The Beach {Day 1}

The long awaited moment arrived this time last week - VACATION!

This year was the first time I can remember Jamie & I waiting this late for vacation. And, let me tell you - it was much needed! We were ready to "get out of Dodge" as they say. We had planned this trip back in April-ish (?) with my sister, Paige, and her family. Then at last minute had to do some swapping of dates and condos ... but it came! And went by way too quick {why to work weeks creep by and vacations just fly?} I was about ready to just tell them to hop in the car & drive - we would worry about the clothes and other necessities when we arrived at the BEACH!

We had planned on going to Destin, but with the swapping of condos ended up in Panama City. We stayed at Sterling Breeze which was right on the beach on the main stretch of highway. It was nice condo, with plenty of room for Tripp to ride his toys and Ellie and Jaxon to have their own space as well. We left early Sunday morning and drove down arriving around 3:00 or so that afternoon. We unpacked and laid around for a little bit, or as much as the kids would let us. The dads ended up taking them to the beach while Paige & I unloaded the houses we brought with us :) That evening, we went to eat at Tacky Jacks, a cool place that the kids loved. They had a live band playing outside as well as a small pool that you could enjoy after your meal. The kids were a little upset they didn't have their swimsuits on to enjoy it.

The next day, it was a full day of beach fun! There seems to be nothing better than the sand between your toes, looking out across seeing nothing but water and hearing the crashing of the waves on the shoreline. The water wasn't that clear because of seaweed, but that didn't hinder Ellie & Jaxon from jumping waves and venturing off in it. Tripp loved it as well, but of course he loves anything having to do with water.

Tripp did a whole lot of drinking and eating. Running back and forth between the edge of the water and the beach uses up a lot of energy for the little guy.

Ellie and Jaxon alternated beach time and pool time. We decided by the end of the trip that all they require is a pool and place to play putt-putt.

That evening we had planned to go to a local eatery called "Boondocks". We were told by the condo staff it was a great place that locals loved and would have limited waiting. Apparently, the staff had not only passed along their recommendation to us, but others as well. A 1.5 hour wait?! No thanks. So we ended up breaking Jeffery's rule of "only eat at places we don't have back home" and went to Carrabba's, which he justified as not being in Jackson. Ha!

After eating the guys along with Ellie (the caddy) went to play a Par-3 golf course, while Paige, Tripp & I went shopping at Pier Park. Then we all meet back up for some go-cart racing, which Ellie totally freaked out on. I was just arriving to find she & Jamie standing outside the gates with her hysterical. They were on the carts ready for the green light when she decided she was really scared. Needless to say, they had to exit because Jamie thought she was about to hyperventilate. We really don't know what caused this reaction in her - the loud noise?

Once back at the condo, crab hunting was in order. All in all it was a great day!

Sunshine & Sunflowers

Run Squirrel Run

As you know I have been participating in local 5k road races. Our weekend of the 4th of July began with not only me participating in another, but several from our church, New Salem! It was a hometown road race in Kenton during the White Squirrel Celebrations. Our little group of ladies temporarily omitted the "kid/hubby free; girl time only" rule and let some of the kiddos participate as well. We have a few rules or guidelines we up hold (1) no kids (2) no hubands (3) race must have a free t-shirt involved. So. much. fun! Our group, totaling 12 from New Salem, walked away with 4 medals!

It was also our last road race with the best encourager, Lisa. She and her family will be moving to Oklahoma in a few weeks (so sad). I have really gotten to know Lisa and her family through our Hands of Praise group. She is a super sweet person and a great example of Christian love. Oh, and it doesn't hurt she always has a supply of hand sanitizer somewhere within arm's reach. I am truely going to miss them, but hopefully, in the near future, they will be able to return to West TN!

4th of July Weekend #1

for some unknown reason, I am unable to load all the photos I had planned for the post. So, 2 posts it will be.

The last part of the weekend was spent at the lake with The Cooper Clan. Super cool kids & parents, of course. Ellie was in great company with 3 kiddos to hang out with. As I have mentioned before, we love the lake. It is relaxing, laid back & seems to have no time zone. Case in point, eating supper at 9:30 at night! From sunning to boating to riding the golf cart around and visiting with others ... that is the best part of summer.

