Another driving day

We had another LONG day of driving. From Gulf Shores, AL to Cape Canaveral, FL. It was "suppose" to take about 6.5 hrs. But some how we tacked on an extra 3 hrs to the trip. We normally don't make a lot of pit stops along the way so David and I were both dumfounded when we were still driving at the 8th hr and the GPS said we still had 40 minutes to go.

We did make a Wal-Mart stop, had some bad weather, and stopped every 15minutes to pay the toll. But the kids did super and were real troopers through the whole day. Since all day was driving I decided to post pictures from the Beach, I thought it would be better than pictures of Subway and the Raceway restroom.

" Are we there yet?"

The good news is we are safely here and can almost see the port from our hotel room. In a few short hours we will be crusing

On the way

We made to Orange Beach. We had a great day at the beach. I'd like to write more but we're headed out for FL now.

On the way we made a stop at LSU to see the tiger exhibit. Mike VI was a little sleepy so we only got to see a little of him.

Devious Doings

We all know Paw Paw is a sound sleeper...but this just tops it all.
Someone got into Nana's make up and found bright red lipstick. Then proceeded to color him thoroughly.

But apparently that wasn't enough, Sticker dots were needed as well to finish off his new look.Guess who was the mastermind behind all this?

And if it would have been anybody else they probably wouldn't have gotten away with it. But there's something about little girls.

Sleep

Whew! It can be very tiring during the summer....
Even at 4:00 in the afternoon.....

"I want to watch the movie but I just can't keep my eyes open"

"Wait, wait, I'm awake....I'm going to get down now and play"

"Hmmm this is pretty comfy...maybe I'll rest here for a moment"

"No matter what happens don't lose the ring pop"

"Might as well go ahead and get comfortable"

Puzzle problems

With the kids recent puzzle phenomenon, I decided to join in. We picked up this 1000 piece puzzle at WalMart. I have great memories of working puzzles as a teenager. Being home during the summer, working a puzzle, and watching the soap operas (Yes, I watched but not anymore, Can anyone else name the daily CBS lineup from 11 - 3)

Anyway, I excitedly opened the puzzle and began working the puzzle. I'm smart enought that I should have realized that if the box is 9x9 and the box contains 1000 pieces that the actual size of the piece would only be about the size of a dime. But I was still amazed and the tiny size of the pieces.

Still I was on my way to completeing my puzzle.

The little kids helped and after 2 days this is what we accomplished. Zane is currently visiting Paw Paw and Nana

On day 3 we bagged it back up until one of three things happens:

A. Zane comes home to help me

B. We have extra time during a hurricane

C. All the housework gets done

I'm betting on Choice A

Puzzle Workin' fools

Our dining room table has transformed into Puzzle Central. We have a selection of puzzle from 24 - 100 pieces. The kids have had a lot of fun this summer working puzzles.

It's funny how some toys stay put away for months or a year and then all of a sudden it becomes everyone's favorite activity.

The other morning I was working on something at the table when Ty grabbed a 63 piece Strawberry Shortcake puzzle. I thought it was to many pieces for him but I didn't say anything.

This boy has some determination.....he sat at the table for 45 minutes until he worked the entire puzzle without any help. And without complaining one bit.

Yesterday we took a trip to Dollar Tree and found some great Disney puzzles for $1. We only bought three until we could inspect them better. I was pleasantly suprised with the quality, all the pieces fit and most importantly the puzzle would lie flat when worked.

VBS recap

What a good looking group of kids. We had so much fun last week.

There were about 1,200 kids registered for the week. I love seeing kids singing for Jesus. Reminds me of Children's Choir.

I considered myself blessed that I was not in any way in charge of REC. Those rec people surely received extra jewels in heaven after a week in the TX heat.

While some people may question my "job" at VBS I know it's not as easy as it looks. Even if I just seem to walk around at will and do my own thing. For the past couple of years I have been in charge of the 4th and 5th grade newsletter that goes home every day. I take all the pictures and then make them into a two-sided newsletter.

For the first two days the kids act like, "why are you taking my picture?" Then once they start seeing themselves on the paper I start getting, "Hey take my picture, and lots of poses as I walk around" It's really cute.

It was a great week of VBS and the Walling Bus made it safely to and from church every day.

Haircut

Recently we were in LA so Dad and I took the boys to get a haircut at Mr. Randy's. Trent loves Mr. Randy, and typically Paw Paw can take the boys without me tagging along. But I wasn't sure how Ty was going to do with his haircut. He's hit or miss...

I was totally oblivious to the fact that during the 3 haircut sessions the boys were having fun photographing everything they could find in the shop.

This to me is a priceless photo. It's Zane SMILING while getting a haircut.

Trent takes in some of the reading material... A Gun catalog....Uncle Curtis would be proud

I have a feeling this is Paw Paw's "usual" spot at Mr. Randy's. It's close to the action.

Apparently someone has done something extremely funny. I'm not sure I want to know what that was.

Perhaps it's the collection of unusual artifacts on the wall. This framed declaration of independence flanked by the tribal mask.The outcome was good this day. No tears from anyone and three handsome boys with less hair to shampoo chlorine from.

What to do with a frog in the pool

What to do with a frog in the pool....

1. Get it out...

2. If it jumps away then secure the dog because he's likely to jump in after it

3. If you can't catch it.......watch it, maybe you can learn technique for your breaststroke.

4. If he insists on swimming then chase him....

5. Until it turns to chase you...

6. Then quickly exit the pool

Look Who's FIVE

Mia has been talking about her Birthday since June 18, 2008. She counts the months, the days, and the hours. This year she really wanted a party at Glitz & Glam or Libby Lu... Wouldn't you know it they both shut down this year. So there's no "Glittery Girly" places left.

Literally on a whim last night, (8:30) I decided that we could have Mia's party at Build-a-Bear, Today. So I called 3 of her little friends, plus our crew and it was an instant party.

We had lunch from Chik-fil-A and cupcakes. Mia opened a few presents and we headed downstairs for Build-a-Bear.

Everyone had a great time and Mia was super excited to celebrate her birthday, FINALLY, after a whole year of waiting.