Q Family Vacay

At the end of July, my sister (and crew), my parents and our family headed down to florida for a little family vacation.  Mom, Dad and Rose traveled by plane; meanwhile, Zach and I snagged Cooper to be a riding mate for Bennett and off we went!  After a quick stop in Nashville for a little country music and dinner, we continued to northern Alabama where we met my sister's clan for an overnight stay before finishing our journey the following morning.

 



 

Once everyone arrived and had a chance to get settled in, it was all smiles!  We were so excited to think this is our routine for the next 6 days...beach, pool, beach, pool, great food and drinks, beach and pool!

 

 

 

Dinner for 11...no problem!

 



 

We started each day at the beach - all the littles loved the sand, ocean waves, crab hunting and relaxing!

 



 

Hard work toting these big buckets (Amy was prepared with 10+ buckets) of water!

 



 

Beach babe!

 



 

Batman checking out the waves (which were a little bigger than we would have liked on a handful of days).

 



 

Master sand castle builder.

 



 

Snack time!  It was the perfect place to relax with memaw.

 



 

How low can you go?  Amy spearheaded a giant hole dig.  Did she reach China?

 



 

The subsequent mound of sand from the giant dig was perfect for climbing and jumping!

 



Dinner outdoors before we moved 11 people, plus food indoors away from a quick-moving storm. 

 



 

Pretty sunset following the storm.

 



 

Elly Rose and Camden were buddies.  It was heart-warming to see them spend time together.  ER adores Camden.  He taught her how to do a canon ball, among other things!

 



 

Baseball with our crab-catching nets?  Sure thing.  Papaw could pitch to his boys all day long.

 



 

Amy may not have made it to China, but that didn't stop Bennett from giving it a go...

 



 

All family photo ops were hijacked by these two acting as unwilling particpants.  Love them still!

 



 

Troublesome Twosome!

 



 

"No, Elly Rose...you are not allowed to go on dates until you are 27."

 

What else could they possibly be talking about?

 



 

Cooperative boys catching crabs (many, many crabs) and posing for a family photo!

 

 

Ruffle butt love.

 



 

The waves are gone...this crew is in a shallow sand bar about 40 yards from the beach...my littles thought this was very cool.

 



 

Behold...a mote.  This was not as easy as we thought.  Bennett's boat (from our last beach trip) continued to make its way everywhere with him and we still have it! 

 



 

She loved playing in the ocean on calmer days!

 

Cheers to time with family and breaks in the routine.  Well worth the work of organizing, packing and traveling.  We simply feel fortunate to spend extended time together.  AND, while we were vacationing at the florida beach, my little brother and Madi were vacationing at the beaches of Mexico...they came home ENGAGED!

 



Junior Kindergarten: Take 2

Today started year two of Junior Kindergarten for Bennett!  We can't believe we are here...starting another year of school and with it new routines for our babes.  Bennett enjoyed a great first morning. He will repeat a short day tomorrow before beginning the full day routine on Wednesday.  

 

 Bennett's junior kindergarten class is a multi-age classroom, so even though we are beginning a new routine, he is returning to the same classroom and has the privilege of once again having Mrs. Harris as his teacher.  One big difference for our little guy from last year...he is one of the oldest in the classroom!  This will provide him the opportunity to lead the younger students, while also spending time with his peer group during small group instruction.
 

 

TROUBLE. 

 

These little guys are the veterans to Mrs Harris's class (along with two little ladies).  They were so very excited to see one another this morning.  Pure joy in those sweet smiles.  We are looking forward to another exciting year of discovery and learning (and perhaps a little reading!).

 

Miss Elly Rose is not far behind - she begins a Young 3's preschool program twice a week next Tuesday.  We meet the teacher on Thursday...can hardly wait!  Also on Thursday, Rose joins her neighbor friend for ballet.  Every Thursday afternoon for the next 10 months - eek!



Take me out to the ball game!

Bennett enjoyed his first experience with organized team sports through the First Baptist t-ball program.  It was so much fun to watch as the entire team evolved from their first practice to the final game!



Mr. Cool in his shades.  3-inning games where everyone bats each inning and rotates through field positions on defense provided the perfect length of time for his age. 

 

First base talking strategy with one of his coaches.  Bennett's coaches (like all coaches in the program) graciously volunteered their time and did so in a wonderful, teaching way.

 

 

The last couple games they practiced live arm hitting in the final inning.  Bennett LOVED this chance to hit with his coach pitching to him.

 

 

Preparing to play pitcher helper.  Little Kate in the background was one of Bennett's buddies on the team.  They talked "playdates" at one another's house and Bennett was thrilled to learn that Kate has "boy toys" because she has an older brother. 

 



 

Sportsmanship and teamwork are part of each practice and game...GO ROCKIES!!

 



 

Hi-fiving the opponent then on to snacks (an obvious highlight)!

 



 

A quick celebration for each team followed their final game.  Bennett is so proud to have a medal of his own.  He has shown this medal to EVERYONE who enters our home.

 



 

We are thrilled that the experience was fun for Bennett.  He is signed-up and excited to begin playing soccer at the beginning of next month through the same program.  

Firework Party

Year after year, one of our summer favorites is the MHCC Fireworks Party!  So much fun to see friends, hang with Zach's family and watch Bennett and Elly Rose enjoy the numerous activities and games. 

 Our sweet little babes before we trade sticky, sweaty, tired and dirt-covered for a night of great memories!

 

 

Elly Rose with her first cotton candy!  Snatched that within 5 minutes of arriving. 

 

 

Bennett trying out the bungee trampoline for the first time!  He waited so patiently in line.  It took him a handful of bounces to figure out the process, but once he did it was high-flying!

 

 

Our night took an unexpected turn when a quick-moving thunderstorm arrived and sent us running for our cars.  We re-grouped (after losing and finding Bennett and a brittney spears-style trip home for poppy and his girls) at the Ford home in time to dry-off and watch the fireworks!

 



Bennett Goes Racing!

Zach and Bennett made their way to the track for Bennett's first (of many I am sure) trips to experience some portion of the famed Indianapolis 500.  Since this was his first trip, we intentionally planned it for a quiet practice day to minimize crowds...it didn't disappoint.  It took a little time for him to adjust to his surroundings, but he had a blast!

 

The smaller crowds allowed him to get up close and personal with the pit areas - which was a highlight.  He also met several drivers (his favorite was Helio - who autographed the bottom of his matchbox race car), ate a hamburger and just enjoyed time with dad! 

 

The next day at school, Bennett was so excited to "share" his experience with his teachers and classmates.  Share is always a highlight for him - he takes it very seriously.  After talking about his day at the race track and showing classmates some memorabilia, there is time for "comments and questions" from others in his class.  The thought of calling on his friends and answering their questions makes me laugh.