So it finally happened.......

 Well, it finally happened.  I don't know how, but boom I woke up and now I'm 40.  WOW.  Well, I've decided to just make the most of it and enjoy the blessings I've been given.  Many of which are in the pictures I've posted today.  I was surrounded by my sweet husband and kids, mom and dad, brother, sweet mother and father in law, and my sister in law and niece. I even received a giant bouquet of flowers from my grandmother!  It was a lovely day.  The kids made me breakfast AND lunch.  Mind you they are 12 and 7, but for breakfast (2 hours later) Jesse and Claire had made delicious crepes with fresh strawberries.  They worked really hard on them and I was proud of their effort.  They "pampered" me all day with whatever I needed and foot massages galore!  Jesse even offered me a pedicure but I kindly turned that one down..... We all had dinner out and then went to mom and dad's for presents and cake!  A perfect day.

Since Lance and I both turned the big one this year, instead of presents we are doing a trip together in July to St. Martin's.  Can't wait!!!

 Father and son staying out of trouble I think!

 Jenny with her dad and brother

 I absolutely love this picture of the girls bringing me my cake....delicious!

Let's hope 40 is as fabulous as my 30's!!!

Annual Family Vacay 2013

 Well, as usual, we had an absolute blast on our annual vacation this year!  Per the last 6 years, we made our annual jaunt down to Montgomery, AL to see Claire's friend MG, who was adopted from China at the same time in our travel group!  The girls had a blast reconnecting, comparing sizes, and it was if they didn't miss a beat!  We are so grateful for the hospitality they offered us!

 

 The girls showing off their original pictures from China

 Claire playing nonstop on the beach!

 This year, we had the pleasure of Lance's sister Jenny and her daughter Gracie to join our huge family for most of the week!  I think they both had a ball!

 Little Lance in training.....

 Big Lance......

 Mom with our sweet little cousin Annabelle

 The kids after helping Lance with their creations!

 Uncle Tommy and Jesse are almost the same height!!!

 Lance and Uncle Tommy are NOT almost the same height!

We are truly blessed to be able to take our vacation with family every year and look forward to it all year long!  I admit, I was not great at taking pictures this year, as I was too busy enjoying myself!  We had the pleasure of Mr. & Mrs. Hollingsworth and cousin Keri for most of the week as well.  I think they had a great time also!  The weather was perfect, and cooler there than in Memphis!!!!

Lots going on this summer, so I promise to post again very soon!!  Love, Gretchen

Tourney Time!!

 We decided to take the kids this time to the Fed Ex Golf Tourney.  Usually just Lance goes or I go with him, but this year we all went!   We went on the first day, so the crowds were thin and we able to see lots!  We all had just a fantastic time!!

 Waiting for the next group to approach the green

Claire and I enjoying the shade and goofing off while Lance stalked David Duvall....one of his favorites!

So Glad It's June!

 Well, we have officially entered my favorite month!!  For several reasons....no school, vacation, no school, my Birthday, weddings, and did I say no school???

 We had our families over for Memorial Day and the weather was fantastic!  The kids all had a blast and the food was great as well!  Claire in action with her hula hoop!

Uncle Tommy entertaining Jesse and our neighbor by launching Mr. Hollingsworth's neat rubber band rocket over the house and into the street.Over and over again!

Lots coming up soon, so I promise to post again soon!

Last Day of School!!!

 Well, thank the good Lord above, today is the last day of school for Claire and Jesse.  It has been a year full of ups and downs, and challenges, but it is over!  They have both grown in leaps and bounds.  This school year Jesse has really physically grown, and looks like a young man to me now, not a kid.....

 Jesse is now my height, though much thinner!  Claire has grown in height, but not much in weight.  That's no surprise to me, because she never stops!!!! Ever!!

The kids are looking forward to a relaxing summer with our trip to the beach coming up, and lots of fun outside time...also golf for Jesse!

Well, lots coming up, so I'll post again soon!

End of school......

 Jesse was awarded several certificates at his 6th grade ceremony....but was most proud of his 300 ish AR points that got him a gold medal.  Nana and PawPaw came to watch as well as Grandma.  Proud of Jesse and still can't believe he's going to be a 7th grader!!

 Gift Card Bouquet I made with many gift cards  received from Claire's classmates for her 1st grade teacher's end of the year gift....actually was quite fun to make!!

Jesse The Yellow Belt

 Jesse tested Friday for his Yellow belt and did great.  He is now a yellow belt with Camo being the one to test for next.  We will see how Jesse does this summer!

Good job Jesse!

Mother's Day Fun!

We had the pleasure of Mother's Day Brunch at my mom and dad's house, along with my grandmother. Still as spry and active as can be!!  We enjoyed the sunny day, and delicious brunch!  We then spent some time with Lance's mom and his family!  We are so blessed to have both sets of parents here nearby!  Hope everyone had a fantastic Mother's Day!!

Spring Critters and more

 Well , anyone who knows me knows I love critters and all the wildlife that inhabits my yard!  Lance....not so much.  I was delighted this week when these golden finches decided to visit one of my feeders. Hope they stay all summer!!!

 Claire with her new skates from Nana and PawPaw!  She is getting the hang of it! Below is our newest skink.  We have at least 3 adults and several babies scattered around our yard!  Claire is the only one they will come to. She must be the skink whisperer or something!

 Claire goofing off at the UofM baseball game!

 This critter I wasn't so sure I wanted in the middle of the day in my yard....then in our garage recycling bins the net day!