Discovery in the Stable

I am always amazed by the talents of people.  

This past year (probably around spring or summer) some ladies at our church started looking at Christmas musicals for our children to do in December.  They did not find any that they really liked.  What were they to do??

Well, write their own, of course!

 

 Adam was privileged enough to be a part of this musical.

Adam got to be Joseph. When we got the call that he could choose Joseph (which had about 3 lines) or a Shepherd (which only had 1) Adam immediately said "Joseph!"  I worried.  It is not easy for Adam to memorize things (such as lines for a play.)

However, Adam got up there and did a fantastic job!!  

He spoke clearly and the one line that he did not have a microphone, he spoke loud enough to hear!

He even put emotion into his lines.  At one part a girl tells Joseph that she thinks that Joseph is the nicest guy in the whole world (because he could have left Mary, but he stayed and help to raise Jesus even though it was not his baby)  Joseph replies, "Oh Leah, God is like that.  So kind and forgiving.  Every time I remember what God has done for me it helps me to be kind and forgiving too."  The emotion he put into that line brings tears to my eyes!

He did memorize all of his lines.  I thought I may have to help him, but he did just fine all by himself. 

Even though this is not something that comes easy to Adam, he wanted to do it, and he was a GREAT Joseph.  I am very proud of him.

**Since I was helping with the play I did not get any pictures of my own.  I am so thankful that Matt's mother was willing to share her pictures with me.  Thanks Sue!

Eagle Singers Concert

I have mentioned before, but will mention again, Adam is in Eagle Singers at his Elementary School.  This past week they had a Christmas Concert. 

Adam is on the far right, middle row.

I truly love his music teacher.  She has SOOO much energy and makes the songs so much fun with movements, and singing songs in foreign languages.  This concert they sang a song in Swahili.  It was a great concert!

Funny story about this evening.  A paper had been sent home that said the children needed to wear their Eagle singers shirt with black pants.  I knew this was going to be a crazy evening, so I was going to pack his clothes so he could change at school (after the after school program).  I went to his closet and pulled out a pair of black pants and his Eagle singer shirt, put it in a bag and it was ready to go.  The evening of the program he put his clothes on and I was so embarrassed, the pants were about 3 inches to short!!  It had apparently been some time since he had worn them!  I tried to convince him to wear his pants low on his hips with a rubber band holding the button closed.  That was a definite NO!  I was slightly relieved when he was not in the front row! 

Lesson Learned:  Always check sizes of clothes, and have the child try them on, if the child will not be wearing the item immediately. 

However, I would not have this silly little story had I not just grabbed and guessed that it fit  :)  (there is always a silver lining--sometimes we just have to hunt for it.)

Trumpet

Austin is in 6th grade and going to a private school where Mike teaches.  

Several years ago, he tried piano.  He played for over a year.  Then decided to take a break.  Then he did 2 years of violin at his elementary school, but decided not to continue once he changed schools (to the Middle School).  Now he changed schools again, and they require 6th graders to play an instrument.  (In 7th and 8th they highly recommend that the student continues, but it is no long a requirement)  

The first part of this school year the students tried many different instruments to decided which they could like to continue with.  Austin chose the trumpet.

I never thought I could love the sound of any instrument as much as I love the violin.  But, I have to say, the sound of the trumpet is truly growing on me!

They had a Christmas musical at school.  The music was fantastic and Austin looked great up there with his trumpet.

However, I think he looks pretty great anytime (even as he holds his trumpet, having just showered  :) )

Austin is in 6th grade and going to a private school where Mike teaches, he plays the trumpet--and I hope he continues.

December 2

As Austin gets older there are fewer and fewer milestones that are hit.  However, on December 2nd he hit 2--sort of.

Austin has not wanted to swallow pills.  He has aged out of the chewable tablets, so I have been encouraging him to try.  He one time let his Tylenol dissolve in the water and drank the water. He tried several things to get the pain reliever, but not have to swallow the pill.  After many encouraging words, and a lot of thought put into, he got it done!!  WOO HOO!!  We now know that he can do it! 

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Austin is 12, yet I was surprised when he came to me the evening of December 2nd and said, "I need to shave." 

"WHAT?!?" 

He thought it was time.  Mike and I pretty much left that alone, thinking it would pass.  However, as I walked down the hall a few minutes later, I could hear Mikes electric razor. 

It wasn't long that Austin walked out looking pleased as a peacock, and smelling of after shave. 

