Beach Bums 2011!!

Just a month or so behind on posting our vacation pics!

We had such a great time at the beach this year.  We headed to Orange Beach, AL late this summer for our fourth trip down there.  I like going to the Gulf Coast.  It's like home to me.  We may try some other beaches one day.  I've always wanted to go to Myrtle Beach or Hiltonhead, but for most beach vacations, we will opt for the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Destin area.  Not only is this familiar ground to me having been there as a kid, teenager, senior trip, you name it...but my family is just a few hours away and can come spend some time with us.  As our family has grown to 5, it's not as easy for us to just drop in on my folks so this year, for the first time, we rented a place large enough for everyone to join us for a few days.  I think it will be a tradition now.  We had a blast!  Until next year, Orange Beach!   

Rock n' Roll Birthday Girl

I must admit, a skating party is one of my favorites.  Growing up, we spent many an afternoon at the skating rink.  So, when Claire decided she wanted a skating party for the second year in a row, I was more than happy to comply.  Here are a few pics from the skate-o-rama!  Many thanks to my Aunt for being at the party and helping serve all those hungry chillins!  Could not have done it without ya!  And thanks to my Dad for bringing the cake.  It has become a tradition that everyone looks forward to...the cake that comes all the way from MS!  We had a great weekend celebrating Claire.  Even Will got in the groove, laced up the cutest pair of little skates you ever did see...and let loose!  Love it! 

And yes, that is me....on skates....serving drinks and hot dogs.  No Sonic jokes please...

Finally...we can get OUTSIDE!

Oh, yay!!  The weather has taken a nice turn.  We have really been enjoying it - along with the rest of the country.  The miserable heat we had this summer makes me even more grateful for cool mornings and pleasant afternoons.  We have been living outside.  Tomorrow's high is 67 degrees...bring it on!

Fall is here!  Even my flowers are happy!  Had to get a shot of that new boot
rack we installed.  Makes me so happy - a boot rack!  I know, silly.  But
to have those things up off the ground where I tripped over them,
 had to sweep around them, etc.is just fantastic!
 We just need one more little pair of boots for Will and we're set!