

This week is my 28th week (7th month) of pregnancy, meaning, only 12 weeks more to go! This time has really flown by. Everything is going great with my pregnancy. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and Dr. Hood said everything looks perfect. He is very pleased with how everything is progressing.

Daron and I have settled on a name for our little guy. His name will be Parker Allen Zelmer. Here is the story behind his name. We went to Clemson's Spring Game with friends and one of the quarterbacks name was Kyle Parker. I asked Daron if he liked the name Parker and he said he did. So, Parker it was. Allen is my grandmother on my dad's side maiden name. I have always loved the name Allen and we planned to use it whether it was a boy or a girl. Allen is also Daron's Dad's middle name. It's so neat to already have a name picked out for our little guy.

Not much else has changed as far as my pregnancy goes. My baby bump is growing more and more everyday. Parker is moving more during the day. Before I could only feel him at night. Like clockwork, at 11 pm Parker would have a little dance party. Now he is more active throughout the day. Daron loves to lay with his hand on my belly and feel him move. I must admit that feeling is one of the most awesome things I've ever experienced.

The ladies at school threw me an awesome baby shower before school was out. We got lots of good stuff that will definitely be put to good use. Above are some pictures from the day.

IT'S A BOY!

Well, today was the BIG day!!! Mom, Daron, and I headed down to Clemson early this morning to go to the doctor. As soon as we entered the ultrasound room, the ultrasound tech said, "Do you want to find out what you are having?" I replied,"Yes definitely. I am too much of a planner!!" She looked around at everything from heart to kidneys, head to toes, fingers, etc. When she got around the area she said alright let's see. I was looking at the screen and said, "I can already see. IT'S A BOY!" Let's just say, he is not shy. There is no doubt about it we are having a boy. The technician said, "You're right!!! It is indeed a boy!!" I was truly shocked! I was convinced I was having a girl! I am extremely excited about having a boy. I have been surrounded by boys my entire life, so why change now? LOL! The doctor said everything looks perfect. He said we had a very healthy, PERFECT baby boy. He said that everything looks completely normal and is extremely pleased with my pregnancy. After the doctors appointment, we met my dad and brother for lunch. We wrapped them each a surprise and told them that when they opened it, then they would know what we were having. Dad called Mom several times on the way there to try to pry it out of her. He told her he had a pink, green, and blue John Deere shirt. He called to ask what color to bring. She held her ground and said,"I guess you'll have to bring all 3!" They opened their gifts at the same time and Justin smiled big time. He was secretly wishing for a little hunting buddy! We have had an amazing day! It has been fun "surprising" everyone with our news! Thanks to everyone who called or texted or facebooked us today! It has been an extremely exciting day and we have been excited to share it with each of you!

Happy Easter!!!

Today was an incredible day! It started with a wonderful Easter service at Foothills. We started a new series today called "When Love Came to Town". Our pastor spoke on the love of God! His incredible message was followed by one of my new favorite worship songs, How He Loves Us. We ate a yummy Easter dinner and then the annual Easter Games began. As always we had a blast, dying, hunting, and hiding eggs. This year the Bunny Fairy made a special appearance! Check out our pictures from today! What a blessing to be surrounded by family! To end the day, Mom, Dad, Justin, Daron, and I were sitting around watching the Masters and I felt the baby move for the first time. It literally brought tears to my eyes.

I am starting a new devotional this week called "Expecting". It is a prayer book that guides you through praying for your child's physical growth as well as his or her spiritual growth. Each week, I plan to post specific prayers for you all to join me in praying for the baby's development, both body and soul. This week my prayer has been that just as the heart of the baby continues to beat and his or her little ears take shape, that the baby would also develop a heart that beats for God and ears that will listen to His leading.

Tuesday is the BIG day!!! We get to find out what little Baby Z is! Any guesses!?!? Leave a comment with your prediction! Check back on Tuesday to see!