Hodges Family Blog: July 2016

How it all began

Ralph and I have been together since the summer of 2008 but it all began in 1992. Ralph's sister, Colleen and I have been best friends since 6th grade and we grew up at each other's houses throughout the years. Ralph was always around but being the younger brother was forbidden to be around us (not that he wanted to make up dances with us). We said hi during high school and when I needed a jersey to wear to school on Fridays, Ralph was nice enough to let me wear his. He visited Kent State while I was there once to look at the football team and campus but decided against attending. He joined the Marine Corps and we spoke through emails every now and then just to see how the other was doing. Life went on and our paths finally crossed again in 2008 when Colleen invited me to their families yearly 4th of July party. Ralph was home on leave from Iraq and I just moved back to Cincinnati. This time when we saw each other things seemed a little different and the rest is history. In December 2011 we were engaged, July 2012 we were married, April 2013 we bought our first house and March 2014 we had our first child, Braxten! Each year has been more blessed than the last and we are so excited to see where our future takes us!

Friday, July 29, 2016

More June fun!

Braxten is all about fixing everything he sees - today the Popocycle needed some improvements so he set out to make it better.

Kane was biting on socks this morning and we caught her with her hands behind her back - our little hostage.

Just cute.

Daddy has to give B a hug and lay him down for bed when he is home or Braxten will just keep yelling "Daddy up" and will cry real tears. He loves his cuddle time with Daddy.

Swinging as B sleeps - a little girl time

Reds game for Mommy and Daddy! We love our Reds, even when they are terrible.

Kane loved the nacho hat!

We love going on walks but sometimes Braxten would rather ride - our solution when we only have the single stroller with us. Silly boy

Kane has some serious headbutts and my lip just happened to be in the way.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Middle of June 2016

After gymnastics B and Mommy had a morning to ourselves and made the most of it! Dunkin Donuts for breakfast and then off to Entertrainment Junction! It was so much fun for both of us - we will definitely be going back.

After our playful morning we headed to the blow up pool at Missi's and we swam, cut the grass, rode in the wagon and demolished some strawberries! Truly blessed!

Our future acrobat Kane playing in her crib haha

My all time favorite picture (at least of our kiddos over the past 14 months) - So much Love!

Popocycle on a walk - batteries slowly started to die so Kane and I pushed the bike with the stroller then threw it under the stroller and B walked - the walk ended with Kane in the stroller, the bike under her and Braxten on my back haha.

Sometimes she gets in the car and we can't help but take pictures to capture her cuteness!

One day she will most likely end up with workout clothes and a headband - they look good on her!

Heading back to Mamaw and Popos for a ride on a bigger bike - we are in trouble with these two. Kane loved it and Braxten instantly wanted it to come home with us.

Our little boater wanna be!