Needed or not, he had his first shave.  :)

Aesops Adventures

School had not been in session very long when there started to be talk of the fall drama.  Adam was very interested.  He studies his poem, and practiced his song--he was ready to try out!  I thought he did a great job at his audition.  He landed the part of Narrator 2 in the play The Ant and The Grasshopper then he added to his time on stage by being the finishing flag man for The Tortoise and The Hare.  

We worked on memorizing the lines for weeks, then it was decided that the narrators had to speak so much that they would just let them have their lines with them.

They had the play about a week ago.  The kids did a great job!

In addition to the parts he had on the stage, he also participated in choir when he was not on stage.

 Adam singing one of the chorus songs.

Acting as narrator 2.  Studying his lines before it is time to speak!

We only got video of him as the flagman, but he did a great job.

I am so impressed how Adam has come to a new school and jumped in with both feet.  I was surprised when he said he wanted to do the play, but was supportive the whole time.  He showed me what a great job he could do.  Adam, I am so proud of you!!

Little Story

The other day at work I shared a funny story with a co-worker, and I thought, "I have to record this, he may enjoy it one day."

I love to share stories with the boys about when they were younger.  I have done this for a long time.  When we need a good story in the car, I pull out one of these goodies.  I love how they laugh at what they did so many years ago.

When Austin was about in Kindergarten, I told a story about how when I was pregnant with Adam.  One day I wasn't sure if he was kicking enough.  I packed up Austin and went to my parents house to have a soda (we don't have soda at our house).

A week or so later we were on our way to church and Austin says, "I just love that story how we went to Mamaw and Papaw's because Adam wasn't kicking and you had a ...beer."

WHOA!!  Stop right there, I did nothing of the sort.

I knew if he had this story on his mind he was sure to share in Sunday School.  I went right to his Sunday School teacher to tell her the REAL story and explain the situation.

I still giggle over this!  That is a big difference soda vs. beer!

5K

Locally, we have a 5K every year in memory of a lady that passed away.  I have never run this particular 5K before, but I did this year.  

The difference this year was Adam wanted to run with me!  

We did some training for it, but not as much as I had hoped.  Adam was a great sport did great.  In this course you ran one loop, went to left under the finish line and ran it again.  However, when Adam saw the finish line-he was done.  So, I did the second loop by myself.  I cannot express how proud of him I am that he even ran the first half!

Before we left for the race, we had to get a few pictures:

 We had to have a little fun with the camera too.

It was a great experience for Adam and I loved being a part of it!

Jamestown

A little over a week ago, I went to Jamestown with Adam and is 4th grade class.  It was a quick whirlwind of a trip, but it was a lot of fun and very interesting.

 This was one of the first things we saw.  It is just a tower that marks the settlement of Jamestown.  The real place in Jamestown where Christopher Newport landed was about a mile up the road, but this is symbolic.

They are leaning how they fished.  Adam's best friend, Kasey, is holding the fishing pole.

I had to take a picture of their church pews.  So glad we have better seats in our church!

They had a circle of these faces.  Apparently, they danced in this circle.  (However, I must admit I love the bottom face best!)

 Just needed a picture of that dear boy!

The class got to sit in a boat that is very much like they used back then.  It is basically a hollowed out log.

This is a painting of the type of boats they used.  Adam insisted that we needed a picture of  it.

There was a map painted on the ground.  Adam got to "swim" across the ocean.

He got to try on their armor.

This was our group--all dressed up.  Fine young men!

It was a fast trip, but we learned a lot and still had time for fun!

10th Tooth

Two posts ago, I told the story of how Austin lost his 9th tooth.  At the end of that post I mentioned that he had not lost a tooth in over 2 years.

He lost that tooth on Wednesday.  Sunday he came to me with his 10th tooth.  He said, "It just came out."  I guess it was ready.

I did say, "You must be making up for lost time.  2 teeth in 1 week after 2 years of nothing..."

Fun With Bags

Last weekend was the Mennonite Relief Sale.  Mike and Austin, along wit Matt, were doing things there on Friday night.  Lana I were going at it alone with Adam, Grace, and Glen.  They came over and we made homemade pizza.  Then Grace and Adam found something to play with.

We have lots of bags around the house right now.  Lana and I are in the middle of making plarn bags (bags made out of plastic bags from the store)  There were some extras, so they....

