Vacation Day 1 - Sunday

The boys liked the beach...

...Brian of course was all in for the ocean...

...the boys however thought it was cool, but were a bit unsure of the small waves.

Nick loves it!

Seashells everywhere!

Time for a snack break with Dad.

The view from our room - and a very cute Nicker!

Giving the pool a try.

Time for supper! What are we going to eat?

Nick - the weird finger finagler!

Obviously these genes come from Brian!

The biggest pizza I have ever seen (and it was delicious too!!).

Traveling to FL.

The memory card adaptor for my little camera is at home, so I will have to post our travel pics when we get back.

So it really stinks when you loose the whole story of your travels and then you have to start again...but here we go...again.

So our first flight to Atlanta was delayed about a 1/2 hour, but the boys did excellent! Nick and Brian on one side with Nate and I on the other. We played cards, colored, looked at books and ate the sandwiches and granola bars that Daddy so wisely packed for us. Having our first flight run late of course we had to high-tale it through the Atlanta airport and while it was scheduled to leave at 1:45 and my watch said 1:40, they had already closed the doors. So now we had to hoof it back to the Delta counter to get re booked (along with a ton of other people who had missed their flight as well). Thank goodness we were bumped to another flight that was taking off shortly, so with a quick minute to buy a sandwich we were on our final flight to Florida. Unfortunately, being bumped, Nate was able to sit by Brian, but Nick was to sit alone right in front of Brian and I was about 4 row in front of that. Thankfully our stewardess asked the gentleman who would have had my seat to switch (which he did so begrudgingly which I thought was funny because I don't know any other guy that wouldn't switch sitting with a 5 year old who is by himself for a window seat, but whatever). Needless to say, it had been a long day for the boys already, and before takeoff Brian and I had two sleeping babies in our laps - AMEN! We touch downed in FL. got our bags and car seats, picked up our rental, and within 2 minutes of leaving the terminal it was a torrential downpour. What the heck!? Oh well, 1 hour drive left the rain and 70 degree temp behind for a wonderful and humid high 80s and sunny sky's. Pour Nick who was so looking forward to swimming right away had to wait for supper and groceries which left no time to swim. Oh well, we have all week to make up for that!

Our 4th of July.

Our weekend with Brians family started off with a bang! Having talked about swimming, and jet skiing and water skiing for a week before we arrived, our biggest boy stepped up and decided that he would give water skiing a try - and he did - once. We really were just happy that he wanted to give it a shot. We are very proud of our Nicker!!

Uncle Jason & Daddy getting his feet in the boots.

Are we ready to say "Hit It!"?

Nathan enjoying the pool (one of the very few times he was happy this weekend).

Time for tubing with cousin Alexis while Grandpa takes Brayden for a ride.

My mother was also able to join us on Friday.

My main man - Hot stuff!!!

I love this picture of the boys!

WARNING! CUTE KID PICTURES AHEAD!!

ALEXIS

BRAYDEN

THE NICKER

The one and only time I got in the frigid water (it was so cold my feet became numb!) was to play with the boys. Yes, this is me and I look terrible - thank goodness they don't care!

Grandpa and Nick riding on the tractor.

This was a favorite game of the weekend for both of the boys!

On Saturday morning we were awake and ready to try out Nicks fishing pole. While he didn't catch anything, he sure had fun digging up worms with Daddy and casting!

Now it's Nates turn! Daddy and Nate before heading out on the jet ski - he loved it!!!

Nicker fell asleep on the pontoon ride with Grandma (which accounts for the sleepy face!).

The Family.

Another exciting day...

(photographed by Nick)

and let's not forget about this little man whom I love SO MUCH as well!
Unfortunately for us (and him), this was about the only time he smiled this whole weekend. Something in the air? In the water? I don't know, but he was crabby as a coot this weekend!! Let's hope that tomorrow brings a fresh start to a new week!!
Either way, I do love you tator baby!

I AM A CHRISTIAN
By Carol Wimmer
When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"

I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride

I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong

I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success

I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all

I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect

My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge

I have no authority--I only know I'm loved

Nicker

Is this boy not just absolutely adorable!! Ahh - breaks my heart!

He is such a chatterbox lately! So much to talk about and share and show. He also has realized that Mom loves it when he makes her laugh, so with his different voices and lines, he is my little comedian too. I love you so much my big boy!!

...and this is a picture that Nick took of me and the Tator.

Soccer Pics

So the week of Soccer Camp ended well with Nick saying he "wanted to play soccer all night long!" It was still a long week of "I want to be done" and "I love soccer", so we will take the bad with the good and say the we will definitely have him trying again. (Thanks for the pep talk Marsha!!).

Happy Birthday Brian (pics)

chillin' with the fella's...