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!