Road trip Part VIII - and DONE!

On Thursday, Jeremy and his dad went on a fishing trip with two Charles' - one a family friend, and the other his uncle. While they were gone Grandmother and I took the kids out and about. We tried a local park, but it the kids decided it wasn't much fun. There was a so-called splash pad and the water was just running into the playground area, making it very messy. So, we tried another park and this one was a hit.


Here, Ella Grace and Major were making pizzas.

Also while we were out we had lunch at CFA, went to a fabric store and looked for school shoes for Major.

The men made it home before we did, but we did make it in time to see the end of fish cleaning.

We were back at Pop & Nana's that night. Ella Grace was begging Nana to make s'mores, so they did get that done!

Great-Grandmother made Ella Grace a special treat for her feet!

On Friday, Jeremy & Dad went diving early. That afternoon/evening we attempted a cook-out at the lake. It poured earlier in the afternoon, causing us to all go inside the camper. I ran out to pick up my nephew Deven. Lo-Lo came around 5:00, along with Janie, Jon and Jackson, and Mom & Dad. All turned out well, and we had a great time with most of our family.

Ella Grace was attempting to touch her nose with her tongue - it may or may not run in the family.

 Saturday we were back at the lake with Grandmother & Grandaddy. Ella Grace was all about riding the tube.

 

 And I think jumping off of it was one of her favorite parts. During many of her rides she would let go, for no reason. When asked about it she would reply "I just let go for fun."

 This was me with her...apparently we hit a pretty big wave!

 Sunday we left pretty early. On the way we were able to stop in south Alabama to see Uncle David, Aunt Laura, Austin and Caroline for breakfast before they went to church (and while Uncle David was working). It definitely was a short visit, but we were just happy we were able to coordinate for that little piece of time together.

After being gone for such a long trip it was great to get back home and in our own beds. We had company coming soon ourselves and lots to do before getting started with a new school year!

February...well, I guess I didn't get too many (or any) of our events up from February. My apologies! I guess we were too busy having a good time.

Friday Feb. 4, we took Ella Grace and her friend Megan, and Major to a movie a church. They played a short Veggie Tale movie along with another movie, an OLD movie! We all had a fun time, ate our share of popcorn and experienced our first of many times with an "odd man out". Not fun, but something we will have to learn eventually.

When we got home, it wasn't long before our first Feb company arrived. David, Laura, Austin and Caroline were in town and made it over for a night. We had fun catching up, the kids just relished in the time they had to play with each other. These kids never miss a beat!



On February 6, Ella Grace lost tooth #2! Daddy pulled it for her, but she begged and begged for him to do it! She was really excited about it since she knew what to expect this time.
Ella Grace even wrote Tooth Fairy a note to ask for a playdate. Unfortunately, Tooth Fairy said she would have to decline because she is so busy collecting teeth. Bummer!
The next weekend, Aunt D (Donna), my friend from college, was in town for work. She was able to spend a few extra days with us and another friend from high school. The big girls ate out Friday night and she stayed with us Friday night. We all (minus the big guys) went to the zoo Saturday morning, despite it being a little chilly.


We moved our cars and had a little picnic lunch in the back of the parking lot, and were able to catch up a little.
Donna left with Mrs. Beth and stayed with them Saturday night. So we said our good-byes...


Major needed a guys picture, too. ha!
I was able to help with Ella Grace's Valentine party at school. She did not want me to take her picture at all!



More later!

Welcomed Company!

Last weekend (10/8), Jeremy's older brother David and his family came for a visit. We were so excited to see them. I think between both sets of kids we heard tons of "Are we there yet"/"Are they here yet?", "When will we/they be there/here?" and other similar questions!

(bunking in Mom & Dad's room! - What a treat!)

In the midst of the rain on Saturday, they arrived. The kids immediately paired off by gender and off they went. From baby dolls, cars/trucks/trains, Paper Jamz, they had a ball!


And speaking of ball, we did watch the Alabama game (after having dinner out - in the rain). All four kids dressed in their red & white!


After two days of rain, they were able to make it to Disney for two fun days. I think they had some fun!

The morning they departed - M-I-C (see you real soon!), K-E-Y (why? because we like you!)!







M-O-U-S-E!