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!!!

Last Day Of School!

 Where has time gone!!  Wow are they growing up......

 I will now be the mother of a 5th grader and 10th grader!!!

 I made Claire's teacher a money bouquet with donations from all the class! She squealed when the kids brought it in to her!! A good way for her to kick off the summer I think!

Claire bear saying goodbye to her 4ht grade teacher and class......can't believe how time has flown!

End of 4th Grade is Quickly Approaching!

 Well, Claire is finishing up her 4th Grade Year with the big State project that each child does.  Claire was assigned Nebraska and boy did she learn about Nebraska....that girl needs to be on Jeopardy.....Anyway, she mad a 105 and did great...so proud of her efforts!

 As room mom, I gathered cold hard cash this year for the end of the year teacher bouquet....I collected $472 total...I think that will put a smile on her face!!!

Last week of school...Jesse is in the thick of his first real final exams.......prayers for him please!!!  Lots coming up, so I promise to post again soon!

Love, Gretchen

Luau Slumber Party......

 Well, Claire is presently obsessed with all things Luau so yes, we went overboard with the theme...but Claire loved every minute of it!

 She does look like a little Hawaiaan girl to me!

 Dinner on the deck complete with fishing net, leis, and fancy glasses with a tropical punch mix.

 Of course they played games til the sun went down and the mosquitoes came out!!

 Claire wanted to do a beach artwork, so we did a little paint party and did an ocean scene with footprints....I think the girls really enjoyed this craft!

 Waiting for the canvases to dry before doing their footprints, they had a little down tome for smiles and cupcakes!

My flat footed daughter.....More to come soon on the rest of the party.  The girls settled down and after getting all snuggled in sleeping bags, watched one of my favorites..."13 Going on 30" . I heard giggling all hours of the night.....So blessed to be able to do these things for Claire!  Happy 10th Birthday Sweet Girl!