Helped themselves to a little fun!  Glad to see they could find creativity in my mess!  :)

9th tooth

I am one of those sentimental moms that saves her kids baby teeth and writes the story as to how each tooth is lost.  Austin lost a tooth this week, however this time my records will be a little different.

Austin has had a loose tooth for some time.  I figured when it was ready to come out, it would.  Early this week he commented that it was getting really loose.  Okay, that is good.

Wednesday he came home from school and said, "I lost my tooth today."  First, I look at the new hole in his mouth. Then I ask, "where is your tooth?"

His reply was, "Well, I was walking through the soccer field with some friends and it came out so I spit it on the ground."

My first thought was, "well, I don't have that one for his baby book."  Then I thought, I can only imagine "some young mother out their with her children one lovely day.  Her you son (in my mind it was a son) found this intriguing rock.  He brings it to her and she looks at it, and realizes that it is no rock---it is none other than my sons tooth."

Oh well, there are worse things in the world than not having a baby tooth.  The story I imagine might make up for it.  :)

**The following was added Saturday morning**

My mother left a comment last night asking if the tooth fairy found the tooth out in the field?

Well, that was another funny part of the story that I forgot to add.

We do not do Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny at our house.  However, we do the tooth fairy.  Both of the boys know how it works, but it is just a fun little something to kind of celebrate a lost tooth.  Years ago Austin started writing notes to the tooth fairy when he would loose a tooth.  The tooth fairy is kind enough to write back each time  :)  This time his note asked she could give him $100 for his tooth.  She gently told him he would get $1 and need to loose 99 more teeth to make 99 more dollars.  (She is so wise!)

And interesting thing I found out last night... I looked back in Austins book where I hand write this information in (I am truly not sure why I do it both ways, but I do!  Austin lost his 8th tooth on 9/5/11.  That was over 2 years ago!  My boys were always late teethers, and the Dentist always comments that it is a good thing to loose teeth late.  It just really surprised me that is was that long in between losing teeth.

Hiking

  

Over the summer, Austin got the idea that he wanted to hike.  I'm not sure what brought this on, but one day it was decided--he wanted to hike.  I couldn't remember  too many trails around our area, so I started to ask around.  We have a friend who lives up the hill from us (the same friend that used to ride bike to school with his daughter and Austin last year.), he generously offered to go hiking with us one day.   It was a nice day for a hike and wonderful day for all of us.

As I asking about hike areas my sister, Carol, suggested a hike area at Todd Lake.  We talked about a date to go and last Sunday was the day!  We met up and headed out.  Mike and Austin were not too interested in the hike, so they took my dads refurbished boat and went up to paddle in the water.  The rest of us headed to the trail.

Adam and Grace 

We stopped at a stream and let the kids rock hop :)  Adam seemed to enjoy it!

Adam wanted pictures of him and Grace on certain rocks.  That was easy enough to oblige to.

This was Adam's idea for a pose.  I think it is precious!

Grace found a fallen tree.  She decided that the front part (the roots) was a lion, and the back part (the trunk) was a dinosaur.  In the end it was Lionosaur. She had to have Adam and her ride it .  Such an imagination!

 Another pose that Adam found.  3 trees placed perfectly for him and Grace to stand between.

I loved hiking with Adam and hope Austin will join us next time.  It was such an enjoyable day!

Starting School

This month has been a busy one!!  Since our trip to PA, we had another week or so at home before heading back to set up for the school year.  In that time we had several get together type evenings for one school or another.  We took the boys to a local water park and had a wonderful relaxing afternoon.  There seemed to be so many things to do right before school started.

The day after the water park,  Mike and I headed out the door to get back in the swing of things.  Austin and Adam had some good quality Mamaw and Papaw time.  :)

Mike and Austin started school at EMHS (EMMS for middle school) the next Monday.  Austin really seems to enjoy his classes and teachers.  So far, this seems to be a really good fit for him.  He recently told me that he signed up for Art Club.  I was nervous at the beginning of the year because all the children that Austin knew that would be in his class--they were all placed in the other classroom.  However, we did find that he knew of some other kids that we did not know were going there.  So friend wise things turned out fine.

Adam and I started school the next day.  So far that has been a good experience for Adam.  He is doing well in his classes, he seems to be making friends (for a shy boy it takes a little time), and he is always eager to sign up for new activities.  So far, Adam has signed up for Eagle Singers, the Fall Musical, Art Club,  he will most likely do some days of After School activities, When the exercise program starts before school--I'm sure he will be eager to do that as well.  (maybe shy isn't the word, just not talkative  :)

I am really proud of both of my boys and how they handled the new school situations this year.  They have both taken it in stride and made the most of it to make it a positive experience.

