Gulf Shores 2009

We took our first vacation to the beach! We went with some really great friends of ours, the Blackwells. Davis & I haven't been to a beach since our honeymoon to Jamaica 13 years ago. We've never taken the kids to the beach. We rented a condo that was directly on the beach. We all LOVED it! We want to stay longer next time. Peyton stayed in the water body boarding. The little kids liked playing in the sand but they preferred the pool.

Naval Aviation Museum

Our first stop on our beach vacation was the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Peyton has been dying to go here. I have to say that it is awesome. Planes, planes, and more planes.

July 4th

Normally we spend the 4th at the deer camp and go to the river to swim. Not my cup of tea. This year we went to Davis' cousin's house in Florence and rented a huge water slide for the kids. The big kids loved it but it was too much for Ava. We made her a pool in one of the coolers. Her favorite part of the day was the watermelon.

T-Ball

Olivia played t-ball again this year. This year the coaches pitched the ball to the girls. They had five pitches and if they didn't hit it they would hit it off of the tee. Olivia hit almost every time from the coaches pitching.

Parish & Crystal's Wedding

Davis and Olivia were in his cousin's wedding this summer. Crystal is from Guangzhou, China which is where we received Olivia. Davis was a groomsman and Olivia was the flower girl. She was absolutely beautiful and she did a great job.

Peyton's Award Day

Peyton didn't graduate this year but he did finish the fourth grade. He also received the Science Award for his class. Next year will be his last year in elementary school. I am in denial about Junior High.

Olivia's K5 Graduation

Olivia "graduated" from kindergarten this year. She also received the Citizenship and Library Awards. I can't believe she will be in the first grade in the fall. She loved school and her teachers. She is reading way above grade level and amazes us everyday.

Ethan's K4 Graduation

Ethan graduated from K4 in early May. He LOVED school. He was the only one of my kids to be disappointed about school being out for the summer.