Finally - We Return Home (Only For a Visit Though!) Part I

Well after a long stint away from the U.S.A., we have arrived in TN only to turn around and head to Gulf Shores, Alabama. The kids have really missed this the last two years and were so excited to see white sand again. I should say - almost white sandy beaches - no thanks to BP!

Highlights of the trip:

Mackensey - eating lobster and fried crawfish / making friends and playing "Tar Baby" in the pool

Conor - getting up early with G-daddy and having an early morning swim - rain or shine/ The Shrimp Basket and lots and lots of ice cream.

Shane - All you can eat shrimp at the Shrimp Basket/ evenings down on the beach - not so hot

Lori - Oyster House (I actually can eat the fish there) and READING, READING , and more READING!

Beautiful Day in Victoria

Football

That is our boy - #63! Conor played an outstanding game this Sunday. Even the coach on the other team commented on how great he played. The weather was beautiful and the game was a exciting. What a great way to spend Mother's Day! I cannot believe that Conor is going to be 12 this Wednesday. Time has sure flown by. He is 5'6" and one tough kid. On one play he knocked down three players with one move. Even Mackensey cheered!

A Star is Born

Well, after all of the months of hard work, Mackensey's musical theater production of Annie Jr. was last night. I know that I am biased, but she was definitely the cutest one up there. This was a full production in a real theater. Mackensey had her makeup done by a friend of mine and they teased her hair to make her look like an orphan. I took a quick picture during production but was afraid that I would get in trouble with taking pictures during the show so I only took one. What a night and what an experience for Mackensey. She has definitely found her niche. She had a small speaking part and did a fantastic job. Next year she gets a bigger role because she moves into the next age bracket. We are anxiously awaiting to see what next year's show is going to be. Her dad gave her flowers and she had several friends who came to support her. So much fun!!!!

Cherry Point Beach

An after school treat is going to the beach with Dad. It is not quite warm enough, but fresh air and fun with the dog is what the "doctor" orders after a long day of counseling for Dad. The beaches are so different here (not the white sands of Gulf Shores), but they are absolutely beautiful with the mountains in the backdrop (especially when they are snow capped mountains).

9th Birthday

I can't believe another year has flown by and my little girl is growing up. Despite the fact that I said that we are not having "friend" parties every year - what did we do - have a friend party! Well, we had difficulty coming with an idea to top last year's spa party (this is why I said not every year!!!!), but due to the fact that Easter was just a week away we decided to have an Easter theme party. The girls had an egg hunt, decorated Easter eggs, played egg games, ate a cake that looked like an Easter basket, etc. What a day and of course Mack's birthday lasted three days this year! Thank you for all of the cards and gifts - making her day special even though we are miles and miles away.

A Silver Medal for Mackensey

Mackensey competed in a district wide science challenge. Her team first competed against other kids in her school. Mackensey's group got second place, so they were able to compete against ten other schools. They were given only a certain amount of materials and a certain amount of time to build a structure that was over a certain height and a tennis ball could sit on top. The structure represented the Olympic torch. Their structure was then tested. A fan was blown on three different levels, and the structure had to remain standing with the ball in place. Mackensey's team won a SILVER! She came home wearing a silver medal and was so proud. I could only stay for the building part, so I did not get to see her win her medal. She was so proud.
So was Shane; I think he was worried that Mackensey was going to sing and dance her whole life. He was so glad to see that she liked other "things." She is very creative so this challenge was just right for her. Teachers and parents were not allowed to help or even give ideas.