Trip to PA

Last weekend we went to see Mike's parents in PA.  We had not been there since Christmas.  This trip was probably long over due.

One thing the boys love about going to Grandma and Grandpa's house is they have riding "toys."  Adam loves to ride on (Grandpa calls it a tractor, I call it...) the lawn mower.  Grandpa put a gravel path around the house so the boys would have something to drive their toys on.  (It even has a speed limit sign  :)  )  There is a small bridge that they need to drive over and they do pretty well.

 Adam would go very slowly over the bridge then speed up as soon as he was on the other side.  He only fell off the bridge once--No one and Nothing were hurt  :)

Adam would often do one lap with the lawn mower, then do a lap with...

This bike.  I think this is an old picture, but I couldn't find a current one with Austin riding it.  Austin was more likely to ride this.

.One afternoon, we went to the Devil's Potato Patch.  I think it's probably clear why it is called that.  The boys had fun climbing on the rocks and going here and there.  It was just unbelievable to me how many HUGE rocks there were. It was a nice adventure for the afternoon.

We probably won't be back to visit again until some time near the holidays.  But the boys know that those riding toys will be waiting for them.  (and if the weather is mild, they may get an afternoon in the potato patch!)

Adam is 10

Adam turned 10 on July 25th.  We had a few friends over the week before to celebrate Adam's big day. Adam had plans as to what he wanted to do with his friends on this evening.  However, we did not know that is would rain.  We got out our loose Lego blocks and the boys were very happy.  

The room was silent for some time, except for the sound of the blocks being shuffled to find the perfect block.  They made some pretty wonderful creations.   The rain let up and they got to play outside for a little. They played cats eye (a game Mike made up), jumped on the trampoline, and played extreme hide and seek.

One of the traditions we have started is that once our boys are double digits, they can start to have sleep overs.  So, the boys stayed for the night.  The 3 boys (Adam, Noah, and Jonathan) are all in the same Sunday School class at church.  They get along so well.  I am so glad that Adam has such wonderful church friends.

Adam noticed in March that our local news station does birthdays and anniversaries.  He wanted to know if my birthday was going to be on the news.  I told him no.  He said that he wanted to have his picture on for his birthday, and he wanted to do Austin's as well.  So, I sent in a picture for both.  Austin's was in June.  I sent in this picture for Adam.

However, the morning of his birthday we watched the news to see our sweet 10 year old boy.  They did not put it on, for some reason or another.  He was so sad.  I tried to make his day better.  We finally decided that we would go to the donut truck.

We have a truck to travels to several locations around our area.  They make donuts right in front of you, and they have several different flavors.  Adam was so excited about getting these (clearly I don't buy donuts very often).  Adam got to choose most of the flavors we got.

And he was pretty happy walking to the car with this wonderful treat.

Adam, you are such a sweet boy.  We have been so blessed to have you in our family for 10 years.  You have certainly made us look at things from a different angle.  You stretch our minds with your deep thoughts. You have shown us that when  you like something there is a new level of passion that we had not seen before.  God has blessed us by placing you in our family!!

kitchen

More

As I was just tucking Adam into bed I asked him, "Do you know how much I love you?"

He replied, "A whole lot?"

I said, "More than that."

He thought for a moment and said, "I don't really know how to put it into words."

I told him, "I don't either."

That was a warm heart, Mommy moment.

Austin's Prayer

My blog posts are usually comical little clips out of our normal life.  Nothing to heavy, just "moments with my boys."  I have been thinking about this post for a few days, and I think I'll give it try, even though it is not typical clip from our lives.

The other Sunday we were talking about trusting God and trusting that the outcome of situations would turn out and be the way he wants them.

A situation came to mind.  When this friend and I had a chance to talk later that week I told her of this story.

 My sister asked me at some point if I had ever recorded it.  As I thought how to answer that, I had always thought that it was somewhat of a personal story to my heart, but I shared it when I thought it might encourage a friend.  The more I thought about it, the more I thought, "why not share it.  If it encourages someone-great.  But mostly, I want Austin to have access to this story."

