Sunday, May 29, 2011

Our Beach Vacation 2011


We just got home from our vacation in Destin Florida, on Okaloosa Island. The most amazing and beautiful beach and ocean I've ever seen! The sand was literally like sugar. Flawless and beautiful. And the water was a transparent turquoise that I couldn't quit staring at! None of these pictures have any color editing at all, but they still don't do it justice.

Our days were lazy and unplanned. We slept in, ate breakfast overlooking the ocean, then went down to the beach. We chose our next move whenever the mood struck! We're all kinda fans of the no-schedule thing!

We woke up every morning to this view from our balcony.
And Cole was usually right here in our room, watching the waves and waiting for everyone else to wake up!

A few times we watched dolphins play from our balcony. So fun.













Destin Commons, a fun shopping area.



Family photos











Beach volleyball






We all went parasailing. Now I know what it feels like to be a bird. Ahhhhh, so peaceful and amazing!


Riley and David going up
Me and Cole about 400 feet in the air


Garrett and Tyler getting dipped in the ocean
A dolphin swam right up to the boat

Beach fun














For some reason the only time I touch the volleyball is when I'm serving. It's hard to run in sand. That's what I'm going with.

Kayaking in front of our condo!

When Garrett and Tyler were out there was a dolphin swimming with them. They got about 10 feet away and were trying to keep up with it. It had its head out of the water talking! They also went over a group of stingrays.

Shopping on the bay
Our goal was to choose restaurants where we could eat outside by the water. So, lots of seafood. David got everyone but me to try raw oysters.





Playoffs! We wore a lot of Thunderwear and tried to catch most of the games. Tyler got the live band at this place to yell "Go Thunder!"More pics around the condo




In our bed watching coverage of either the Thunder or the Oklahoma tornados that were going on back home.
From our balcony. The sand looked like snow from a distance.
David, Riley and Cole on the balcony.

Go Karts!
Night time crab hunting
I think they're called "ghost crabs."
On the way home we stayed at a Marriot resort on the shore of Alabama. It had all kinds of activities and was so beautiful. Like a huge southern plantation.




So thankful for this time away with my very favorite people making memories that we will always cherish!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Happy Birthday Garrett


Garrett, I can't believe it's been 16 years. What a blessing and inspiration you are to this family. I thank God for giving us such a gift! You are an amazing person and I can't wait to see what is in store for you.

16 Things I admire about you
1. Your discipline in running
2. Your work ethic
3. How you embrace doing hard things
4.The way you inspire me to do hard things, too
5. The way you let Riley hang on you
6. How you take charge without being asked when things need to be done
7. Your love for God
8. You let me hug you and punch you
9. Your hilarious sense of humor
10. Your amazing culinary skills
11. The way you figure out how to fix everything
12. You never whine and rarely complain, even when it's warranted
13. Your commitment to living up to a high standard
14. Your willingness to sacrifice for others
15. Your generosity
16. Your honor for your family

I love you so much, Garrett. Happy 16th birthday!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Double digits for Riley!

Precious Riley.
I can' t believe I have had you in my life for 10 whole years. You are one of God's greatest gifts to me!

I love how funny you are.

I love how you are Garrett's personal cheerleader when he runs, running out to yell for him each time he passes our house.

I love how adventurous you are.



I love your heart for Jesus.

I love how you adore your daddy.

I love to watch you dance.


I love your concern for other people's feelings.

I love how much you love babies.

I love how sweet you are to your friends.



I love that you like to have coffee with me.


I love watching your beautiful heart mature.

I love that God let me have you as my daughter.

Happy birthday, sweet girl. I love you!

Monday, November 15, 2010

LA in pictures




Rodeo Drive


Hollywood








The world's tallest man


Santa Monica Pier


















Driving into Beverly Hills


Room Service pizza

Dinner on Sunset Boulevard