Thursday, July 13, 2017

JULY FAMILY VACATION TO ATLANTA PART I

A couple of months ago I just happened to see something on Facebook about a Paw Patrol Live show coming to Mobile and we started talking about taking Walker because he loves Paw Patrol like crazy! Then we realized it was also coming to Atlanta and it was on a better day so we decided to go there instead. We went ahead and planned an entire weekend trip around the show and even ended up tacking another day on by stopping in Birmingham so we could break up the drive and relax a little out by their pool. The kids love it there!

So Thursday morning we hit the road early and stopped at my favorite place in the entire world for lunch. O Carr's. They have a chicken salad and fruit plate that I absolutely die for. I can't go to Birmingham and not eat there. I love it! So I dragged the family there before we went to Ross Bridge. Luckily Kenny likes the fruit plate too and Elle enjoyed it too!
Enjoying O Carr's.

 

After lunch we headed to Ross Bridge to check in and then went straight to the pool where we spent the day. It did thunder and storm for a little bit so we had a early dinner before we went back out to swim some more until bedtime! The kids had so much fun and it was a relaxing day together.
 Snacking by the pool.


Enjoying some milkshakes for dessert.

The next morning we had breakfast at the restaurant downstairs which the kids always go nuts for and then headed for Atlanta. We went straight to the Georgia Aquarium. Elle has been to the aquarium several times but this was the first time for Walker and he just loved it. His eyes were so big for the whales and sharks and the big tank in the ocean section. It made us all so happy!
Checking out the fish with Daddy.
Look at that face. Totally in awe.


Watching the whale pass over.
Family picture with the fishes. 

Walker and Elle playing some seal race game. 
Walker was beating Elle just by banging on the thing but we didn't let Elle know.
Family picture in one of the viewing rooms where you can sit and just watch and watch.

Jelly fish.
We went up to see if we wanted to see the Dolphin show which is actually really neat but with the summer crowd we were worried it would result in meltdowns so we settled for just watching the dolphins in their tanks for a little while and of course another family picture!
We got to touch lots of things in this tank and then felt the stingrays in another tank.
Walker and Elle checking out with their souvenirs from the gift shop!
Cheesing with the penguin on the way back to the car.

The kids were worn out so we checked into our hotel really quick and then walked across the street to a pizza place my Uncle Mike had recommended. It was really good and since we walked Kenny and I were able to enjoy a cocktail which we needed after our busy day. It was a fun low key dinner and then we went home to crash!
Walker and I enjoying some beignets for dessert! Love this boy!

Daddy and his girl!

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

F0URTH OF JULY 2017

We had another fantastic Fourth of July. Seriously so much fun. Fourth of July was on a Tuesday this year. So on Tuesday morning Kenny and his friends all rode out to Old Waverly for a tee time in a tournament they were having. I rode out with the kids and met Margaret and Bailey at the pool and my friend Missy came with her crew shortly after. Elle was happy two of her besties were there Audrey and Ella! We swam and ate lunch and then headed back to Margarets parents house so I could shower and get ready for the party later and the kids played!
Having some lunch by the pool.


So after we showered and got ready, we also got ready for the party. Lots of our friends were coming over to eat, play, hang out and then of course watch the fireworks. I love this party because the kids have so much fun playing outside and get so rosy cheeked because they are so hot and we are able to visit with everyone. Then the Dads load up all the kids and the them over to the club to play and do jumpies and other stuff. I gather this went a little crazier than it did last year so not sure they will do it again but the kids still had fun! While the kids are gone to the club all the girls get to sit down to eat and talk which is nice and then the guys eat when they come back. Then we all pile outside onto the green and sit on blankets for the fireworks! The kids are so tired but it is such a fun night! We got so many great pictures too which always makes me happy!
Fourth of July 2017

These cuties posing with some flags! So patriotic!

Elle with her friends. She had so many sweet friends at the party! She was in heaven!
Walker hanging with Daddy.
Margaret with sweet Bailey.
Walker had friends there like Grace!His future wife!
My friends took this precious picture of Walker.

Getting some Fourth of July love from my baby boy!

All the kids there minus a couple tiny babies and a few others!
Jack and Kenny leading the dad charge to head to the club.
Loading up in the cars.
Walker was pretty wiped and wanted to stay behind with me. 
He told my friend Sarah that right before I took this picture.
The club has so much loot that the kids grab up! They came back with so much stuff!
Walking with friends. Dads in the lead.


Hot and sweaty but ready for fireworks!
Waiting for the fireworks to start!



Walking back from fireworks!
Abigail and Elle after a fun party!
Two happy kids in their pajamas after a super fun day and ready for the ride home.

Elle and Catherine getting one last hug in!


Tuesday, July 11, 2017

SAYING GOODBYE TO LENA

Just over a week ago we said goodbye to our oldest friend Lena.  The last day that Kenny was in Tampa, Lena's back legs were giving her trouble and she was unable to walk on her own and was also refusing to eat or drink. Kenny got home that night and I took her to vet the next morning to see what the doctor would say. He told us that it was just inflammation from old age and that she would not get any better but that we could make her more comfortable. He nicely let us know it was time but told us it was our decision. I brought her home after she was given a shot and some pain medicine so we could love on her for a little while before Kenny and I went back to the doctor.

Kenny and I got Lena the first summer we dated. I can remember the exact moment that I carried her in to a pool here in Starkville the first time Kenny saw her. She was our first baby and we loved her so dearly. After children she took a sideline position but was always the sweetest dog to our kids and was so incredibly loyal to us. She really was an incredible dog and we did not know it would be so hard to have her gone. The house feels so different without her and we get sad when we come home and she's not here. She was definitely part of our family. We miss her so much.
Elle and Kenny loving on her as we said goodbye.


Hugs from Walker and Daddy.



Going kayaking on the Buffalo River with Lena years before we had kids.
We used to love taking Lena to a pond down on Mud Island and throwing a ball for her to fetch.



Kenny took this picture of Lena on the day we said goodbye 
and it is my favorite picture of my old girl.