Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Friday, October 26, 2012

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Missouri Dreaming!

Ever been on a vacation that was so perfect you never wanted it to end?  I kept trying to think of ways to convince hubby to stay just one more day.

We were able to spend 4 fun filled days in such a great city - St. Louis, Missouri!  Hubby and his friends always attend one Alabama football away game each year.  This year they chose the Bama vs. Mizzou game...which was to be played in Missouri...which also happens to be where hubby's sister lives.  It didn't take long for hubby's parents, hubby's oldest sister and kids, our kids and me to high-jack the boys football trip and turn it into an amazing family weekend.

My amazing sister-in-law had everything set up perfectly for us.  The sleeping arrangements were wonderful, all the meals were taken care of, and she even provided additional entertainment for the kids in the form of her amazing boyfriend.

From late nights up chatting to exploring around the city - what a wonderful vacation this was for us!  Thanks so much for hosting our crazy chaotic clan, Aunt Bear!  It was wonderful to spend time in your world.  We love you so very much and are so blessed to have had this time with you and the fam.  We can't wait until the next get together!

There are several posts to follow about each of our St. Louis adventures.  For now, I'll leave you with our view of the city as we were sadly heading home.

October 14th, 2012


Saturday, October 13, 2012

St. Louis Trip - Wolf Howl

I spent way too much time before our trip researching all the great attractions in the area.  During my searching, I came across the Endangered Wolf Center.  The Wolf Center is an organization that works to save wolves from extinction.  It's a huge facility in which they breed and try to reintroduce the wolves to the wild at some point.  I'm sure it would be a great place to go visit during the day!

However, I was captivated to read about an event that they do on weekend evenings called a Wolf Howl.  So, I reserved a spot for the boys and I.  We headed there on our own Saturday evening while hubby was at the Bama game.

It was just as cool as I thought it would be!  We arrived and they took us back to a campfire where a employee stood behind the fire and shared information about the wolves.  Hearing his interpretations of each of the wolf's howls was really funny.  He then told us a couple "not so scary" wolf stories.  From the campfire we walked a little way down a gravel path to where the wolves were caged.  Three of the employees surrounded the cage and began howling.  Sure enough withing 10 minutes or so all the wolves were howling right back.  The kids though it was pretty awesome!

The only downside to the event was I didn't think through bringing Lil' Bit out with us.  She's nursing, so she's stuck to me at all times.  Seeing that we were in the woods trying to be quiet to hear the wolves every little noise LB made sounded like it was over a loud speaker.  All the howling wolves and people scared her a lot.  We ended up having to walk back early.  That didn't stop Zep from howling along with the wolves as we were walking back.

The kids were also extremely concerned that they would have to miss the hot cocoa and cookies that were being served afterwards.  All was well though...they took theirs to go!

I would love to do this again someday - minus any little bitty ones.  The next time we'll also make it a point to go during the day so we can actually see the wolves!

October 13th, 2012

Cousins!

I'm too tired to blog anything else tonight, but I wanted to post this super cute pic of my niece and Sunshine.  They are too cute together.  I can't even begin to imagine all the fun these two are going to have together throughout their lives.

October 13th, 2012


Friday, October 12, 2012

St. Louis Trip - The Zoo

A trip to St. Louis isn't complete without a trip to the zoo.  It might very well be the nicest zoo we've ever visited...and IT'S FREE!!  

We spent an entire day here just walking around through the exhibits.  Even after a full day we still had yet to see all the animals.  The hippos and gorillas are by far our favorite animals there! 

Such a fun day with our wonderful family!


October 12th, 2012

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Sunshine and Aunt Bear!

Sunshine adores her Aunt Bear!  She loves to look at the picture of hubby's family taken several years back, pointing at each person and saying everyone's name.  For the longest time the only sibling that she could remember was Bear.  "Aunt Bear is my best fwend!" she would say each time!

