First Day of School, August 18, 2008

Wow, the first day of school has come and gone. We had a bittersweet start. We've changed school districts this year. The kids have been very excited to start their new schools. But, that doesn't mean they weren't a little sad to not see their school mates and buddies they've been in school with since their kindergarten year and a little nervous about starting over, making new friends, being in a new environment.

We took the traditional "outside the house on the 1st day" pictures. My boy is in 6th grade...middle school, for crying out loud...and my little girl is in 5th...her last year of elementary school. It's amazing how fast they grow! I remember each of their first day of kindergarten...walking them into the school, hanging out til the teacher gives you "the look," and that little voice saying, "mom, when are you gonna leave?" Well, we've entered an exciting new chapter of their educational story, setting sail for new places, flying to new heights...we ask you to pray with us for an excellent year!

Bubba and Sis...she has to wear uniforms and he doesn't...my isn't he the lucky one?



Sis's 1st school morning pose...new clothes, new backpack, almost time to go!



Bubba's 1st school morning pose...new clothes, new backpack, almost time to go!


One more together...typical forced smile...like, "mom, are you done with the camera already?!"

I found something to share...yes, you can shed a tear, too, if you so choose...

What a difference a few years can make!



October 2002...playin' the part.



August 2007...doin' it for real!

Orange Beach, AL August 2-9, 2008

The girls getting wiped out by the waves!




View from our 12th floor balcony.




Crazy Hat Night...just us chickens!




We went on a Dolphin Cruise & saw this Mom & Baby pair.




Here is the whole group after a day at the beach.



We had a fabulous time in Orange Beach. We went with the Schoemaker bunch (my Mom's side of the family) and stayed at Pelican Pointe condos. We had an excellent time on the road, got settled in, took to the seafood eatin' and beach bummin' like it was all we've ever known, even the ride home was good, except for the sadness at having to leave. It was really a blessed time. You know, with that many people, especially family, you would expect some controversy. But not this group, we had an excellent vacation. We enjoyed every minute of the time we spent. I only took about 700 pix, so I'm only posting a few of the best of the best. ENJOY!


What a little darling in her beach cowgirl hat!







Here is the whole group on family picture night!







Beach Beau and Beach Babe!







What a beautiful little girl!







What a handsome young man!

What's Happenin' Now...

Hey everyone! Keeping the blog updated is alot easier said than done! We've been quite busy! These first 3 pix are from church camp @ Siloam Springs. We were there June 16-20. It was a great week! It was an awesome spiritual refill and the kids had a great time. The weather was beautiful. I think I got more rest there than I do at home! It was a nice break.

Children's worship.


Being silly in a Bible Study break.


See, they do love each other...sometimes...



Baseball started in April and just finished up last week. We played at Lakewood in NLR and it was a great season! He was on the #1 team! The Lakewood Brewers finished the season as League Champs and closed it up with a Post Season Tournament win to take 1st place. He is ready to polish his skills for next Spring, but he is ready for football to get under way, which will be soon enough. See the Lakewood Brewers link in the "handy links" list for his team blog.

Sliding into 2nd.




Catchin' him in a close-up. He looks so grown!




He's lookin' pretty serious here.



We tried something new this summer....Swim Team. It has been alot of fun and learning. She is doing really well for her 1st year. She has already improved her times from the 1st meet. It has been a different experience for us as a family since it is quite unlike "ball" sports, but we have enjoyed it. She's quite the little fishie, so it's been fun. She's almost through with only 2 more meets to go. I'm am certain she'll do this again next year!

Practicing the breast stroke.



1st swim meet...swimming the freestyle.


Sorry for the lag in updates...I'll try to do better. Baseball has wrapped up, swim team is soon to end, but then there's VBS @ church, vacation, football will start up, then school starts! Wow, time flies when you're.....having fun! Take care, God Bless, and we'll ttyl!

We've had A LOT of rain....

...and they had no problem entertaining themselves!

Ewwwwww!

Ewwwwww again!

Whoa!

Up in the air!

Just us wet kids and our wet dog!

EASTER 2008

EASTER 2008

What a beautiful Easter weekend!

It's always a blessing to discuss with the kids

what Easter means and why we celebrate it.

Although part of the fun, eggs and bunnies

aren't the focus, but the focus is

the new beginning they symbolize,

and the new beginning we can have in Jesus.

Praise God for the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Praise God for His victory over death, that we can live!

With cousins @ the 2BC Egg Hunt, March 15, 2008.

Outside of our church on Easter morning, March 16, 2008.

Taking you back...some of last year's highlights.

Here are some highlights of last year....

With Mickey Mouse @ WDW Orlando in October 2007.

Hold that nose! Wild River Country August 2007.

At the 'Hogs vs. South Carolina' game in November 2007...GO HOGS!

With Lillie @ Deer Camp in December 2007.

Christmas 2007