Weekend get-a-way with Derek

A 19-year-old daughter is pretty wonderful to have around. Especially, when she so kindly said yes to watching her siblings for four days while I went off to meet Derek in Orlando, Florida. He was attending a work conference for a few days before I showed up. We had the most wonderful time. I LOVE my life with that guy!We spent the first day at Disney World - The Magic Kingdom. I have always wanted to see what Disney World was like ever since I was a little girl.
Laying in the hot sun...listening to the ocean waves...what could be better?
"I've got my toes in the water...my toes in the sand"
COCOA BEACH
The hotel we stayed at was amazing. Three large pools, a lazy river, waterslide, hot tubs, volleyball, & ping pong on the deck. I could easily just stay here for the week.
Every night we would float around on this Lazy River. We had a great time visiting and Derek loved trying to slyly paddle me into the surrounding water cannons and waterfalls. Good luck keeping the hair dry on this one. So Fun!

It's Back to School Time

Here's Madi getting to meet her teacher and finding her new desk for the year.
An added bonus is when your "best friend" ends up in your class.
Sara found her spot with her name and a treat from Miss Easely. She is thrilled because Madi was in Miss Easely's class two years ago.
These two friends get to sit right together. They couldn't be happier.
Off to High School
Yes, Jake is a Sophomore this year.
And he's off to catch the bus!
Our adorable Freshman - Alli (love the boots)
New Bags loaded with school supplies, tummies filled with butterflies, smiles of excitement and overwhelming feelings of independence. These three girls are ready to go.
Cute Sara's in 3rd Grade
Lovely Madi's in 5th Grade
There they go.......I will miss them...
One of the parts I don't like about the kids returning to school is that they go back a year older and I realize how fast they are growing up. It makes me sad. I am really enjoying my kids at this stage and I don't want it to keep changing. But, life really does keep going on no matter how I feel.

Here's to a Wonderful New School Year!!

Saturday @ Sliding Rock

It's a little bit of a hike to get there...but when you do your sweaty and ready to slide.
...well some are ready and others have to get up the courage to face the terribly cold water.
Alli & Jenna are so excited
Jake thought it would be really cool to try the snowsled down the rocks and suprisingly it worked great. Next, he asked me if he could try going down head-first. No Way!! Does he think he is invincible? Heads and Rocks just don't go together.
Waiting and watching from the Top!
Kayli and Haley trying to warm up.A bunch of Derek's family came with us (and some came twice). We love taking people to this crazy place. It is a hidden nature wonderland.
My adventurous guys!
Harrison expresses the temp of the water best! FREEZING!!!
Dorothy (above) & Sara (below) take a turn on the small slide

We had a blast watching these kids play and hopefully it will be a fun memory for them to look back on.
Madi carried Dorothy on part of the trail - So Cute!
On our way back - GOOD TIMES!!

"Cul-de-Sac of Fire"

Friends, Family, Friends of Family, Friends of Friends...It really doesn't matter who...we just all get together and have a great time.
If you've ever heard of Stadium of Fire...this is a scaled down version that our neighborhood gets together and does every year. It turns out great!! Slides, hot dogs, hamburgers, face painting, cotton candy, jumping castles, sno cones, popcorn, live music and a zillion dollar firework show. I'm not sure how they get away with launching these illegals here but, it is so fun to watch. The band played for 3 hours and the kids, teenagers and some of the adults danced into the night.

summer rain and thunderstorms

it's wet, gray and warm...summertime rain is the most fun. it doesn't stop the kids from being outside...in fact, I think it encourages them more. music and snacks on the porch. we're trying to make the most of the last few days of summer...school is less than a week away.

Happy Anniversary!! 21 years... Life is Beautiful!!