Lake Lure

Yesterday my sister and I took these kiddos up to Lake Lure Beach and Waterworks:

Eli and Mackaylan were a little apprehensive when we first arrived,

but, it didn't take long until.......

WATER FIGHT!!!

After some swimming time in the lake, we headed to the "sprinklers" while Boyce went and tested out the waterslides. (For those that are coutning, that is reason #23 why having an older, brave cousin is great!)

Once Boyce gave his stamp of approval the real fun began!!!!!

We all had lots of fun sliding down the waterslides.

Just let me say, Boyce was a master slider by the end of the afternoon.

It was yet another great opportunity for Mackaylan to try out her swimming skills.

Jahpa would be so proud!

Before we left, Boyce and E had a water balloon fight.

They let Mackaylan shoot a one balloon, but she wasn't really into it. (Surely that doesn't surprise you! ha)

Boyce was definitely the winner!

As you can see, we had a great day!

The weather was perfect.

The "beach" wasn't too crowded.

And the kiddos were very well-behaved.

Thanks again, Sis for the wonderful idea!

I think it will definitely be another summer tradition.

We love you!

Standing Ovation

My mom and I took Mackaylan to see Standing Ovation yesterday. The movie was full of singing and dancing which KK absolutely loved. When we walked out of the theater she was already asking when we would be able to buy it on DVD. She was in awe of all the dancing and fancy costumes. She didn't move from her seat the entire time. She was absolutely enthralled! After the movie we headed to Target- one of my favorite spots on the planet! I had a few things I wanted to pick up for the house, and of course I found a few other things that we needed as well. At one point Mackaylan looked up and said: "Mama, I think you might be spending too much money!" Oh, a "Dave Ramsey Diva" in the making. Her daddy would be so proud!

Wordless Wednesday

This picture warms my heart and makes me smile. I am so blessed.

Enough said.

Random Thoughts and a Few More Pics

Here are a few more pics from our family vacation last week. I really can't express what a wonderful time we had. Since returning Mick and I have both been working like crazy. However, I refuse to say that summer is over yet! Tomorrow, after an important morning meeting, mom and I are going to take Mackaylan to see Standing Ovation. I can't wait. I know she will just love it! Then, on Thursday my sister and I are going to take the kiddos up to Lake Lure for a little fun in the sun. However, Friday is when the real fun begins. I will be traveling with 2 of my college roommates to TN for our annual Gamma Retreat. We will spend lots of time talking, laughing, playing silly games, and the list could go on and on. We always have a wonderful time and I look forward to this weekend every summer! Anyway, I am just rambling on and on. Hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

PS Please say a quick prayer for us today. Mackaylan is scheduled to have a cavity filled at 10:00 AM. I have told her that is she is a "big girl" then I will take her to get a prize. However, I'm afraid that the reward of a Dora doll is not going to be enough to keep her calm. Why, oh why, didn't she get her daddy's teeth?!?

On the Beach

The best thing about going to the beach is we go to the beach! We don't get caught up in all of the tourist activities like Putt-Putt, Arcades, Waterparks, etc. We spend our time relaxing by the water- either the ocean or the pool. It is a time to be with our family and get away from "the real world" as much as possible. On this vacation we spent the mornings/early afternoons on the beach, and we spent the afternoons by the pool. The waves were really rough this year so we were only able to venture deep in the water a few times, but we still had a blast nonetheless. Time was spent playing at the water's edge, building sandcastles, riding waves, reading,

playing baseball, and soaking in the rays!

To be continued.....

Family Fun Night

What do you do when your kitchen table looks like this?

Why, you have a PJ Pizza Picnic in the living room, of course!

All you need to do is have your family change into their PJs, grab a tablecloth for the coffee table or floor, and set up your food and drinks.

Here's a pic of my two favorite people in the entire world!

And a family shot to top off another Family Fun Night!

If time would have allowed we would have played a few games after eating, but it was already after 9 and time for our little princess to head to bed. This was a very low key Family Fun Night, but so worth it!

On another note: I'm sure some of you think I am joking when I say I am raising a little princess, but I am not. How many 5 year olds do you know that sleep with an orange fluffy boa... just in case their neck gets cold!?! I don't make this stuff up people...really. :)

The Bellagio- Vacation 2010

Following Jenna’s lead, I have decided to break our vacation posts and pics into a multi-day process. Each day I will focus on a different aspect of our vacation. Mickey and his family have been going to beach together since he was just a baby. It is a yearly tradition that I have been fortunate to be apart of for 8 years now. Each year I think it can't get any better, but it always does. Not only did we have very luxurious accomodations this year, but we also had the pleasure of meeting the newest member of our family- Landry Elaine, our 4 week old cousin. Needless to say, we had a wonderful time and didn’t want to leave and return to “the real world.” You will see why when you check out the pics of The Bellagio- our 2010 beach house:

To be continued.......