Meet Mr. Samson (aka "Sammy")

We have been casually looking for a dog for awhile, knowing that the boys would love to have one (and so would I!) We've been pretty particular about the specifications for this dog - not a puppy, doesn't jump on people, doesn't shed, not expensive, etc. (Now you know why we've been looking for a long time!) However, our patience (or procrastination?) has paid off!!!! Thanks to a wonderful friend and neighbor, who knew of a dog who needed a home due to his owner passing away, we are a dog family again! Sammy is a perfect fit for our family and we are all smitten already! He is 7 years old, half Airedale/half poodle and is laid back, tolerant, low maintenance, sweet and big!

It didn't take long for him to be comfortable enough to sneak onto the couch and apparently we have turned into big saps because neither of us have pushed him off. 

We're all so happy to have Sammy join our family!

Fall Break 2015

After a year of planning and saving, and because of some very wonderful friends, we took the plunge and boarded a plane for sunny Florida with the 3 boys during their fall break (and a couple extra days.) We haven't flown with Ian since we brought him home and Jeremy and Lucas have never flown, so we were a little anxious about the logistics of it all. Ian couldn't wait and made sure we marked off the days on his calendar each night for a month prior to leaving. The other 2 were pretty nervous but excited as well.  We spent most of our time in the pool or on the beach but did take a dolphin tour where we didn't see any dolphins (apparently the first time for the captain to not see dolphins) but got to tour much of Estero Bay and saw lots of amazing birds!

The men on the boat

Lucas spent every possible minute, searching for shells

We rented a beach wheelchair for Ian so he could enjoy the beach like the rest of us! Jeremy enjoyed pushing him around and of course, Ian loved it!

Looking cool in their shades

More birds.....just oblige me my bird pictures, please!

Jeremy didn't get far from shore. ;-)

This picture is over exposed but Ian is sitting on the edge of the water, in the sand.

Ian loves any body of water!

While there, we made a road trip to Bradenton, to see our nephew play football which was a blast! Todd is Tom's youngest brother's (John) son and since Aunt Teena runs the spirit store, she outfitted us all in some pretty awesome ODA attire. I'm quite sure that Todd is the best player on his team (and quite possibly in the state of FL, says the non-biased aunt) but none of that means nearly as much......

as this!
Although they rarely see each other, Todd is amazing with the boys! (I've tried to adopt him but his parents won't hear of it.)

He left his team after the game to come see the boys (and us) which meant the world to them and they are still talking about Cousin Todd! 

We had a great 5 days and are so thankful for this opportunity, although it went way too quickly and we hated to leave!

One last shot from the pool area before leaving the beautiful condo.

Happy Birthday, Brenna!

Happy 5th Birthday to our sweet granddaughter, Brenna Noelle! We can't believe it's been 5 years since you interrupted our anniversary date and it was the best interruption ever! You are so sensitive and caring and your hugs are so good for the grandparents' souls! 

We love you and look forward to what God has for your future, sweet girl! 

Grammy and Pops and the Boys

The rest of the story......

So, while we were at Lindsay and Troy's, getting ready for Troy's graduation, Drew texted to say that they were on their way to the hospital! He kept us updated throughout the evening and at 7:30 (about the time that Troy was giving his speech and on Aunt Lindsay's birthday,) Rynessa Chanelle entered the world! Of course we were dying to see her and help with the other kids so we left after the lovely graduation reception and headed north. We stopped to sleep for a few hours and then, drove on to the hospital on Tuesday morning, so we could meet our new granddaughter!

Here is the proud Daddy

and the smitten Grammy!

The girls

Langston hanging out with Pops

Pops finally gets a turn

I realize that grandparents always think their grandchildren are the most beautiful but this little girl IS beautiful!

Brenna and her rock star mommy

Felicia and her handsome daddy

Brenna and Felicia are going to be such big helpers

Langston loves her, too

Looks like Langston is reading to his new baby sister

Today, I went back to the hospital with Brenna, Felicia, Langston, Jeremy and Lucas. Ian was having school but he'll get his turn to hold his new niece soon!

Felicia is such a little mommy

The whole family

Welcome to the world, and the crazy Humphrey family, sweet Rynessa!
We love you and are so thankful you are here!!! 

Bursting our Buttons!

We had the distinct privilege of attending the graduation of Dr. Troy Roberson from Campbell Clinic's residency program on Monday, June 22 (which also happens to be Lindsay's birthday!) What a thrill to be able to celebrate with Troy and Lindsay, Olivia, Ethan, and Troy's parents. We can't say enough about how proud we are of this guy! He has worked so, so hard and has had to sacrifice much! After being presented with their diplomas, the graduates had the opportunity to speak for a few minutes. Troy gave the most prepared, polished "speech" (I've always called him a genius for good reason! He is!!!!) 

Thanks, Troy, for inviting us to celebrate with you! We love you and are so very proud of you!

As a side note, we managed to surprise Olivia and Ethan at Chik-fil-A, which was so fun!!!

The graduates

The wives of the graduates, who have supported and encouraged their spouses along the way and many times, have felt like single parents, I'm sure. 

Troy and Lindsay will move to Greenville, SC for a year, where he will complete a sports medicine fellowship with Steadman HawkinsClinic of the Carolinas. We can't wait to visit SC!

Congratulations, Dr. T-Rob!

And, this wasn't all the excitement of the day. Stay tuned for the next post!!!