Happy Birthday, Dad & Kailey!

Things that make Dad smile:

*tickling his grandkids 'til they're laughing hysterically and begging him to "stop!"

*a REALLY good deal (translated: on sale with rebates!)

*"ambling" up the river into the Gulf on his boat(s)

*eating his food HOT and SPICY!

*music and movies...the LOUDER the better!
("Play that Funky Music" was Dad's only song request at our wedding reception-it still makes us laugh when we think about that special night!) So pump up that volume-this one's for you, Dad!

*an icy cold margarita while he hangs out in his office

*a phone call from an old friend

*four little people who lovingly refer to him as "Papa"


"Graham, what do you like best about Kailey?"

"Well...she's my best friend...she likes to climb with me, and jump on the bed with me...and play with me...and eat with me....
LOTS of things, Mom!"

Finding Nemo

Ever since we got "Nemo" all he does is bury himself deep in the dirt and sleep! I realize that entertainment should never be the primary motive for pet ownership...they are called "hermit" crabs for a reason...but my people just wanna see this critter move, already!

So last night, I was doing the late-night-tidy-up-before-bed and went over to take a peek and see if Nemo needed food or water....and he was no where to be found!

Looked a little closer...and there he was like a little stunt-crab at the top of the bamboo. Even taped a couple minutes of the action, so that I had some proof for Graham that he does more than just sleep!


This morning he had reached his crabby arms up and taken hold of the grated cover to keep him inside. I'm thinking that this crab's got a plan of escape! He climbed around up there for a long time, and the kids were just tickled.


Finally, he dropped down into the dirt and guess where he was?? Trying to climb back up the bamboo! Seems like our little buddy is finally coming out of his shell...

Sweet Freedom

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Our weekend began with Fireworks on Thursday night with Grandma & Grandpa, Aunt Jen, Uncle Tom, Aunt Lizzie, Uncle Brent, and a bunch of cousins. It had just rained before we set-up our little tail-gate party-there was a nice breeze most of the evening. Graham enjoyed watching fireworks from a safe distance-in the open back-end of Grandpa's car!

We went boating with Nana, Papa, Uncle Brent, Aunt Lizzie, Kailey and Ethan all day Friday. The water in the Gulf near Sanibel Island was crystal clear-and perfectly cool. After many hours of playing in the sand and swimming, we made our way back to N&P's house for dinner...just as the afternoon storms were rolling in. Lightning and huge storm clouds can be so beautiful AND scary when you're in a boat. We were ALL glad to be back in the house to watch the wonder with sufficient cover!

Thinking a lot about how grateful we are for family, for friends, for a place to live and worship God freely and openly....for the price that was paid for my freedom in Christ's shed blood...just very thankful.

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13 (NIV)