Faces of Heart Event at the Nashville Zoo

A few weeks ago the American Heart Association hosted an event at the Nashville Zoo for survivors of heart issues. That's right up our alley and we had so much fun last year, so of course we went. Uncle Eric joined us and the four of us had a great time seeing the animals and enjoying all the festivities. It's so nice for the AHA to do such a neat event for heart survivors like Max. It's just a casual evening where kids can bring their family and have fun seeing the animals, jumping in the bounce house, do a little face painting, play corn hole, and visit with other families of heart survivors. 

It just melts your heart to see all those little kids running around and enjoying life. I can't help to think how different all of our situations would be if people did not continue to donate money to organizations like the AHA. That money funds research and goes toward many other things that help people like Max. Lets not forget that he has the smallest pacemaker in the world! I'm sure it took a lot of research dollars to get it approved. Anyway, the AHA certainly has a special place in our hearts and we really enjoyed our evening with them. Here are a few photos...

Petting the goats 

The elephants were Max's favorite, by far, and he is still talking about them everyday since we saw them

He also liked the giraffes

I think he is impersonating a gorilla, here. Or maybe a frog...not quite sure.

Enjoying a little rainbow sherbet with Daddy

Playing cornhole with the other kids

...and with Uncle E

Playing hide and seek. It's one of his favorite games right now ever since Pal taught him how to play

Just being silly with Uncle E

All the kids had their faces painted and I thought Max might really enjoy it if he got it done. I didn't want him to be scared though, so I decided to go first. I got a beautiful butterfly on my face. Once Max saw it, he decided he wanted an elephant on his arm. Once it was done, he was so incredibly proud of it and he is still talking about the elephant on his arm. 

He held his arm completely still the whole way home so he wouldn't mess up the paint. So cute!

Mommy's butterfly and Max's elephant

Tyler's 30th Birthday Party

Last Saturday was Tyler's 30th birthday, and we celebrated big. His mom, dad, and Jack came in town to help celebrate his big day and we had a low country boil in our backyard. Our close friends, family, and neighbors all came over and we had a big casual party. It was a blast! My dad and Tyler's dad, Tom, cooked the meal which consisted of corn on the cob, potatoes, shrimp, and sausage all boiled in cajun seasoning. Mom and I made appetizers and dessert. We had a lot of fun that night and I think Tyler felt very loved by all his family and friends. Here are some photos...

My dad, Rick, Tyler, and Tom (Tyler's dad)

appetizers

Banana pudding is Tyler's favorite, so I wanted to make sure we had some.

Every good party has beer, right?

Tom and Dad did all the cooking, and it was delicious!

Tyler's birthday present...Lola...We adopted her from his Mom. She's an 11 month old Golden Doodle and she is the sweetest thing. 

Tyler has always wanted a big dog and he finally got one.

She is very well behaved and trained and she and Max absolutely adore each other.

Talking to Alyssa and Chris Pagel

Tyler's mom, Dawn, talking to our neighbor, Connie

Mom holding sweet Maddie Bea (Laurel and Matt's baby)

The kids loved sitting at their own picnic table while they ate chic-fil-a.

Laurel, Matt, and Henry (their new sibling for Maddie Bea)

Max was enjoying a mustache sugar cookie while wearing his mustache shirt. Sort of a sub-theme for the evening. 

Hey there, Tripp!

My brother, Eric, and his sweet new girlfriend, Chelsea

Tressa Cate, Chelsea's 2 1/2 year old daughter. She is so stinking cute and I can't wait for Max to play with her.

Diego holding Henry while Matt holds Maddie Bea. We love our sweet new friends, the Fua's. Max has a serious crush on their adorable 5 year old, Ella Grace.

Also can't have a party without a little cake, right?

Check out that mustache!

Allison and Walker

Max sporting his cool new 'stache.

a mature family photo

How funny is this?!

Tyler's mom and Jack drove 3 1/2 hours each way to be able to come to the party. That was very sweet!

The Alexander's with the birthday boy