Our kids have been blessed with many aunts and uncles that have stayed a very active part of their lives.  This is so important to me as my own aunt and uncle were a huge part of my growing up.  My aunt is one of my very own "best fwends!"  What a special relationship to have!

October 11th, 2012


Saturday, September 15, 2012

Cousins!

We attempted to surprise my mom on her 60th birthday with all of the family together.  Word got out that we were all coming, but this didn't lessen the enjoyment of the day.  The kids had such a great time playing together.  I can't believe how big they're all getting!

September 15th, 2012


Sunday, September 2, 2012

Family Beach Trip 2012

We took our family of 6 on our FIRST beach trip ever!   Yes, we've been to the beach before with the kids but never on our own.  We usually go with family or friends.  This was quite a different experience for us as we had to plan everything ourselves.  We discovered that we're not all that great at the planning part.  Most of the meals we brought to make were missing at least one ingredient.  Despite our minor forgetfulness, the trip was wonderful!!

We found a cute little condo in Gulf Shores.  The owner was AMAZING and we were able to snag some extra days for a great price!  The only bummer was that the onsite pool had been flooded by a tropical storm that had just passed through.  So, we were limited to beach play only.

The older three kids had a blast playing on the beach with daddy.  I was able to sneak down occasionally but spent most of the time in the room while one or two of the girls were napping.  I can't say this was all that bad...I truly enjoyed the quiet reading time!

Such a great trip!  We can't wait to go again!  Sunshine asks me every day if we're going to the beach again!

The first evening there we went straight out to the beach to search for crabs...


The second evening...the kids were exhausted.  Bright Eyes and Sunshine (our two inseparable children) shared a bed.  I found them sound asleep holding hands.  My heart melted!...


The third day was full of fun on the beach.  Flying kites, feeding seagulls, riding the waves, and catching z's in the sun!...


The fourth day hubby and the older kids spent much of the day on the beach while I snuggled with Lil' Bit in our condo...


September 2nd - 5th, 2012

Friday, July 20, 2012

Welcoming a new cousin!

Hubby's sister welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world!  We're so excited for J&K.  Little HC is absolutely adorable.  I can already envision lake days in the future...the four little girls huddled together laughing and giggling.  

Pic of the new parents with all the kids!


And the boys could never miss an opportunity to torture their Uncle Totem!  He's such a good sport!


July 20th, 2012

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Vulcan

My favorite aunt and uncle - okay, so maybe they're my only aunt and uncle. But even if they weren't they'd still be my favorite! - drove down from Massachusetts to visit my parents and decided to spend a couple days with our crazy clan.

We were able to take some time out to drive up to Vulcan for the afternoon.  The kids had fun running through the museum.  I managed to build up the courage to take the three older kids up to the top of Vulcan.  I have no deep longing to go back up any time soon!  I think Bright Eyes shares my fear of heights, because he was eager to return to solid ground as well.

July 3rd, 2012





Monday, July 2, 2012

Fun with the yankees!

It's ridiculous that we seem to have lots of pictures from the time my Aunt and Uncle were here, but we have no actual pictures of my aunt and uncle.  I used to do so well remembering to take my camera.  I suppose that memory cell is now being used to remember a child.

These are some of the activities that took place while our Yankee family was in town!

July 2nd - 4th, 2012


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Pictures

We had Samantha from His Hands Photography over this morning to take Lil Bit's (our newest nickname for Baby Girl) newborn pictures.  They turned out so beautiful!  Check out the preview here.  I highly recommend Samantha.  She was so patient and is a wonderful lady.

We took advantage of all the clean children and had our neighbor run over quickly to take a couple shots.  They aren't even close to the quality of Samantha's, but at least it's something.



May 23rd, 2012

Friday, May 18, 2012

She's Home!

Baby Girl arrived home at noon today!  We're off and running as a family of 6!  Excuse the blog hiatus while I try to rest and regain my sanity.


May 18th, 2012