Ahhhh vacation Time!

 Well, we just returned from our annual Orange Beach Trip and of course, had a blast.  We had perfect weather and the kids just really enjoyed every minute. This year Mr. & Mrs. Hollingsworth joined us, and that was great!  A very relaxing trip!  Claire was in the water or ocean most of the time, and Jesse was obsessed with the metal detector Paw Paw brought for him to use! We also celebrated Father's Day, and lance spent his day on the beach, opening gifts, and a trip to the Waffle House (his idea, not mine!)  On the way home, we went to Montgomery, and picked up Mary Grace, whom Claire was with in China, and she is staying with us for the week!  We are super excited for the girls to bond!

Well, lots and lots coming up, so I promise to post soon......

 

Jesse getting ready for the upcoming summer golf season.....trying out his new driver he received on Christmas!

Last Day of School thank goodness!!!

 Well, another school year is over and I couldn't be happier!!

 The kids had a good school year and Jesse grew leaps and bounds! Claire became a great little reader and really started to love school this year!

 This is me jumping for joy at the last day of school, and the last day of Jesse's exams!!

Lots and lots coming up soon....vacation, visitors, golf tourneys, and much more!! Promise to post again soon!

Claire Turns 8!

 Ms.Claire celebrated her 8th Birthday this weekend!  I am so sad my little baby is growing up!  She is just not a little girl any more...... She has wanted a slumber party for 2 years, so we finally gave in this year and only had 4 girls over for a Birthday Slumber Party.  They had an absolute blast.  The weather was perfect, and the girls were all perfectly behaved.

 Claire and Ellie enjoying cookie cake.

 The girls doing a fabric frame craft....they each got a pic of all the girls together to put in the frame.

 The birthday girl before school with her birthday breakfast.

 We had the family over on Claire's Birthday Friday after sushi for birthday cookies, per Claire's request!

 Claire and party friends making calzones at the slumber party....

 Birthday girl making a wish!

 Claire's buddy dropping by with a birthday hug and gift.

 Claire opening birthday gifts to a very excited group of friends!

Claire received her First Holy Communion

 Well, I was overjoyed with happiness and emotion yesterday as our little sweet Claire took a step closer in her walk with God yesterday. Claire and many other little ones received their First Holy Communion at St. Francis Church!  Claire was fine until I dropped her off in the room for pictures and went to sit in the sanctuary...she said...well I'm nervous now!  I think most of that had to do with the fact that she was the first to walk in and the first communicant of her class!  Well, she did a flawless job and we couldn't have been prouder. I managed to hold it together myself until she walked up to Father Marshall....then I was mush.....

 Our 13 year old growing up before our eyes....

 Claire's prayer partner, Jo, came to her First Communion and Claire was thrilled she was able to attend! Claire was also surrounded by all her grandparents and Aunt Jenny came as well!! Such a special time!!

 Family pic while looking directly into the sun!

And yes, I was able to put a few curls in Claire's hair....she was tickled to have wavy/curly hair for a change!!!

Well, we are blessed beyond measure and and so excited for Claire's journey.  We have lots going on in the next few weeks, so I promise to post again real soon!!!!

Happy Easter!!

 Well, Easter was upon us this weekend, and of course, we went down to Jackson, MS for family reunions abound!!!  Jesse and Lance participated in The Hollingsworth Golf Tournament, and actually came in 4th this year.  Jesse did great, and was glad to have contributed to the team!  The Hollingsworth Reunion provided tons of fun for both kids, but Jesse was old enough to participate in the bow and arrow events, and loved every second of that!!  He even came home with a bow and 2 arrows, compliments of his Uncle Charles......I'm apologizing to our neighbors in advance!

 Quick Claire had a blast scouring the yard for eggs, and enjoyed the company of all her cousins, including Gracie and George!!

 Of course, there was lots of Easter Egg dying to be done, so we tackled that with gusto and had a ball in the meantime!!

 Keri and Jesse took more time carefully designing their eggs!

 A very excited Claire on Easter morning at Mammaw and Pappaw Hare's home!

 Claire loves a good selfie!

Our squinty eyes looking directly at the sun!! Great weekend for all!

Lots coming up in The Hollingsworth home...Communion, Birthdays, Golf Tournaments!! Promises to post very soon!


Love, Gretchen

More from the big #13!

 Today is actually Jesse's Birthday and spent the day helping dad in the yard, attending Claire's Basketball Game, followed by dinner at Five Guys and then cupcakes, ice cream, and presents with the family!

 Jesse showing off his new swim trunks from grandma and grandpa!  Jesse received much needed money form Grandma and Grandpa.....thanks!!! If only it would warm up outside!!

Jesse opening his card from Nana and Paw Paw!  Lots of goodies from them....hovercraft, atmosphere ball, and itunes card!

 Yes, we are beginning to look like parents of a teen!

Uncle Tommy, as always, the life of the party!!

Aunt Jenny and Gracie and George also came and a great time was had by all!!  Hard to believe our little fat baby that seems was just born is now a tall, thin young man....we are truly blessed.