Jesse Becomes A Sophomore!!

Well, Jesse began his first day as a Sophomore today!  How time has flown.  My boy is driving with a permit, playing golf with the Varsity Team, and taking challenging classes.  I am a lucky little momma!  I pray for Jesse to have a safe and wonderful year sprinkled with blessings!

 

FirsDay Of 5th Grade....And First SBA Golf Match Of The Year!

 What a busy 2 days it has been!  We now have a lovely, dainty, little 5th Grader and is all smiles about her lack of braces!

 It's hard for me to comprehend that our little Claire is one year from Middle School....I have a year to freak over that one.

Claire has been hoping for years to get Mrs. Corzine, which she did this year!  She will change classes starting this year, and is so excited about that!  This year should be a blast!

 Jesse started his second year on the Varsity Golf Team at SBA as a sophomore yesterday against Bartlett High.  That boy was all nerves!  He was wound so tight...They lost by only 2 strokes to a team that had 2 of the best players in the state...so it can only get better from here!

I love the amazing sportsmanship of this game.  They all cheer each other on, and just are so very kind to each other.....

Well, Jesse's first day of sophomore year is tomorrow, so I will post again soon!  Lots coming up soon!!!!

A Backyard Visitor....

I spotted this visitor in my backyard last evening.  A red-tailed hawk.  While I see them soaring overhead, I've never had the pleasure of one perching in my backyard for a rest.  This beauty sat for 15 minutes and watched something in my neighbor's back yard....let's hope it wasn't one of their little dogs!

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!