Annual Memphis/Mississippi Summer Trip

Mom, Me, Elizabeth
John Henry rocking on the horse

Sweet......

Libby's 3rd Birthday party

Libby Lou announcing that she is 3!

(holding an onion ring and ranch dip on her face, LOVE her!!)

Moo Moo LOVES John Henry

daily reading with Pop was always a fun time

Bubble bath in MiMi's SUPER sized tub

We went to YoLo for a sweet treat!!

Play date fun at Lizzy's house

Jana and 2 of her 14 great-grandchildren!!

Me and my best big girl!!!

We had a GREAT summer visit this year in Memphis! The girls were able to go to Hattiesburg and stay a week at Grandmama and Granddaddy's house. I am so glad we were able to visit with so many friends and family while we were down there. The girls had a blast in MS. It was a princess theme this year at Camp G&G. The girls went swimming daily, read stories, played sword fight, acted out plays/stories, cooked, went to Chuck E. Cheeses ECT........

They really had a ball. It was back to reality when we made it back to Ohio. They were so used to having so many fun things planned everyday that they had to adjust to normal like when we got back. We were there for John Henry's baptism, Libby's birthday party, went to the movies, went swimming, had play dates, played with cousins they had not seen in years........it was great time!! I also got a week off which was AWESOME. It was really fun to be in Memphis so that I could hang out and spend quality time with everyone!!

Julia started riding a bike this summer (no training wheels) and it has been VERY exciting. Pop went out and got her a new bike and all the gear the second day we got there......she had a blast and keeps getting better every time she rides. Next year it will be time for her to get a bigger one so she is pumped!!

The summer has just flown by!! I can't believe it is time for school and I will have a 1st grader!!

1st Day of 1st Grade

Flash back to exactly a year ago on her first day of Kindergarten!!

1st grader!

sporting a new messenger bag

Her teacher is Mrs. King and she has at least 3 friends from last year in her class this year!!

Well the BIG day finally arrived!! Although hesitant at first about going to school all day everyday Julia is now excited about 1st grade. Maggie on the other hand has been dreading this and is NOT ready to have sissy be gone all day leaving her with no one to play with........She will start preschool next week and she is very excited for it to be her turn.

After reassuring Julia that "everyday" means Monday - Friday and that she still gets the weekends off (like Daddy) she felt much better about going everyday. I know she is also sad to be missing out on what is going on at home with out her.

So the summer routine is over (boo for me I was getting spoiled BAD). Julia now has an alarm clock that gets her up and she gets dressed and comes down for breakfast. So far after 2 mornings it has been working out great........that may change next week when she is completely worn out from a full week.

I cannot believe how fast she has grown up!! I feel so old saying that I have a 1st grader. And I will say even though it has only been 2 days it is really quiet and weird around the house with out Julia being here. Right now I have an ever present side kick (Moo Moo) who does not let me leave her sight for long but she starts Monday and will go 3 mornings a week.

So far our school year is off to a great start!!

Mexican Vacation

The view from Mimi and Pops villa (ocean front)

The ocean view from our villa

The pool view where we spent 90% of our time with the kids

The beach was VERY windy

Mimi, Julia, Maggie, Libby, Pop

We could not go without matching sun hats!!

(thanks Elizabeth and Mimi)

These 2 spent alot of time on Mimi and Pop's balcony

Pop and Mimi

Maggie the mermaid

Me and my girls

Maggie, John Henry, Julia, Libby
Mimi and Pop LOVED having all 4 together

Our little family

The Crew

Mimi and Pop with the grand kids




We really had an AWESOME trip!! The weather could not have been better. Bright and sunny everyday the only raindrops fell the day we left!! The kids had a blast!!! Julia, Maggie and Libby stayed with Mimi and Pop in their villa every night and it worked out great!! Especially since it was the first time my girls have shared a bed but they were worn out every night. The guys were able to golf one day and then a few adventurous ones attempted a fishing trip. All of the kiddos traveled well and there were no major mishaps so in my book it was considered a VERY successful trip. I will say I am missing the family AND the poolside guacamole and shrimp taco delivery!!

We will haul it to Memphis in 3 short weeks to visit some more and I will be sending Jules and Moo to Grandmama and Granddaddys house for their summer visit!! They are so very excited to go and Julia cannot wait to show off her new swimming abilities she has acquired since last summer. She is really doing great!! Hopefully summer will show up in Ohio soon so we can utilize our pool membership before the summer is gone!! I think I'd almost rather have the heat at least it would be consistent!!

Next week the girls have VBS and Julia finishes up soccer camp today!! So far the summer is flying by and we have been super busy but I wouldn't have it any other way!! I love having my girls at home and playing and being kids with out the hectic school schedule.

Happy Summer!!

Spring Break Visit

Mimi, Pop, Elizabeth, Libby, and John Henry came to visit for Spring Break!!

Mimi and Pop with ALL 4 grand kids!!

This little man had TONS of attention all week there was always a little girl hugging, holding, kissing, and loving on him!! (how could you not?)

The girls!!

Julia was soo good with him.....

Uncle Wyo......(or as Libby says "uncle ohio")

The visit was awesome!! We had people sleeping all over the house but it was so fun seeing all the kids together and getting to hang out. We had a few outings with the kids and without. Jill hooked us up with some babysitting so we could all get away for a nice dinner on the last night. It was great and as always went by way to fast!! Countdown is on til Mexico in May when we will ALL be together again!!

Julia Grace is 6!!!

Sheridan, Gracie, and Julia at Chuck E Cheese!!

The loot!!

Julia had double the celebration for her big day!! We did a small family party on her actual day and then she had 2 friends spend the night a few days later. We had a blast with the girls!! We took them ALL to Chuck E Cheese for games and dinner and then home for cake and ice cream and the usual "slumber party" festivities!!

That consisted of movie, popcorn, snacks, playing, giggles, and me with a FULL workout of going up and down the stairs 50 times checking on them and trying to keep them quiet while Maggie was falling asleep. They had so much fun!!

Happy Birthday to my BIG 6 year old girl!!

Maggie Moo is 3!!!

We celebrated Maggie's birthday on Valentine's Day since that is when her actual birthday is and it was so fun!! I surprised her after school with 24 balloons in the house....the girl LOVES balloons!! Then we went out to dinner and had cupcakes at home with the family. Her friends Sully and Gracie surprised her at lunch with cupcakes too!! She had a GREAT day and is still enjoying all of her gifts!!