Graham and Tucker turn THREE!

August 11, 2006 Graham and Tucker made their appearance into our family. My, oh my, what a 3 years it has been. I can't imagine our lives without these little guys. They bring so much joy but yet are so much work - BUT they are so worth it. We love them and they complete our family. For this year, we decided to rent a bouncey house thing and have it at the Lee University Tennis Center. We bought a bunch of pizza and had a large cake and invited tons of friends to enjoy the bouncer. It was hot as hades but our friends were troopers and stayed out there to help us celebrate.

Isn't this such a cute pic? Everyone is so happy and smiling so pretty. I just randomly took this one but it turned out so good.

Below is Jason, John and Tommy. They're just sittin back relaxing enjoying the hot environment of the party. Really, it was so hot, I mean sweaty hot. But it was fun anyhow, the kids enjoyed it.

G&T blow their candles out. Actually Tuck is taking over and blowing his and Graham's out while we try and make Graham stay up there long enough to do it. They were so excited and enthralled with the bouncy house, they didn't even want cake or presents - just to jump!! They are all boy, that is for sure.

More friends, Andrea and Ann.

1st day of 2nd grade

So, it's already gone by but I wanted to post the first day of 2nd grade pictures. I am a bit behind so I'm going to try and catch myself up here.

Blake started 2nd grade this year and he is so grown up. When I think about him as a baby when I only had one child, I can hardly remember it. It seems like it was a thousand years ago although its only been 7 almost 8. He's such a sweet child and will always be my baby. I love him so much.

He has such a personality of his own and he loves his momma! He's a little on the goofy side but let's be honest, he didn't have much of an option otherwise growing up in this family. (I'm not sure what was all over his shirt, I think water - surely I did not send him to school on the first day with nastiness on his shirt!)

Vacation in the mountains

Short disclaimer: not sure why all of this first part is underlined. Can't make it go away.

First of all, I know this is super late and I've needed to update the blog for a very long time. I know, I know, I get it but it still doesn't make it any easier when you are just trying to keep your head above water. We are back into full swing with everyone back at work/school/pre-school and football and soccer etc. Holy smokes, makes me tired just typing it all out. So, I'm going back to July when we went to the mountains for a week with lots of friends. The Moyens and Browns joined us for a fun get-away in the North Georgia mountains. It was chaotic, loud, funny, sunny, rainy, late nights: all of the above. There were 10 children and 6 adults in our house but it had 3 floors so it was totally accommodating. What I love about this place is there is pretty much anything and everything to do from inside stuff to outside stuff, if you want to work out, swim, hike, play tennis, be quiet and read, eat, take a nap, whatever you want. The adults went to dinner one night and bowling: so much fun but guess what? Forgot my camera that night...I know what you're thinking - seriously?!? Yep, I did it. Also while we were there it was Mason's birthday so I made a cake and we celebrated that day. I am going to just put up the pics that I do have from that vacation with small explanantions underneath them.

Games on the screened porch, the kids loved doing this.

Mason's birthday cake

Joseph, Blake and Brett

Playing on the porch swing.

Emma Kate and Tommy lounging in the living room.

Sarah enjoying morning hot tea.

Eric & Missy chillin in the morning time.

Will and Blake hanging out in the living room.

AG and Emmy coloring some cool pics at the table.

Ah, yes. This is Missy's poor toe. One day while packing up our towels and stuff to leave the pool, Missy accidentally kicked a lounge chair leg and broke her pinky toe. No worries though, the lifeguard folks were very sweet to offer their assistance.
Will and I after breakfast one morning.

Then next we have all of the canoe and paddle boat shots. I love these because it's all in the name of the place and this place hold a special spot in my heart.

So, once again, what a fun trip. I sure hope we get to do it again in 2010.

Random-ness

These are just a few random pics that were taken a few weeks ago. Just thought I'd post them.

Beach Photo Shoot

Okay, this year at Amelia, Laura decided we needed to take some good beach photos. So, everyone knows I love to take pics so that's what we did one evening. It was great! I have just posted a few below. Some of them already are on facebook and you may have seen them before.

Amelia Island 2009 - Family Vacation

Alrighty, Amelia was a blast again this year. We always have such a wonderful time and it was just the same this year. We pretty much stay on the beach or by the pool at all times of day even into the night. The boys if they want, play golf and we do a lot of cooking in with an occasional meal out on the town.







Megan is one of the cutest little girls I know. This is her in her swimming attire and ready to go.









Aunt Cathy - funny pose!












This is the hot tub! Our pool does not allow children in swim diapers to get into the big pool so they fixed up this little side pool and our kids named it the hot tub. They enjoyed it for sure.







This year we probably ate in more than usual but with all of the children at the ages they are, it's just easier. One night we did a shrimp boil where you boil shrimp, corn, potatoes and sausage all together and then you just dump it all out on the table on newspaper. You then eat from the newspaper - it was super enjoyable!!

It only rained one day, thank the Lord so we were able to be outside the rest of the time. We counted and I think we had at least 50 people there this time all knowing eachother so it really is an amazing set up with all the children having so many play-mates. Amelia is a trip I look forward to every year.