My parents also came up on Sunday evening. Even though it rained, I think they had a good time just being up there.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the last part of the weekend. This photo may need a little explaining. The Cooper Clan thought it looked like a fat guy in a speedo. So funny I just had to post it.

On Sunday evening, the community had a golf cart parade. Residents decked out their carts with whatever their imaginations could come up with. Some threw out candy and small toys, others blasted music. So fun! We didn't participate, however, I may try to talk Jamie into it next year. But ...this is what we would have to compete with...

Yes, they are dressed up as Uncle Sam & Lady Liberty...

Hope you had a fabulous 4th weekend!

Father's Day 2011

Hope everyone had a Happy Father's Day weekend. I know we had fun & hated to see the work week begin.

We began Father's Day at church, then it was off to Jamie's grandparents home for lunch - yummy!

I was able to snap a pic of Jamie & his "daddy's girl" :) Some may think I am kidding, but just ask anyone in our family. She makes no bones about it that she is a daddy's girl. Just the other night, she had begged us all week to spend the night with his parents. So finally the night came that she could, only she backed out of the deal as he & I were leaving for home. The water works were pouring I tell you .. a whole lot of drama going on. Finally, when she was able to speak about such a traumatic experience of staying with grandparents, their only harm would be spoiling her rotten, she said (and I quote) ... "I didn't want to stay because I would miss my daddy so much!" I asked, "What about mommy? Would you miss me?" Her reply, "Yeah, I guess, but I would miss daddy more!" Talk about mommy feeling like chopped liver. She also told her daddy that mommy needed to have another child that way I could have my own kid. Although I think she may have had grandparents to help her with that little scenario. Of course .. these 3 girlies had to have their photo made. Julia's makeup is courtesy of Mary Beth, the aspiring makeup artist.


Father's Day evening was spent at our home with my dad & mom, Paige & her family. A Father's Day is not complete unless a Father has brought out the grill, so burgers & hotdogs were on the menu. It was pretty low key, just hanging outside, hitting golf balls, riding the golf cart, and listening to Tripp and his high pitched, ear piercing horror film scream. He is so blasted cute even if he does make my ears ring.

I'm not sure what Ellie is doing in this photo - probably talking.

And this is her version of bunny ears.

US Open: Our Version

The Carson/Hays version of the US Open includes 2 kiddos under the age of 10 & 2 dads.

Ellie & more so Jamie had fun hanging out with the Hays' this past weekend & had the opportunity to hit a few golf balls. I believe Jamie maybe catching the fever. Ellie ... not so sure about, but she did like handing the clubs to Jaxon, so I guess she would be considered his caddy. Of course, if a trip like this is planned, my camera is always in tow. Awe - such cute cousins. They love playing together & look forward to seeing each other all the time.
I don't think he was too happy with this shot. He has GROWN so much in the past few months.

Ellie was more interested in posing with the clubs. We have a little Vanna White on our hands...

You Grab a line; I'll Grab a Pole

First of all, I have been trying to up load these photos all week, but for some reason it always happened unsuccessfully. Very frustrating.

Last weekend was the perfect weather for fishing. The humidity was lower & it was actually comfortable to be outside. We decided to head to Ms. Natalie's pond for some fishing. Ellie was excited to finally use the fishing pole the Easter Bunny had brought her. And, we have a lucky fishing buddy in our midst. She caught 2 or 3 before Jamie's first bite. She ended up snagging around 6 or 7 during the short time we were there. Maybe it was the purple sticker she placed on her forehead? (I don't know if you can tell in the photo, but she did have a purple sticker in the middle of her forehead.) After fishing, we headed to The Eakes' for an unplanned supper. (After much persistence from Billie Jo). Ellie played w/ her friends Davis & Avery & did not want to leave when it was time to go. Thanks Billie Jo & Jeff for a wonderful time & a great meal! Also, I wanted to wish my dad, my father-in-law, & Jamie a Happy Father's Day this weekend! We will be going sometime today to get some goodies for these great guys in our lives. We love you & appreciate all you do!