I have been very open about Austin health when he was first born.  He was a very sick little boy!  The Doctor's could not figure out what was wrong with him.  They ran, what seemed to be, every test they could think of and found NOTHING!!  They were have phone conferences with the University Hospital (about 1 hour away--with a larger NICU), the pediatric group that was caring for Austin met over lunch (there are at least 10 Doctor's in this group)--their topic of discussion: Austin.  On his 6th day in the hospital nursery, I woke up--the nurses had not called me to come feed him.  So, I strolled down to the nursery to feed him.  One of my favorite nurses that took care of Austin stopped me when she saw me coming.  She said, "He stopped breathing, he turned blue.  I resuscitated him...."  She continued, but I don't think I heard much of what she had to say after that.  I talked to the Doctor, I do not remember much of what he had to say either.

I went back to my room and I sat on my bed thinking--since I clearly could do nothing for this situation.  I thought over my pregnancy.  I was determined that I was going to take care of my baby while pregnant.  Then I went on bed rest.  I was going to get through that, it was best for my baby.  As I sat on the bed in my room, knowing that my baby was having tests done, and I couldn't help in the least, it occurred to me that I can only do so much for my child.  I can eat nutritionally, and make healthy choices.  I can do bed rest, but in the end I should not have been relying on myself, I should have been relying more on God.

I'm realizing this while in my room down the hall from the nursery.  I sat there and prayed, "God, I should not rely on me to bring up this child.  He is more yours than he his mine.  If I only get him for a week, I will know that was in your will.  I will be sad, but you know best."

Shortly after that (the time frame gets fuzzy here), the Doctor came into my room he looked baffled.  He said, "I cannot explain it, Austin is doing better.  He going going against EVERYTHING that the texts books say he should be doing.  I don't know why..."

I thought to myself, "you don't have to tell me why, I know!"

That was my first lesson in parenting--My child has mine by genes, but truly I have been blessed to foster him.  He is by far, more God's than he will ever be mine.

A Bit of Affirmation

Sometimes I sit and wonder how our faith is being transferred to our boys.  We go to church, and are active there.  We pray. We talk about God and our Faith.  We do devotions.

But still, there are moments when I wonder "Are they getting it?"

A few weeks ago Adam went to camp.  While he was away for a week, I decided I was cleaning his room, and painting it.  It was highly due--for both!!  While I was cleaning I found a note in his "reading corner"  (I guess it is also a writing corner).  Here is a picture of the note.

I guess Adam is picking up tid bits here and there.  

I have to say, this little note warms my heart every time I see it!

Camp

Austin was at camp this past week. He was in the same cabin that Adam was in the week before and he one of the same counselors that Adam had this year as well (Daniel).  The other counselor was the one that Adam just LOVED last year (Caamon).  

Austin went without a friend in his cabin.  The dates didn't work with anyone he asked.  So, to solve that problem, he said, "I'll just go meet new people."  There were a few people in his cabin that he already knew from other places, and some that he met new this week.  

I happened to be friends with the camp nurse this week.  She would send me little messages about him, letting me know that he is fine.  I even got a picture.  

Austin had a great week.  They hiked, swam, played captured the flag, and cooked over a fire.  They had devotions each day as a cabin, and had fireside each evening. 

I went to this camp when I was young.  It is so great to see my boys go and have such great experiences.   I love that when I pick the boys up from camp they are already making mental plans for camp the next year.  

I certainly do appreciate all that these young men.  Giving up their summer to work at a camp with little ones and be a guide and role model to them.  

I Didn't Think They Were There...

Mike and I both have naturally curly hair.  When we were newly married, when we talked about our future children we thought certainly they would have the curliest hair--since both mom and dad have curly hair.

Austin's hair was never overly curly.  Adam had cute baby hair curls.  After Adam's first hair cut they never came back.  

I have looked at my boys baffled that they had this straight hair, yet Mike and I both have curly hair.  

Austin is going through a phase right now, wanting long hair.  It is driving me totally insane!!  I like short hair. It is cooler, and much easier to clean and cleaner looking.  But I continue to remind myself that if this is the worst rebellion he does, it's not that bad.  He is just at an age where he wants to express himself and this is where he chose for that to happen.

The other day, I was looking at Austin, and I found....

... The slightest hint of a curl at his ear.  I looked on the other side, and...

...sure enough there were more.

I never thought my boys had curly hair.  Maybe it was just that I never gave their hair a chance to get long enough to show the curls.  They may have been there all along.

