Summer Vacation 09

This year, 2 yrs since our last visit, we returned to Orange Beach to visit my Mom and step-Dad. Our first day, we drove to Pensacola to watch the Blue Angels practice- this is always one of our favorite things. My step-dad was busy that day with church stuff so we didn't see much of him. The following day, however, was Vanson's 6th birthday so we enjoyed a day at the beach with Grama and Big Mike as the kids call them. That evening, Mom and I cooked dinner at the condo for all of us and we enjoyed birthday cake. Later that night, we visited The Track to ride go-carts at Vanson's request. Mike wanted to ride with the birthday boy. No one suspected that this would be our last time to see Mike. Mom called later that night after they'd gone to bed and I rushed her to the hospital where they told us he'd suffered a heart attack. While it was a very devastating event to our trip, we know that is was orchestrated by God b/c none of us could have planned it so well. I was so thankful to have been there for my mom during this time! I am her only child and would have been so upset to know she was going through this and me not being able to make it there fast enough! Having come from an Austin wedding the weekend before our vacation, we'd brought dress clothes to the beach! when else would that happen??? We were so prepared for something we had no idea was coming. Please continue to pray for my mom as she adjusts to being alone again. Pray her house sells quickly and that she will be ready soon to come to TX to be nearer to her family. I hate the thought of her being so far away now that he isn't there with her! But, I know God loves her and is looking out for her!! here is a slide show from our time in OB and Autumn's horse camp the week before we left.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A visit with Violet....

This summer, my cousin Josh and his wife Jessica had their fourth baby, a beautiful girl Zuzu. The other kids are 6, 3 and 2.... we remember being there a few short years ago. So, to help out, I offered to take the 2 yr. old for a few days. She is a beautiful, smart little girl named Violet. My kids adore her, and catered to her every whim (both real and perceived) for the 3 days we had her. We were sad to see her go so soon, but her family missed her too much!!

Vanson's birthday Party

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Vanson turns 6 this July, but he has always wanted a gymnastics party, which they do not do in the summer. So, he had an early party this year in late June with some of his classmates. He had a great time! Then, more recently he asked to buy this "tux" for his birthday present. He looked so handsome, we couldn't resist! He has always loved getting dressed up and trying to make things into a suit... now he has a real one!

Summer Fun....

This June we built a huge tree-house with and for the kids. We also put in a pool... so we've been quite busy, but wanted to share a few pictures finally. The deck will be finished around the pool in a couple weeks so come visit :)