Lucas, Ty, Mary and Ellen - aren't they the CUTEST???

My dad with Roo-Roo...

Jenn and Mary having some cuddle time...

Mike and Heather surprised us at the last minute by saying they could come to our little cookout on Saturday night. Trey couldn't make it, but Emma was there... she will also be starting Kindergarten this fall.

Mike, Heather, Shanna, Jeff
Neil, Emma, Ellen, and Jenn

My sister and I hadn't had a picture together, so we snapped one at the end of the night... and it just happened to be in the bathroom while the kids were bathing... better than nothing.

Every time the boys take a bath, or anyone for that matter, Missy whines and dances around the side of the tub as if she wants in. She eventually did fall in this time...

Luckily her mommy was there to keep her warm : )

Finally, some rough fun with Uncle Scott before he headed home to Atlanta. Lucas and Ellen couldn't get enough... surprise, surprise.

Playdate with Mandy

It has been two days since Ellen got sick, so Mandy and I figured it was safe to get together. We met them at the aquarium for a few hours. Ellen and Henry, Mandy's oldest, are about the same age.

I just don't see what the big deal is with that aquarium. It was so crowded and so expensive! And I think my kids could take it or leave it...

Lucas, Ellen, Jack and Henry

Mom's House (Tuesday)

So we had a change in plans, but I believe things work out for the best, and that seems to be what is happening. We were supposed to spend today, Tuesday, with Mandy. And then Wendy on Wednesday. My mother (Mama) called me yesterday and said that Mom (my grandmother) was having to be admitted to the hospital for breathing issues. So I immediately moved back out plans with Mandy for today and planned on going to visit Mom at the hospital. How lucky that I'm actually in Georgia to do this. And, as a bonus, we weren't going to see my parents this week, but now they are here in Georgia to help Mom if she needs it. Well, apperantly my moving back of our plans wasn't enough of a change. Lucas tossed and turned all night last night, and even woke up with "pains growing" and had to get Tylenol. And as for Ellen, she was a little restless last night and felt warm when I got up with Lucas, but I figured she was just sleeping hard. I was wrong... she woke up this morning burning up, puny in my arms for an hour, and then threw up. So we cancelled plans with Mandy for today and Wendy for tomorrow (since we don't know about Ellen's virus) and headed south to Jonesboro. My parents were at Mom's house already and we were so glad to see them! Ellen took a long nap and felt great afterwards, so just a 12 hour virus (or a 24 hour virus that her immune system kicked to the curk early.)

My dad and Lucas got right to work on a drain project for Mom's yard. She lives on a lake that they drain every 5 years so that people can work on their docks. So there is no water for us to play in, but I think Lucas is just as happy with the weeds...

Second stop... Chris and Hilary's!

We spent two nights with Bryan, Angela and Wesley, and are now making our way south to my grandmother's house. Today we spent the day with Hilary and her kids - Carter, Mabry, Liam and Taylor. Needless to say, Lucas was in heaven hanging out with Carter, who is almost two years older. Mabry is six months younger than Lucas, so both of my kids liked playing with her.

After swimming we played some fun games with the older kids while the little kids got some rest.

Look at these two cuties. Lucas 's shirt - he told me that he wanted me to get him one like Carter's (his idol for the day) so Hilary got him one of Carter's old ones to wear so they would match : )

Hilary had a full day of fun stuff planned for us. After swimming, playing games, having water balloon fights and then dinner, we made some homemade ice cream. It was some sort of ball that you fill with the ingredients and then roll it around for 20 minutes. Hilary, at ease as usual, managed this activity while letting all of the kids help out...

Morning Cartoons

Liam, Carter and Lucas

2nd Annual Georgia Tour

Last year we went to Georgia for a week and saw a lot of family and friends. It was such an amazing time to get to see so many people that I love in one week, that we wanted to do it again this year. Instead of staying with my sister, Jenn, the whole week, we are planning on staying at several different houses. Tonight is Sunday night. We left home yesterday morning and arrived at my brother's home at around 6pm. Angela's family greeted us with a huge spread of festive summer food, music and pool fun. Lucas is having a blast playing with Wesley (and his Ninent* DS!!!)

Today was so much fun! My sister, Ty and Mary drove up and we spent the day at a lake near my brother's house. It was pretty much like being at the beach, but safer and easier to watch everyone.

We had to stop for gas on the way and my sister suggested that I get all five of the kids a slushy. I looked at her like she was crazy and then realized that it was a great way to start our first official day of vacation! Here is what it would look like if Jenn or I had five kids : )

Here is Jenn looking super cute with the little girls...

And here is Lucas swimming with Uncle Bryan and Angela...

Baseball Banquet

Lucas had his last t-ball game tonight, and then an end-of-the-year celebration at the coach's house (Lucas E's dad). As usual, Lucas was happy to receive a trophy, even though he didn't care that much about the sport or the season (YET - I hope). Here he his receiving his trophy...

He didn't want to pause from playing to take this picture with the assistant coach, a.ka. Daddy, so that is why he has the silly look on his face.

These last two pictures are related to Ellen. I was talking to a friend when I noticed that she was no longer the only one playing near this gazebo, but there were severaly 5-7 year old boys playing with her. She hung right in there and didn't seem to notice or care that she was any different : )

Memorial Day

Today was another day of playing in the sun and enjoying time with friends. First we met Kelly, Lincoln and Oscar at the pool. Lincoln and Lucas splashed, while Miss Cool mostly snacked...

Later that evening we were invited to a cookout at a neighbor's house. We don't know a ton of our neighbors, but the ones we do know we really enjoy. Here is Ellen being silly with our across-the -street friend, Owen.

It would have been a perfect time if it hadn't been over 100 degrees. We were all about to melt!

Lucas, Ellen, Owen and Teagan

There was even a tree house for everyone to play in... mostly enjoyed by our lady. Who, by the way, was somewhat of a little redneck running around in her undies. It really was too hot for clothes, so why not take advantage if you're only two?

An afternoon with old friends...

We were so happy today to get to spend the afternoon with some dear friends that we've known for over 10 years now! First we were invited to Charles and Caroline's cousin's first birthday party, so that is where we got to see Mark, Wendy, Charles and Caroline. Then we spent the rest of the evening with Adam, Holly, Katie and Tyler... but not pictures of that because my battery had died. We had a wonderful day and were happy to be able to enjoy the holiday wknd with friends!

Wendy and I are always happy about how much Charles and Lucas seem to love each other. Just like us, they pick up right where they left off, which was a few months ago. Lucas is already asking when he'll get to see him again.

Caroline and Ellen also seemed to have missed each other. The quickly reunited and began tending to their babies... funny, just like Wendy and I have been spending our time together for the past five years : )

A long good-bye : )