Johnny's Hooding Ceremony

We traveled to Memphis to celebrate Johnny's accomplishments at UT.  He received his "hood" at a special ceremony and two (2) awards!  We are so proud of you, Dr. Shanks!

IT's a BOY!

A photo before the reveal...

The suspense is about to kill us....

BLUE...for a BOY!

Johnny & Portia are having a son...

a gown to bring him home from the hospital

What fun!  Tandi's reveal party was so much fun!  Everyone enjoyed every minute of it.  The games, the gifts, the homemade chicken noodle soup and especially the cake! 

Thank you, Tandi, for a day that will always be special to all of us!

Madi comes to visit...

Johnny & Portia's REVEAL Party

Portia playing "pin the sperm on the egg"

Alphabet Set from Robin

Portia's baby blanket...hope we can use it!

"S" is for silverware set...thank you, Marley!

Tandi hosted a "Reveal Party" for Johnny and Portia.  The ladies arrived at 4:00 to play games and open gifts before the men arrived.  We played "pin the sperm on the egg", baby Shanks bingo, and we guessed everyone's baby picture.  Everyone received a letter in their invitation and brought a gift that began with that letter.  The letters spelled Precious Baby Shanks.  A prize was given for the most creative gift and Karen Shanks won!   Baby Shanks received a lot of nice gifts and we had a blast!

Baby Shower for Brandon & Amy

A baby shower for Kipton Scott Elmore was held at Pine Grove Church.  There were a lot of friends, familly, food and gifts.  It was a fun, fun day full of excitement! 

Sixteen (16) Weeks and Counting...

Portia is 16 weeks today!  We will find out if it's a boy or a girl on March 10.  Well, actually we won't find out until March 13.  Unless, Johnny Van slips the secret out!  I'm not convenienced that he can keep a secret for three whole days; not one of this magnitude!  So, don't anyone call him and tempt him to reveal.  Tandi would be sooo mad because she is hosting a "Reveal Party" for Johnny and Portia at her house on Saturday, March 13.  We're going to play games and eat and have lots of fun!  When we cut the cake, the inside of the cake will either be pink or blue revealing if it's a boy or a girl.  Oh my...which will it be?  I can't wait to see!   

Road Trip to Scottsboro

Peek-a-boo!

We watched Elmo movies on our way to meet Lyssa in Scottsboro and worked puzzles and played and played and played.  Play time was over when we arrived...a sad time for all.  Madi cried, screamed and kicked; Poppie weeped...saying good-bye is not easy.  But, we look forward to Madi's next visit.  She will be 2 years old when she comes back...2 years old!  Where has the time gone?  We miss you Madi Lynn and can't wait to see you...
next time!
We love you Sunshine Girl!