Doesn't Seem Like Fall Yet--Or Does It?

Fall is supposed to be just around the corner, but the temps sure haven't felt like it yet! But, since fall was so close, we decided to visit the beach one last time over the Labor Day weekend. Lynn and Tut, my sister and brother in law, were free for the weekend, too-- so the four of us traveled to Amelia Island for a long weekend. We had a very nice time, but while the temps in the ATL were doing a brief little "cool-off ", it was quite hot in Florida! We shared a two bedroom condo that was directly on the beach and had a nice pool in the coutyard between the buildings. (Notice Ralph waving from the second floor stairway)

We noticed this turtle digging a whole in the sand a few feet from the boardwalk going down to the beach.

The majority of our dinners were cooked in the condo, but we ate at this cute little cafe in Fernandina the last night we were there. It was so good!

The warm weather followed us home, and this weekend has been in the 90's too.

Yesterday, we did get a hint of Fall. Abby is cheering this year with the Upward program, and they had their first game at 9:00am. When we got there, it was a little cool, and so very crisp( but by the time the game was over, the temps were rising).

Abby is really enjoying cheerleading! I know we are a little partial, but she really is such a cutie, and oh so sweet!

Then, by noon, we were off to watch Evan play soccer. His game started at 12:45, and it was a scorcher! I felt so sorry for the kids--they were just drenched! I sure hope it will cool down before next week's game. Pressley will also have a game next week. Yes, the little princess has started playing soccer, too.

These children have really busy schedules. Evan will be doing karate and soccer--and Pressley will be doing ballet and soccer. And, of course, Abby is doing cheerleading. Will has decided to take a break from sports for the time being. His interest seems to be more along academic lines. He showed us his science project that he did on the solar system, and it was amazing! He had done some extra credit work, so he made a 105 grade on it.

Can you tell we are proud of each of our grandchildren? They are all such joys in our lives!

Goodbye August--Welcome September!

I don't know about you, but I am really excited about cooler weather arriving! Don't get me wrong, I love summer--but, July and August 2010 have been just BRUTAL! It has been so hot! We have lived in our present house for 22 years, and our grass has never looked so bad. It is brown, our flowers are pitiful, and it hasn't even been pleasant getting out of the house.

This past weekend, though, we got a glimpse of what we have to look forward to. We went to the Smoky Mountains with Amy and Corin, Evan & Pressley, and Corin's parents, Dennis & Judy. What a beautiful weekend! It was still a little warm during the day, but there was a "crispness" in the air in the morning and evenings.

We all stayed in a lovely 4 bedroom-4 bath log cabin located between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, Tennessee. Dennis and Judy absolutely spoiled us with delicious food and great company. The kids also got to climb on rocks and swim in the very cool water!

We had such a nice time--a rare opportunity for the kids to share a few days with both sets of grandparents-all under one roof!

90 Years Young!

If anyone deserves a celebration of their 90th Birthday, it is my mom! She is the "Rock " of our family. In her 90 years, she has touched so many lives, given to so many, and loved so well! Early in the year, when Lynn and I mentioned that we wanted to honor her with a celebration, she told us she didn't want that. She is very humble and doesn't enjoy being "the center of attention". After much persuasion, though, we convinced her that so many people would love to participate in recognizing her 90th birthday. We had the party at KingsBridge, the retirement apartments where she lives. They have a lovely pavillion there, and it is such a nice place for such an occasion.

Ralph and I began early and went through thousands of family pictures. After choosing many that represented each part of Mother's life, we scanned them into the computer and put together a video to be shown at the party- from pictures of her as a baby, to some taken just a few weeks ago.

Just inside the room, we placed a table with a guestbook, and a basket for friends and family to place birthday cards in. We tried to get Mother to sit and let her guests come and speak to her. But, she insisted that she would STAND right inside the door and greet each person. Afterward, she said she was tired--but that it was a "great tired"!

The lady at KingsBridge who does the food there did the food for the party. She did a wonderful job, and everything was delicious! We had fruit skewers, three different finger sandwiches, a cheese tray, a veggie tray, chicken wings, and nuts and mints--and of course, birthday cake!

We were so pleased with the turnout! Many friends were there, and almost all of my cousins on Mother's side of the family were there, too.

Here is my sister, Lynn, with one of Debbie's granddaughters( Sydney), and one of my granddaughters( Pressley). Lynn doesn't have any grands yet but we're hoping it won't be long before she gets to experience the joy of being a grandmother!

I think the grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed Granny's party. Evan especially enjoyed the chicken wings! He ate a plate full.

Here, Ralph is introducing "the whole family". Even though we all wore nametags, several people requested we introduce everyone. Since Ralph is the "talker" in the family, he was chosen to do the honors!

I thought this next picture was cute of Sydney and Abby. They liked the big windows at KingsBridge.

All the Great-Grands love their "Granny"! Here are six of the seven great-grandchildren. Amanda lives in Florida, so she wasn't able to be with us. We missed her!

This is a picture of all six grandchildren.

Well, it was truly a wonderful celebration--one that we will all cherish forever. But, Mother has made me promise that we won't do that again. I promised--that we wouldn't do another one--until her 100th!

Summary of a Fantastic Family Vacation

This year we stayed in a townhouse in Port Royal at Hilton Head Island. We had been there several years ago--actually when Pressley was only 3 months old. Our annual family vacation is by far the highlight of our year! All four grandchildren get along so well and love each other dearly!

Will, Evan, Pressley and Abby loved watching TV on the sofa together in the townhouse.

Shortly after arriving, Poppy and I gave each of them their vacation t-shirts. It has become a tradition that each year we give them some type of "cousin t-shirt". This year it was one with a picture of all four of them on the front.

To be 3 years apart in age, these two girls are "big buddies". They really enjoyed digging in the sand together.

They all love ice cream, so some evenings, Poppy spoiled them with ice cream in "fancy glasses".

Abby thrilled Pressley by doing her artwork on Pressley's toenails!

See the final product?!!

Meanwhile, the boys got into stacking up all the dominos. No one missed the sound of all those dominos crashing down!

There was always something to play with out on the beach! Boogie boards, skim boards, and Kadema kept them busy --and worked great to make them all sleep like babies at night!

Pressley enjoyed sipping on her Fanta O out in the heat!

Evan liked letting his dad and Will bury him in the sand. Maybe it was his way of staying cool.

The girls loved just lounging in the surf.........Cute, huh?

And the boys were so excited about this big tube! Does Will look happy, or what?!! Those waves were really rough.....

And look who got taken down by them, too!

The park close-by was another fun activity enjoyed by all four......

as was "skipping on the beach".......

and having your feet buried in the sand.

Well, this was just a little glimpse into our week. I think I can speak for all of us-- It was an amazing week--making memories we'll cherish for years to come! Here's the whole crew!