Fun in the sun !!

Well, we just returned from a wonderful vacation to Orange Beach for our annual trip with my entire family...and I mean all 40 something of us. We had a great time and met up with old friends and new ones too!!

I think some of the most fun Lance had on this trip was thowing the old football around with Jesse...and turned out to be a game of like 8 throwing it all around the beach.....great times were had and Lance was proud of his old arm.....

Claire was a non-stop playing and swimming machine on the beach. She slept sooo well!!

Jesse tossing ot around with all his cousins and dad.

Little ham!

My Grandmother came along for part of this trip and really enjoyed herself. Showing off her moves in the sand with Claire!

Claire loved swimming in the ocean with Aunt Cathie and Uncle Charlie. She started getting brave and standing on the boodie board by mid-week!

Jesse and Lance took a day trip to Fort Morgan and had a blast. Jesse explored the fort inside and out....taking a break on this cannon.

Well, more pics to follow. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!! Love, Gretchen

Lots of accomplishments in May!

Well, sweet Claire finished up Preschool with a little program for parents and family and it was so sweet! Here's Claire with her little certificate!

Claire at her end of the year school carnival...she loved all the games and competition....

Claire and Lily after having their face painted.

Claire holding the largest bowling ball I've ever seen....









On to Jesse....Jesse received 3 special end of the awards......perfect attendance, honor roll, and citizenship....that one we are especially proud of. Way to go Jesse!

Jesse's principal giving him his awards.

Lots going on, so I promise to post again soon!

Done with Preschool

Well, I have lots to post, and will do so very soon....but for now a little glimpse of Claire entering her Preschool End of the Year Program. How time has flown! Claire did great and had a blast with all her friends and teachers! Lots more coming soon!

Crazy Party Day!!!

Well, Claires Big #5 Birthday Party was today at our local bowling alley for cosmic bowling.....and let me tell you...it was crazy but a ton of fun!

Due to how dark the bowling alley was, we had a hard time taking many pics. We do have some video, which I hope to post here soon!! Claire and all her friends and family did have a great time.....lots of cupcakes and cake to be had by all! Thanks to all our great family and friends for being part of our lives!!!
Claire eating the first piece of cake!!
Jesse, Peyton, and Li Mei enjoying pizza time!

Mommy & Claire before the party got rockin!

Thanks to all for coming and Happy #5 Sweet Claire!!!

My Oh My..... Look Who's Five!

Well, it happened....our little tiny Claire is 5. Where the time has gone I have no idea, but I certainly savor days like these. Sweet Claire turned five today, surrounded by family for a dinner out, and then cupcakes and presents here afterwards.

She will celebrate with her friends and family this weekend at Bartlett Lanes and have a blast. Claire had a great day filled with crepes, gymnastics, dinner out, and strawberry cupcakes......the perfect day!

We are so blessed to have Claire in our family.......she lights up all those around her....even if it's flooding!

Claire with cousins Gracie and Keri, and of course, big brother Jesse.

Goofing around at dinner...

The entire Family having dinner.....yum!

Happy Birthday Claire!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! The Hollingsworth Family made our annual pilgrimage to Jackson for the 2 Family Reunions we attend every year. The kids had a blast and we had wonderful weather, food, and company! The kids loved huntung for eggs, and Jesse found the "money egg" at the Hare Family Reunion. Great times were had by all!

Jesse on the search during the "big kid" Easter egg hunt!

Happy Easter and promises to post again soon! Someone around here turns 5 next week!!

Love, Gretchen

Jesse throwing the 1st pitch at the U of M game at his 10th Birthday Party!

Hard to believe....our Jesse turned 10!

Well, Jesse has turned ten...where has the time gone? Well, Jesse has had a great Birthday surrounded by family and friends! Jesse blowing out his candles as cousin Gracie peeks in!

Opening gifts from Nana & Paw Paw as everyone looks on.

Jesse's Birthday Party cupcakes Claire and I made for him.

Jesse has become quite the photographer, and on his Birthday, he spotted this skink outside. He he loves snapping pictures when our skinks are out. This was taken on a sunny afternoon.....

Well, Jesse had his #10 at the Fed Ex Park where the U of M Tigers play baseball. All the kids at the party got to run on the field with the team at their positions and stand with them for the National Anthem. Jesse got to throw out the 1st pitch! Great times!

The entire Birthday Party Group got the outfield deck and we not only had a great view, but had the entire thing to ourselves!

Lots of games were played during the party, with the favorite being water balloon baseball. The kids got soaked, and had a blast doing it!

Cousin Peytin in action getting ready to bust up a water balloon!!

Jesse enjoying each and every card his friends and family gave him. We are truly blessed with such wonderful friends and family around us!

Full Speed Ahead in April!

Well, April has started off with a bang here in Bartlett. Lance's team is just getting started up with baseball, and came in 2nd place in their 1st tournament of the season. They did great, despite only a few practices due to all the rain we've had lately! Go Tigers!

Lance talking with the team after losing the Championship Game.

Jesse and Caleb ready for action....

This is what a tired, dirty, and hungry little girl looks like after a weekend of ball games!

Jesse ready to bat!

Jesse had a very difficuly week last week, as he said goodbye to 2 of his best friends. Our friends and neighbors of 9 years moved to Washington, DC last week. Jesse was sad to see them go, but who knows, maybe we'l plan a visit to DC??? Never been there.....would be such an educational and fun trip!

Well, lots going on in April.....will post again very soon! Gretchen