Quick Chicago Girls' Trip!

 Well, my friend Leigh Ann, who I met when we traveled to China together to adopt our girls, went to Chicago for 3 days on a much needed mom-cation!  Leigh Ann was actually there for a nursing conference, so I took advantage of her invite and free fancy hotel room!  We had a wonderful time!!

 We were staying right down from the Trump Towers...ironically enough!

 Yes, the city lived up to its name!

 A much needed cocktail after a day of walking and exploring!

 A beautiful view from our boat on the Chicago River Architectural Cruise...

 My view at lunch on the terrace at the Shedd Aquarium....and yes I went there by myself and didn't know what to do with myself without any children to boss around!!!

 Rubbing it in for Jesse and Lance in from of their favorite brands.....

 I fell in love with this store in Paris and was so glad to see one again!!!

Love it!!!  Well...lots coming up soon, as Jesse begins his Sophomore Year on the Varsity golf team next week at SBA, and Claire begins cheer at SFA!! Lots to be grateful for!

July Fun!

 A very happy Jesse to meet one of the golf great...Loren Roberts...who happens to be a Memphian!  He signed his book for Jesse and even gave golfing tips!  Never seen Jesse so happy at 6:15 in the morning!

 My lantanas are always the best in our July heat!!

 Love my new sign I had made thanks to Etsy!

And the braces are off!

Alabama Friends!

Our vacation could not get off to a start without a trip to see The Hixons....This was the 9th visit!  Hopefully many, many more to go!

2016 Beach Fun!!

 Well, we started out our annual vacation with our pilgrimage to Montgomery, AL to visit our Alabama Family, The Hixons! As usual, they showed us the best Southern Hospitality and the girls got to catch up once again....Having trouble locating the group pic of all of us, but that's coming soon..... We had a blast for the night we were there, and are so very grateful for their friendship!

 The beach was beautiful the entire week we were there...while Claire and I spent most of our time on the beach, the boys were more adventurous......Jesse after an afternoon playing golf with Lance.

 The entire crew this year.  This year we were able to have Lance's side join us as well! More kids to play with!

 Crawfords and Hollingsworths

 We were down on the beach during Summer Solstice, and was able to record the rare "strawberry moon".  It was lovely!

 The 2016 Annual Beach Chair Picture!

 My how he's growing......

 This girl will pick up anything!

 Lance got the luxury of spending his Father's Day on the Beach this year....opening a host of cards and gifts from the kids (with a little help from mom)

 Claire, Gracie, and George balcony pose

 Loving the water with her cousins

 Life is hard......

 Waiting for the Strawberry Moon

 Jesse & Lance spotted this deer right off the green playing golf......that's a first for them!

We are so very blessed to be able to take vacations such as these year after year.....thank you Lance for being a wonderful provider and father! We love you!

Geez......43?

 Well, I celebrated number 43 yesterday surrounded by my kids, my parents, my brother, and my in-laws.  We had a delicious dinner at Half Shell, followed by cake and presents at my mom's and dad's house.  It was a lovely day and I am one blessed momma!

 No candles to be found at my moms, so she improvised in a big way!

 Finally Lance found me a mug to keep my  hot tea hot!

 Jesse decided I need a selfie stick, but I think he as already claimed it as his own!

Lots to post soon, as we leave for the beach Friday to visit our Montgomery, AL pals!  Lots to post soon!
love, gretchen

Wedding Fun!

 Well, we trekked our way to Jackson, MS for Lance's cousin Micheal's Wedding.  We had a great time and the kids enjoyed every minute of it!  The more I look as the pics of Jesse and Lance, the more I realize Jesse is starting to look more and more like him.....Claire enjoyed watching all the pretty bridesmaids and of course, the bride Kelsey.  Fun was had by all!!

 A sparkler send-off

Claire decided to remove herself from all the sparks and smoke and watch from a distance.....smart girl!

Well, we leave for our annual trip to Montgomery and then Orange Beach, AL in less than 2 weeks!  Promises to post again real soon!!!