My Fab Family

Dale was the guest children's speaker at our Encounter services this past weekend. Of course, we all had a super fun time. I was even coerced into doing a character skit with Breanna. To make a long story short, she did my make-up badly. On Sunday evening, Dale encouraged the kiddos to perform a circus routine. I was amazed by and so proud of our creative students. Andrew and Olivia wowed the crowd with their balloon twisting skills.

I only wish the lighting in our room was better.  Ughh....

Tye Dye T-Shirts

One afternoon, we (including Natalie) tye dyed t-shirts. This activity reminds me of water balloon fights. There is a lot of time and preparation for just a little bit of hooray.

Everyone had a different plan and technique. Natalie and Olivia were meticulous with their color placement. Andrew just squirted whatever color wherever.  However, I love how they all turned out. 

While coloring with O on Sunday night, she said, "Mom, Andrew always bugs me at lunch!  He always comes up to my table and asks me all of these questions."  Being the inquisitive mother that I am, I decided to hear Andrew's version of the story.  I casually asked Andrew what he does at lunch.  He responded, "The first thing that I always do is find Olivia, give her a hug, and ask how her day is going."  Seriously...could he be any sweeter?

(vintage photo Summer 2010)
I am super sorry Olivia that your brother is such a bother.  One day (not too far from now), you will treasure his love for you.

Apple Pickin'

Official Beach Photos

The storm ran us off the beach before I captured more of the kiddos together.  Let's just say...they weren't too heart broken.

Day 7

While on the boat waiting to para sail, one of the locals encouraged us to visit Fort Morgan.  Scott and I were amazed at the construction of this 200 year old fort.  It is a beautiful piece of American history.

We managed to get stuck out there in a thunderstorm.  While waiting out the storm, O snapped this photo of Sweet Scotty and myself.  I couldn't help but envision all the wonderful photo opportunities.  Unfortunately, we weren't dressed for such an adventure, and my children weren't really excited about the idea.  There is always next time!

On our last afternoon at the beach, the water was incredibly clear.  We managed to find half of a dozen hermit crabs which I gave to a sweet little boy with a bucket.  I am certain that his mother loved me for that act of generosity.  Our children begged and pleaded to take one home.  I almost caved, and then I remembered the last time I lost my mind and said yes to a pet.  

THE BEST VACATION EVER!!! 

Day 6

Para sailing has been on my bucket list for a few years. We decided at the beginning of the week that I would be checking this off my list on Thursday. I was slightly surprised and excited when Andrew and Olivia decided to join me. We only had to walk a few yards down the beach to schedule our trip.  We signed a few release forms, were fitted for life jackets, and casually told to climb on the banana boat. 

We went up to 800 feet, and it was absolutely breathtaking.  We were able to see schools of stingrays.  I am convinced that I spotted a sea turtle.  However, Andrew strongly disagrees.  My favorite part of the experience was sharing it with my treasures.  I am certain that they will remember this special time sailing 800 feet above the ocean with their momma.

That evening we got cleaned up, and I managed to snap a few photos before a storm quickly made its appearance.  We then headed to Lambert's for dinner.  We all really enjoyed the fun atmosphere.  Our waitress played several practical jokes on the kids.  I did make the mistake of letting them have soda as a super special vacation treat.  We left the restaurant stuffed and just a little hyper. 

With that said, there is something about the beach that makes sleep come easily.

First Day of School

I am sad to report that today was the very first day of school for my sweet babies. They were really excited to head back to their home away from home. I, on the other hand, am never ready for the start of a new school year.  With that said, I do love to see them interact with their buddies and excitedly head down the hall to explore their new classrooms.

Scott said, "It looks like Olivia belongs in a high school during the 80s."  She loved her outfit and hair!

Day 5

We spent this morning relaxing on the beach. We decided to walk towards the pier. At one point in our leisure stroll, Scott and I realized that Andrew had stopped walking. He had entered his world of deep thought (oblivious to the world around him). He was marking how far the tide came up on the shore. Scott sat down on a chair and waited for him to finish his analysis. It was a memory that will be forever filed away in our minds.

Olivia took to the task of building her "own" castle.

That afternoon, we headed to the pier for a little ocean fishing.

Scott's first official ocean catch

They spent an incredible amount of time catching small pinfish.  Andrew nonchalantly caught something, and Scott immediately stated, "You caught another pinfish!"  Andrew and I quickly realized that it was NOT another pinfish.  Andrew started screaming, "I caught a shark!  I caught a shark!"  This quickly attracted the attention of other fishermen and sight seers.  I am happy to report that he caught a remora, otherwise known as a shark sucker.  Good news...Andrew didn't catch a shark.  Bad news...there was a shark swimming around the pier.

Scott and Andrew returned to the pier that evening after dinner.  They watched as fellow tourist caught a 50 pound stingray.  Andrew also watched as someone reeled in a small shark.