#FloridaTrip2K15 (Part 1)

Baylor created the hashtag for our adventure to Florida.  I could add so many to that.

#noplacelikedestin
#beachvacation
#friendsmorelikefamily
#bestvacationever

I had so looked forward to returning to the beach and it did not disappoint.  In fact, it was about 20 times better than I remembered.  Our experience was quite different from our previous trip.  For starters, we actually stayed on the beach and even though it cost a little more, it was so worth it.  

As we arrived, I think this is how we all felt....

Our home for the week...

The balcony was one of my favorite hang-out locations. 

Hunting for crabs....

Everyone tumbles on the beach, right?

Look close.  Baylor is eating fish that he caught deep sea fishing, which was pretty much one of the biggest highlights of the trip for the boys.  Apparently, the boat driver discouraged taking photos as it would scare the fish away so the boys only have their memories.

While the boys fished, the girls shopped. 

Beach Bonfire with Smores...

 No beach trip is complete without an evening out for ice cream.

Before you can eat, you must grocery shop. How many bags of groceries can a Tahoe hold?  We found out.  

Then of course we managed to eat well every evening.  Taco night was a big hit.  

We of course ate out a few evenings.  The boys both begged for crab legs. They finally got their wish. 

To be continued...

Seasons Change

To say I have seriously neglected blogging in the past year would be a complete understatement. Now that I am finished with school, it's time to recommit.  A lot has obviously happened since Christmas as it's now Labor Day.  I'm not sure I will be able to go back and recapture it all but I can see it's been an amazing and unforgettable summer that we won't soon forget.

1.  Baylor broke his wrist.  This required an ER visit and he spent the end of May and June in a cast.  Luckily, we were able to get a water proof cast before leaving for vacation.  I might add after the initial ER visit, where he was in a lot of pain, he was a real trooper.

2.  I finished school and earned my MASTERS!  Yay!!!

3.  The kids went to church camp and of course loved every minute, except for the fact that they had to leave a day early.  We earned worst parent ever award there.  I am however, thankful that when they return their hearts are full for God.  

4.  We finally made it back to the beach.  This will deserve many posts all to it's own.   All I can say is when do we go back???

5.  We enjoyed pool and lake time with friends and family.  

6.  I turned the big 4-0.  Tear.  But, I must admit my hubby and friends made it a fun evening. We even met Jill Donovan who gifted us Rustic Cuff and many years from now someone will say...who was that?

7.  The kids started middle school.  Even more tears....

This weekend, Delaney has spent the weekend with the Fulkerson's at the lake celebrating Hunter's birthday.  

Today, our girl came home and we spent some family time out by the pool.  Even Bodie got in on a little pool action. 

So as seasons change, I am always sad to see summer go and will count down the days until her return.  In the meantime, it's time to enjoy my second favorite season, fall.  And, in this house, we are ready for some football.  Go Cowboys!

Christmas with the Ward Family

Everyone made it to Christmas this year, and we were thrilled to open our arms to a new member of the family. 

Christmas Morning

 

No million part toys to assemble, just a quiet Christmas morning.  The kids spent some time with their new gifts and then somehow they hooked me into playing Trivia Crack with them.   Back in my day (yeah, that makes me sound old), we would have been playing what I called, Trivial Pursuit, sitting around a table.  In 2015, we sit side by side on the couch, sharing a blanket, each staring at our screens waiting for our turn to play, yet somehow still laughing with one another and even helping the other out on occasion. And...I even become somewhat amazed at all my littles know.  Electronics don't have to be all bad and isolating.