Discoveries Picnic

We had a great time with our Sunday School class out at Highland Park. As you might notice, there are lots of kids. Also, there was lots of fun, food and fellowship - in a beautifully casual setting.

Let's Bowl!

Some girlfriends and I loaded up our kiddies (and those of some of our friends that were at work) and went bowling for the afternoon!

How did I do?


Casually enjoying the afternoon...


M.M.'s turn at the pins!


What is a day without silly?


...and MORE silly!

N. giving me the look!

Three sweet girls, all in a row.

Hey There Campers!

Well, it is that time of year again. Time for the time-honored tradition of Camp Viola!

These three are a FORCE to be reckoned with! Wendy, Coleman and Lori handle this LIKE IT'S THEIR JOB! Well, I guess, for the week, it is. Anyway, they have two years under their belts, and the kids are better for it!

The crew!

Acapulco - Paradise Found

Upon our arrival to the room. No matter how cheesy these towel/flower 'sculptures' are - it did give me a smile. (can you imagine how long it would take to lay out all of those petals?!?! This was on a king bed!


The view from 'our' room. This is the same room we had on our honeymoon - so romantic!

Our favorite restaurant - yum!

This trip, we decided to take a little 'hike' to the top of the mountain. The Chapel of Peace resides there - it was WELL worth the hike. Just beautiful!

Until next time!

Summertime, and the Living is Easy...

OK, this should be SOME type of summer commercial!

This might be one of my favorite photos of my girl. She is incredibly happy with this watermelon! This photo should be dedicated to her cousin Kenny. He understands that my girl LOVES some watermelon. He says that he brought one just to watch her it it!

All this to say that I hope you are all enjoying your summer as much as we are!

Happy Birthday USA!

As usual, this is a very busy, fun-filled day in our family.

We start off the day, bright and early, with the Sweet Land of Liberty Children's Parade.

The 'theme' this year was Red, White and Blue goes Green. So, Coleman helped Campbell wire up the tricycle with solar panels that powered a fan and a little radio. This year, she really enjoyed working the crowd! It is her 4th year, and it was her first year not being pulled. She was really proud!


Here is a shot of some of the neighborhood cuties working on the banner for the group.

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NEXT!!
Off to the 'Farm'. Anyone that knows me, knows that I could live a thousand years in air-conditioned surroundings. However, I have grown so to love the farm. Campbell LOVES visiting with 1st, 2nd, 3rd cousins. We go fishing, play at the creek, ride the Ranger, see donkeys and cows...you get the picture.

These SWEET children are just one of the reasons I love to visit the farm.


First of all, if you didn't know from hearing me tell the stories - 8 of these 12 children are siblings. I think I am in awe, because I can't imagine that I would have a hair left on my head if I had 8 children. Their parents, however, seem to be the most laid back. Secondly, Jodi, in the red/white stripes - LOVES my little girl, and she LOVES her back. She is so attentive with her, despite their age difference. There are reasons to love each and everyone of them (including their friend Austin on the right, who gave me his 'picture smile' each time I took a shot!).

Here is another reason to love it...see this 2 year old? She is catching fish in a bucket (See, the cliche is right!). Someone brought back a little blue-gill from the lake to take to their pond.


She just reached right in and picked it up. Too much! I guess, when you have 7 older siblings - you aren't afraid of much!

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LASTLY!
We went to Franklin to watch the fireworks. It was so nice and relaxing.

It is a very family friendly atmosphere. Just sitting on a blanket near the river.

We went with Casey and A.G. It was this little one's first time seeing fireworks. She thought it was AWESOME!

Campbell loved it too - she just doesn't LOVE the initial BOOM. So, she brought her trusty hunting headphones. Just like her Daddy, always prepared!

WHAT A DAY!