Our Week in Alabama

Last week we took a trip with Mima and Papa to visit Scott's brother Brian and his family in Montgomery. I LOVE being able to take time off from school and take advantage of opportunities like this. We had a blast - it was definitely crazy with eight children in one house, but we spent lots of time outside! The kids were great together and it was so fun to see them all interacting with each other.

Here is a pictorial review of our trip in chronological order:

Stopping at Krispy Kreme in the town where that other Florida college is located... It was definitely time for a break and what better way to spend it than eating yummy donuts!

In Alabama - Jackson wearing one of Uncle Brian's hats...
Burying Papa in the leaf pile

Picnicking at Fort Toulouse

Lots of meals on the back porch!

Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch in Clanton, Alabama

Hudson's exact words when I walked up with the camera: "Picture, RUN!" And that's just what he did!

We had such a fun time and I am so grateful for Brian and Ella's hospitality, especially in the midst of her pregnancy-induced sickness. I definitely couldn't have made the trip without Mima and Papa's help driving/entertaining my kiddos. The kids can't wait to see their cousins again.

Tomorrow is back to school for us - hope it isn't too hard of an adjustment! I know I would much rather be hanging out with family! :)

The kids and I are leaving tomorrow (with Mima and Papa) for a trip to Alabama to see our family there. The kids are so excited about seeing their cousins! I am not thrilled about the drive but hopefully there will be enough adults to keep the kids entertained. I think we will make up our week of school work over Christmas break and just take one week off then.

It's just ridiculous how much STUFF 5 people need for a week... and more ridiculous, how long it has taken me to get it all together. This is why vacations are almost not worth it! Although I know I will forget all the work that went into it when I see my kiddos laughing and playing with their cousins, who they don't see nearly enough!

Eight kids under 7 in one house for a week... Lord help us!

A Quick Trip

This weekend we went with my Dad to Georgia for my cousin's wedding. We left on Thursday and came back yesterday. Super fast, but really great to see some family I hadn't seen in a while. They got to meet Jackson and Lillian for the first time. I think we are officially done traveling for the rest of the summer!

Jackson napping in his favorite pose on the way there!

Playing at Aunt Charlene's house.

Jackson showing his true colors in Dawg country!

Amber, Aunt Charlene's doggie

At the wedding (there was a chocolate fountain)

Photo with the bride and groom (my cousin) right before they left the reception.

Hanging out in the hotel bed!

Greetings From Gator Country

Caleb found this on a sidewalk by a playground we went to - his initials!

A real see-saw!

La Fiesta - Mommy's favorite!

Jackson's first taste of pure Mexican yumminess. He loved his chicken quesadilla with refried beans and rice.

Coloring together one morning...

Bathtime in the big fun tub!

Lillian helping Uncle Chris cook black beans - which she ate a ton of at dinner!

Our two baby boys!

Ella and Buddy - the kids have really enjoyed having a dog around. They race out of bed every morning and go straight to where he is so they can all pet him and love on him.

Back porch fun...

At the neighborhood pool and playground. Picnicking in the back of Aunt Tricia's car - Mac's yummy burgers and fries.

Our Week In Paradise

We were supposed to be getting our dining and living room floors refinished this summer; instead we used the money we had saved for that and went to the beach for a week. And it was totally worth it!

Here are some pictures from our amazing trip. When can we go back?

Our home for the week!

One of a few pictures with me in them... I spent LOTS of time on the beach - Scott stayed in the room with the kids every day at rest time so I could lay out by the ocean!

Jackson's new favorite place to nap!

The older three decided to use their allowance and buy some silly bands as a souvenir - here they are dividing them up.

Caleb and Ella watching a video on glass blowing.

Here is where I had the best peach ice cream EVER!

Attempting a family photo on the beach

Mima and Papa happened to be there that day, too.

Lounging in the pool...

... and the ocean.

Breakfast at one of Mommy's favorite places!

Caleb playing the bongos during live music by the pool.

Lillian enjoying the music (Ella was alseep in the pool with her Daddy at this point).

Caleb and one of the many friends he made while we were there. That kid is amazing with remembering peoples' names!

Lillian cleaning the mirror for us.

One of several rainbows we saw while we were there.

Father's Day breakfast - later in the day Mima, Papa and Grandaddy joined us for a cookout.