Daily pendulum of emotions in my head...

Only 23 more days until school starts...(sniff, sniff)  :(  Perhaps I should just homeschool them so they could be home all the time.  My time with them is so precious.  Aren't they the sweetest?

 And...

ONLY 23 MORE DAYS UNTIL SCHOOL STARTS!!!!!!:):)  How in the world do homeschoolers do it?  If I have to break up another fight, I'm going to scream!   Crazy little rugrats!  Shoo!

Beach at Last!

We made it to Gulf Shores the following evening.

The kids were surprised by how strong the waves were. It was their first ever experience with the ocean.

We got a crazy early start the next day and found that the water was calmer.  (And chillier at the crack of dawn!)

 Natalie really enjoyed the ocean, while Scott and Kate preferred to play in the sand.

 Grammy bought the kids a special sand kit that they enjoyed trying out!

All in all, it was a fun trip.  It was equally fun to return to our zoo at home.   The pets names came up daily on our trip, and the kids were ready to be home with them again! 

Beach Bound Day 3- Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave was fun for everyone!  We went on the 2 hour historical tour, and it was just right for our family. 

 See what we spotted in the picture below...and no, it's not Waldo this time. 

The cave was...dark...so my pictures didn't really turn out from inside the cave.  And trust me, I tried!:)  

 Next stop...beach!

Beach Bound Day 2- A Dangerous Place

Day 2 landed us at Red River Gorge- a place Jon had fond memories of from going there with his friends.  It was about 100 degrees there and oh so toasty.

 Natalie and Waldo taking to the trail.  :)

Skipping Stones

We started out strong, but there may have been a wee bit of whining from the children and the wife as the trail went on...and on...and on.  Did I mention that it was hot?...and buggy?...and uphill?...and ...oh, here I go again!:)

Kate's face below says it all.  She could no longer fake the funk.  She was ready to head for the next hotel pool!  Goodbye, Red River Gorge!   Jon might take his hiking buddies with him next time to rekindle the memories in full.

Beach Bound Day 1- The Ark

Jon (and maybe Scott) would go West every year if he had his way.  This year however, he took one for the team, and we all went down South.  The vacation took a little more thought this year since we now have a "zoo" as Jon calls it.  Thankfully, Jon's parents took care of the cats and my parents took care of the dog.  After our week away, I think all four can probably say that they have no interest in getting a pet for their own homes in the near future!:) 

Our first stop was The Ark in Kentucky.  We were all shocked to see the size when we pulled into the parking lot.  Very impressive displays!  It is a powerful way to hopefully bring more people to Christ and explain creation.  Despite the HOT weather, the kids favorite part was the outside zoo.  They saw and rode a camel for the first time- which they would tell you was the highlight of Ark Day. 

 Waldo came along for the trip.  Can you find him?!

Hotel pools are always the big prize at the end of the day. 

Last Cousin Hurrah for Awhile

 The cousins recently had a fun-filled day with Grandpa & Grandma.  It will be the last one they have for awhile.  My brother, Derek, has successfully owned a Chick-fil-A for the past few years and now has the opportunity to go work in Atlanta at Chick-fil-A's cooperate headquarters.  We are excited for them and proud of Derek's accomplishment, but also sad that they are moving further away. 

 The day of fun started with a zoo trip. 

Uncharacteristically, Scott thought it was great when a curious flamingo kept pecking his head.  Hopefully he wasn't snacking on bugs in there!!:)  

After the zoo and lunch, a water balloon/water gun party began.  The kids thought this was GREAT and are already talking about when they can do it again!

 Grandma & Grandpa showed no mercy!  Watch out!

 Certainly it was a special day for all, and EVERYONE slept well that night!

10 years old!

Scott turned 10 earlier this month!  He's tall enough to be 11 or 12 though, so I'm thankful that I can at least say he's 10.  I felt like people at Great Clips or pizza buffets thought I was lying when I said I have a 9 year old.  I'm really not trying to just get a cheaper kid price!  Anyway, Scott continues to bless us with his sharp memory skills and responsibility.  He's my go-to electronic man and will be a great Mr. Fix-it.  He would love to be a farmer someday- is it too early to start looking for a farmer's daughter so he could marry into the business?!:) 

He celebrated with his friends and had a birthday scavenger hunt. 

Scott continues to LOVE reading and once again received a special reading award at school.  This summer, it's been nice to take a break from the "point approved" books and read a Rush Revere series that Jon recommended to him. 

He's sticking with piano, but for his birthday, he got an electric guitar.  He's trying to teach himself to play by watching YouTube videos.  

Church Skating Party- all those trips up and down the driveway paid off.  They were able to put what they'd been practicing to use!

  

Walking the dog- Natalie style

 

We attempted a trip to Holiday World early in June.  We have had success before by going on a day that is overcast or had a short break for rain.  However, we didn't factor in the "threat" of severe weather.  Even though it never rained a drop on us during our time there, many of the rides were closed due to the threat of coming severe weather.  They ended up closing everything for an "indefinite time" so we got vouchers to return again later this summer.  Jon. is. thrilled.  (And the picture below really cracks me up for some reason!)

 

("Can we go home yet??")