august 31st - run lucy run

We had a family hike at Mountain Lake today that was super fun. We walked through the forest, had snacks by the lake, and saw some wildlife. Lucy ran like Forest Gump the whole way back. Daddy has at least five more minutes of video of Lucy running...she did NOT stop and had to have run at least a quarter-mile on her little legs.

Celebrated Julia’s big 16th birthday tonight at Uncle Frank and Aunt Amy’s house. Gemma finally got to give Ashlyn her birthday card that she has been working on for weeks.  Lucy seemed to enjoy the cinnamon pretzel dip...just a little. 

august 30th - finally friday

Week back at work after vacation sucks the big one, but it is finally friday. Alex forgot how to play his switch while we were away, but Lucy still remembers how to use the animal cracker bucket as a step stool....complete with one slipper on her foot.  Not OSHA compliant.  

august 29th - mommy’s turn

Mommy spent the day with Gemma today, which means nail salon and more “girl stuff, that no one else is invited to”...Daddy had the kids tonight for Mommy’s girls night, so we caught the final show of the outdoor concert series at the shopping center. 

august 28th - day three

The week of Gemma continues...this time for a day with Daddy. Morning muffins at Small World, lunch was mobile...we got panini from Terra Momo so we could walk and talk for lunch. Somehow Gemma was able to steer our lunch stroll directly to Bent Spoon for our favorite raspberry sorbet. 

august 27th - freedom

Gemma is currently in limbo with no daily responsibilities, so Grandmom Burger has been hanging with her for the last couple days. She got to go to the movies to see Toy Story 4, go out for lunches, and shopping at the mall. “Girl stuff.” Alex has soccer camp all week, so Gem is enjoying being the center of attention. 

august 26th - dab

This one in her pigtails is enough to make you give her anything she wants. Alex and Gemma gave is all a ‘dabbing’ lesson over dinner. Even Lucy was in on the action by the end...only took mommy 74 pictures to catch her in the act. 

august 25th - reacquainted

One day of R&R to get back into what resembles a routine before going back to work. We spent some time at the park enjoying the outdoors. Lucy LOVES the swings. 

august 24th - homeward bound

Early morning to get on the road with the aim to be within striking distance of home by lunchtime. Alex and Gemma slept in our room so the whole family could move as a unit in the house at 430am without waking up those left behind. Four humans in a queen sized bed is not likely to be recommended by anyone ever. Pretty uneventful drive home with exception of Alex’s four alarm dump that required a rest stop in Maryland. In Delaware, we stopped at #15 on the list of towns that look exactly alike because it is the only one with Chick-Fil-A. Lucy had her very first experience with fast food and she was only interested in the milkshake. They messed up Gemma’s order twice so they kind of took the “fast” out of “fast food”...gave Alex a chance to teach Lucy how to work the car horn. 

We had a nice walk into town when we got home to stretch the legs and have some Ramen for dinner. Followed by the obligatory six pack of snacks from World of Cupcakes in Hinds Plaza.  Awesome vacation but great to be home, sober, and in our own beds. 

Alex’s favorite parts of vacation were playing pool (now asking for a pool table from Santa), night swimming, and attacking the other house with water balloons....”wait, what does stealth mean?”  Gemma’s favorites were the pool, the hot tub, and hanging with Addison. Lucy hands down loved the beach and ocean the most. 

august 23rd - over already?

It’s Friday already, which means it is time for one last day of fun before we pack up and head home. The ocean has been pretty chilly the past couple days, but it hasn’t stopped Lucy from enjoying the beach. Today, she even got in on Gemma’s patented move of dunking her head into her beach bucket. 

Around dinner time, the Dad’s went out to pick up food and the skies opened up. We had to shuttle people from the other house home since they were all walking into town on our way out. The storm we got was like nothing we have seen. Hail was in the forecast, which  required some serious car maneuvering. We had to fit three SUVs under a car port for two.  We celebrated Shannon’s birthday, remained indoors, and prayed to Jesus that we would be able to get out in the morning.  

august 22nd - beach babes

Since we had crap weather yesterday, we got our money’s worth on the beach today. Gemma and Addison started a little project this morning, with Mommy’s help, that they are both very excited about. Lucy absolutely loved the ocean and did NOT stop running in and out of the waves. She was so awesome picking herself back up after getting pushed over by the waves and running right back down. Alex was so into Lucas and Logan’s boogie board, so Daddy took him down to the surf shop to pick out one of his own.

Mommy and Daddy’s night to cook so we pulled out a mexican fiesta...complete with a piñata and a dance routine from Mark. Great day, lots of booze, almost burned down a house with a defunct chinese lantern.