Our Month of May

I realize I haven't posted any pictures from the entire month of May.....how can that be? It's been a little busy with finishing school, testing, Zach, day to day things, puppies, Zach, planting gardens.....and did I mention Zach? (just kidding Zachy, you really are a sweetie) It's really no excuse, everyone is busy. Here's a little of what we've been doing.

Meet Chloe!!! We got her from the shelter on May 7th. Bruce fell in love with her instantly and I knew we were coming home with her. She is the sweetest puppy. Her nickname is Miss Wiggle-Waggle, because she wiggles all over when she sees you (or Chloe Ann) - not sure where that came from. The kids LOVE her and Charlie likes having a playmate. So, yes we have 2 dogs, but she is so good, I really can't complain about her. She is the most laidback, gentle dog I have ever met. She doesn't jump, no biting, pawing, just gentle puppy kisses if you allow it. Thank you Lord (I couldn't have handled another Charlie).


And here's my Zachy. On May 13th (yes, the "Friday the 13th" bad reputation held true for us that day). Bruce was going to work late and Zachy was sleeping longer than usual. Before Bruce left for work, I checked on Zach and found him VERY lethargic, and at times unresponsive. Long story short: we called 9-1-1 and when they came he was hypoglycemic. Off to hospital and they treated him. They still don't know why his sugar was so low, but we're praying it never, ever happens again. I have a new perspective these days, and I eagerly await that little voice calling "Mommy" in the mornings.

This is Zach at the Children's hospital where we spent the night for observation. He was feeling better here and they had removed his IV, so he had fun riding in the halls. . .


and playing with Daddy!



We've been planting our garden. All the kids helped and Brady needed his excavator to cover the seeds.

Rachel loves planting things, and she worked and worked in the garden that day.


Our neighbor has been mowing in the fields and the boys run to him each time they hear a tractor. Often Mr. Worley parks one in the barn and Zachy loves to "dwive dwive".


Lindsey and her Daddy. We had smores one night down by the fire pit and everyone enjoyed a yummy treat that night.


Lindsey and Rachel had their Awana's award ceremony and got their certificates for completing their books.

Zach at the ceremony, so cute!


And Lindsey the horse whisperer had both the babies up at the fence with her. She loves them and continues to beg everyday for a horse of her own.

Look at that face!

Brady climbing trees at Grandma and Pop-pop's.

And fishing!! Bruce took the kids fishing and they had so much fun. In spite of the heat they caught several fish.

Brady keeps saying "I can't believe I caught a fish!"

Look at this princess, she can catch fish and butterflies!

It was such a hot day, but they all did great. Grandma and Pop-pop joined us for the fun, and sweating, and poison ivy, but the kids had a great time.

Family Beach Vacation 2011

Are you ready for picture overload??? Here are some of our pictures of the kids on our recent trip to Hilton Head. The beach there is beautiful! And the kids loved playing in the waves and in the pool (especially the indoor pool, go figure).

Here the kids are just checking out the beach and the waves.


Zachary loved the water and the sand, of course, right?!


If there is sand, this little boy is in it. He had a great time digging.


My sweet girls.


This is the hotel/resort we stayed in.


Zach wanted to be out with the big kids in the waves, but wasn't quite that brave. See them in the background?

And, we can't be at the beach without snacking. Brady's lounging by the pool with his goldfish and juice box.

Bruce took the girls on a dolphin tour. Poor Lindsey fell in the gravel on the way down to the boat and skinned her knees (that's what she's pointing to).


They got to help steer the boat and wear the captain's hat.


Then off to the playground. One area, Sea Pines, was this great gated community that had a playground with this tree that the kids climbed.


And a beautiful lighthouse. Yes, we climbed all the way to the top . . . all 115 steps . . . carrying Zach. (huff, huff, pant, pant)

The view from the top.


We saw a beautiful sunset.


And, treated ourselves to ice cream.


Our last day there, we hung out in the sun all day. At the beach . . .


and having supper by the pool. What food doesn't taste good when served in a sand bucket and with cookies?


And, back to the indoor pool. The water was as warm as bath water and Zach loved jumping in.


Brady was very proud of himself for being able to swim around with his water wings.


One of the most exciting things on the beach was all the critters. Bruce and the kids loved this. Here are 2 blue crabs that were in one of the tide pools on the beach. Bruce and a couple of guys scooped them up and put them back into the ocean. Lindsey learned on the boat tour that the females have red tips on their claws, like their fingernails are painted.

And, when we got there we saw . . . jellyfish. Ugh! We thought we wouldn't be able to get into the water. We found out though, that these jellyfish don't sting!! YAY!

And, these sand crabs hitch a ride up inside the jellyfish. You can scoop them out of the inside of the jellyfish. Cool huh?

Lindsey holding one of the crabs.

And starfish, or a sea star (someone told us they are no longer called starfish???)

This was on our last day, Bruce was packing the car and we were waiting in the hotel lobby. Someone had created this sandcastle behind the kids. It was really neat! It was a great vacation!! The kids had so much fun and Brady still says "that beach was great!". Sorry for picture overload, but there were lots to share.