A Little Mix-up

The other day I was in the kitchen fixing dinner.  I had noticed earlier in the day that Austin was a little stuffy sounding.  As I was working on the meal, Austin walks up and very casually announces, "I'm constipated."  Then he got a really funny look on his face as if, "what did I just say?"  Then he said, "I don't think I said the right word."  I said, "Do you mean congested?"  Yes, that was it!

It just tickled me that he knew right away that he said the wrong word.  Although i can see how he could get those confused.

Adam At Camp

Adam hit a new milestone this past week.  He went to camp for a full week.  This was new to him because he had only been to 1/2 week camp before.  It was new to me too, because I had never been away from Adam for a week!!

His counselors were Curtis (not sure of last name), and Daniel Martin.  Daniel goes to church with my mom, so he knew a little about Adam just from when we attended there, and from knowing his grandmother.

When I dropped Adam off I mentioned that he has been known to sleep walk and sleep talk.  Daniel assured me that he was a light sleeper, Adam would be fine.   Thursday night they went to sleep in the Tabernacle.  On the way there Adam asked Daniel if he could sleep beside him, in case he started to sleep walk.  Daniel agreed that was a good idea.  That was the one night that he did start to sleep walk/talk.  I was so proud of Adam for asking to sleep beside someone who could help him if he did start to do that.

Adam was so happy to tell me about the bat that was in the upper level of their cabin and even more excited to show me the mouse head that was in the trap under his bed.  They have no idea what happened to the body!

I am so thankful for these young men that spend their summers leading young boys through the wilderness and closer to God.

Adam had a great week and wants to go back again next year.

12

Austin turned 12 this week.

I look at him and wonder, "when did all this happen?  How did he all of the sudden become a young man."  He no long has that little boy look to his structure (he is almost as tall as me!),  he certainly has his own ideas of what he likes and doesn't like.

He had a friend and his cousin over to "hang out" on Wednesday evening.  His friend needed to go home due to having other plans, but his cousin stayed for a sleepover.  It was a simple party, but it was so much fun.

I really thought this year I had it under control.  Every year since Austin was born, I have cried (some times more than once) on the day of his birthday.  I sit here typing this (it's not his birthday) and I have tears running down my face.  Austin was quite an adventure before he was even born.  I went into labor at 30 weeks.  I was on complete bed rest for 6 1/2 weeks--that meaning that I could only get up to use the bathroom.  I had Austin on June 20 at 12:43 pm.  I thought he looked perfect!  Little did I know how much my dear baby boy was struggling.  The nurses heard something in his breathing, that I did not.  After only holding him for a few minutes, they took him from me.   He was so sick that I was not able to hold him for the next 30 hours.  I think on his birthday I relive some of the pain that he was so incredibly sick, and there was nothing I could do for him.  (Mom's are suppose to be able to fix everything, right?)  It was a long 2 weeks until we were able to bring our baby boy home. I truly wonder what age he will be when I can control my emotions.

Austin, you have brought so much joy into our family.  We are so thrilled that God chose us to be your parents.  I said you have been an adventure,  which is true.  But that is not bad, you just keep things lively.  We love you so very much!  

Beach Trip

We took a break from our regular duties at home to take a trip to the beach this past weekend.  

Our boys have Have been fascinated by the Ripley's Believe it or Not books for quite some time.  We found that there was a museum (I think they actually call it an Odditorium) about 1 hour before the beach.  So we made a  stop on the way to the beach.  There were certainly some things that I had never seen before!!  It was very interesting.  

Once we got to our hotel, we had lots of time to play in the sand and water, and just relax for a few days.

Glen loved the sand.  There was usually a willing participant to play with him.  Austin like to "build"--I guess it more like drip--sand sculptures.  Glen loved to knock them down.  :)

Adam loved the water.  If he got any chance to be in the water he was there.  He would end up moving down the beach a little, and I would have to call him back.  But he would come back to where we were and go right back to the waves.

 I did get a picture I love of the boy together on the beach.

 I had to at least try to get a picture or two of all the grandchildren.

I was pretty happy with the ones I got.

Our family off the balcony of our room.  This hotel was wonderful.  It had an indoor and an outdoor pool--both had lazy rivers.  They boys did not utilize this as much as the beach, but it was nice to have as an option.  (It was a great place to sit a read my book!)  They had a movie playing one night.  And the breakfasts they offered were AMAZING!!

Carol, Eamon and Shannon were there.

Mom and Dad were there.

 

And, of course, there was Grace.  

Matt and Lana joined us as well, but somehow, I did not get a picture of them.  

We had a wonderful relaxing couple of days.