10 years

Steve and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on June 10th. My sister, Erin, was so gracious to keep the girls so we could slip off to the beach for the weekend. We had not gone on an "overnight" anniversary trip since our 5th. Budgetwise we didn't need to take a big trip (and probably didn't "need" to even go to the beach), but how many times do you celebrate your 10th anniversary?:) We found an inexpensive studio condo in Seacrest for 2 nights and we were off. (and yes, kkd, if you are reading this, I did do the planning:)


I have such a huge crush on this boy


A friend told us about

Caliza Restaurant

in Alys Beach so we made reservations to have dinner there. Dining is outside by a beautiful pool...



Steve "relaxing" as we waited on dinner...




And what a fun surprise to walk up and see Darby and her sister, Erika, who were celebrating their 30th birthdays with their husbands and friends.



We just happened to be seated right beside them. She has much prettier pictures of Caliza here.

And the biggest surprise of the evening came when our waitress flagged us down as we were leaving. She informed us that a "friend of the family" had called ahead and taken care of our dinner! I teared up at the thoughtfulness of this person. What a blessing! It was an incredible weekend with an incredible man and I look forward to many many more decades together!

A.C.'s Birthday

Anna Clare turned 7 BACK IN MARCH and I am just now posting pictures. I have lots of catching up to do.


We did a combined "cheerleading" party with her lifelong friend, A.B. The girls had a blast! We had two "real" cheerleaders come to the church gym and teach the girls cheers and a dance routine.






















In the words of these girls..."Turning Seven Rocks!"

June 27, 2010

What a joyful day! Anna Clare was baptized this past Sunday morning.



At our church the person who is being baptized chooses a scripture to be read by a family member. I had been praying for God to give her the verse He had chosen for her. She chose Luke 1: 37. "For nothing is impossible with God."



Steve read it during the service. I pray it is a truth she will never forget.



We are so thankful that she has asked Jesus to be the Lord of her life. I pray that she desires to be obedient to Him and walks closely with Him in a real relationship all the days of her life.



Sunday night she asked me if she had to have a bath since she was baptized that morning. Completely cracked me up! We love you Anna Clare and are so very proud of the decision you have made.

Summer is Here!

A few weeks ago I saw this post on another blog and thought it was a neat idea to avoid summer boredom. Anna Clare made a list of activities (i.e. pool, picnic, various local parks, TCBY) and put them in an envelope. She loves little games like this. Today was her first day of summer (blog post on the end of 1st grade to come, and her birthday, and the Disney cruise, and ...I am REALLY behind on posts!) so I told her to choose an activity. When she pulled "Landmark Park" out of the envelope, my first thought was "HOT!" But we loaded up and headed out.

First was the playground...


which was indeed HOT!








Can you tell my girls like to pose?!

Then we happened up on Farmer Sid and Elbert.


It was feeding time, and since we were the only ones in sight, the girls had the animals all to themselves.









Sid was so gracious and patient with the girls (and with me as I tried to snap pictures with a dying camera battery).






He let the girls gather the eggs...




and put them in a bag to bring home so they could have fresh eggs for breakfast Saturday morning!



He even kept the "mean" rooster at bay.



They had a blast! We thanked Farmer Sid and headed home with our eggs.



They couldn't wait for Daddy to get home so they could tell him all about it. And nothing makes Daddy happier than two red-faced, sweaty children who have been spending time in the great outdoors. Feeding time is every week day at 4:00. Your children will love it!

Three!

Yesterday, this little princess was two and this was her last night "posing" as our two-year-old little baby...



This morning, she was "sad" that she was not two any more.



And this is how she felt about being "free."











For her birthday, she wanted to "go to 'Little Bamba,' and wear a hat, and get ice cream on my nose." It was a packed solid day, but we made her wish come true. My dad was giving the commencement address for the graduation of a local community college which included a luncheon. I had the luncheon covered but was having trouble finding an afternoon sitter for the graduation. I had pretty much given up and told my parents I couldn't make it, when my friend Allyson insisted on keeping her (she knew of my plight because her daughter babysits for us). She is a saint in my book. Not only did she volunteer to keep her, but it was during nap time away from home...it could've gone either way. Thankfully, Allyson said she was an angel and even curled up and slept on her daughter's bed while she read to her. I am SO GRATEFUL to her, because hearing my dad speak was a tremendous blessing. I would've hated to have missed it.

Next came Anna Clare's piano recital...



She played "The Gift to be Simple" and "Happy Birthday" (which was not planned in honor of her sister's birthday, but pretty cool I thought). She did a wonderful job. It was sweet and precious, and we were very proud of her.

We finally made it to Little Bamba and the birthday girl (and her sissy) ate their weight in cheese dip...







Then came the hat. As everyone sang and clapped for her, she stared at them like they were completely nuts. Like this...



Then she gave us a smile, ice cream on her nose and all.








K.K. brought a gift...



and a cake...



And then we took the party to the house, for baths and bed.



Sleepy Tight



As Steve said our prayers, she promptly interjected "and thank you Lord for ice cream and ice cream on the nose." Amen to that.

Happy Birthday, Virginia Owen Thompson. We love you to the moon and back!