Dauphin Island

A few weeks ago we took the kids to Dauphin Island. It's about an hour drive. It's a neat island connected by a very long bridge. A ton of beautiful houses to see and we found a small aquarium for the kids. It was filled with everything you'd find in Mobile Bay.

Surprise Summer!

Well about a week after Luke's parents left the kids and I went up to Michigan. Erin was throwing Summer and surprise birthday party and I didn't want to miss it. I was also part of the surprise so we did everything we could to keep her from knowing I was coming to MI. She was shocked and the party was so much fun. It was a really great night which even included a limo ride!

The rest of the week the kids and I spent bouncing around trying to see everyone we could. It was a very busy week so I think the next trip we will stay longer. There just wasn't enough time.

Going back to MI was really good for me. It made me realize that Alabama is now our home. Of course I still miss all of our friends and family like crazy but I can finally settle in here.

Saying good-bye was hard but not nearly as bad as when we moved. I see now how easy it is to take a trip back and see everyone. Well, I guess I shouldn't say easy because my trip home wasn't so easy. I'd say it was a combination of the GPS and my not paying enough attention but somehow I ended up in Chicago heights. Oh what a nightmare! My knight in shining armor (Luke) came to the rescue (over the phone) and talked me through it all and got be back on track somewhat. I ended up on a couple rural highways through Illinois until I hit 65 in Nashville. It was kind of nice to see something different. We drove through Metropolis, IL the home of the tallest Superman statue. I just had to stop. There was a Superman on every corner. It looked like a neat little town but we only stay a half hour and checked out a few shops then we were back on the road. Well my 16 hour trip turned into 22 hours but we made it home safe and sound. I felt really good to be home!

In-laws visit

At the beginning of March Luke's mom and dad came down for a visit. It was so great having family down here. They stayed in Gulf Shores in an amazing condo. It had an unbelievable view of the ocean and the bay. The kids and I stayed there one night and it was so much fun. Mom, Gracie, and I played on the beach and built a sandcastle while dad and Owen went off exploring. We really appreciated them taking the time to come all the way down to see us. We had a blast with them here but I sure wish Luke had been able to get some time off while they were here.

Hard work

Well the kids have been working very hard the past 6 weeks. They've been keeping their rooms clean, and helping mom around the house to earn new bikes. (They really needed new ones. Owen's peddle keeps falling off and Emmalyn has outgrown hers.) I think this was a great lesson for them and they loved the payoff in the end.

Emmalyn loves her bike. It came with a bike for barbie and it snaps onto her bike so they can both ride together. Why didn't they have bikes like that when I was little :o)

Furniture

It's been way too long since my last post. I've been procrastinating and I'm sorry.

We finally got our furniture a couple weeks ago. It took me forever and I still couldn't find just what I wanted. Ideally I wanted just a tan denim fabric but I think all they make now is micro fiber. Don't get me wrong it's nice and seems very durable but I can't stand all the movement you see on it. It's totally driving me nuts. It looks dirty to me and I know it's just the fabric brushed the opposite way but it's totally driving me nuts. I guess I shouldn't complain, at least we aren't sitting on the floor anymore.

OH, and here is a couple pics of the table.

A day at the beach

Sunday I was going stir crazy. I had to get out of this house and better yet out of town. I took the kids to Gulf Shores. They have a huge outlet mall and it was fun to walk around. Then we headed to the beach. Even though it was a cloudy, muggy day we had a blast.

Owen is definitely his fathers son. On our way home he demanded I stop at this car dealer so he could "check out" the mustangs. The highlight of his day!

Why are kids so mean?

So this afternoon a group of kids from our neighborhood, about 6 of them, were gathered in the pool parking lot which happens to be right across the street from our house. Owen and Gracie were watching them through the window and I told them to go out and talk to them. Within seconds they had their shoes on and were headed across the street. I should have taken a picture because Owen was holding Gracie's hand. He's such a great brother! Anyway, I'm standing up by the front door watching them, but not letting them know I'm watching, and two of the boys pointed at Grace and said "why does she walk so funny" and chuckled. Then all the kids started laughing very loudly. Keep in mind these kids range from about 6 to 13. Being the mom I am I darted over there to rescue her. I told the two little boys that it wasn't very nice to laugh at people and that she has very special legs. Then I scooped her up and grabbed Owen by the hand and ran in the house. I know I didn't handle the situation appropriately, I just didn't know what to do. I guess I should have been preparing myself for this exact situation long ago. Gracie is fine, didn't seem to bother her a bit thank goodness. Needless to say I am still in tears for my little girl while writing this :(

Homesick

Well Luke is officially into his third week of academy. It's going as well as you can expect it to besides the nasty shin splints he has. We are both counting down the days til he's done.

The kids are great. The move almost hasn't phased them. I'm still anticipating the moment they both have meltdown and realize this is permanent. I, on the other hand, am still very homesick. I can't wait for my visit home this summer.

On Sunday we attended a church around the corner from us. It reminded me a lot of our church in MI only smaller. We felt very welcome and the people were friendly. Later that afternoon Luke took a nap so I took the kids to the mall. Our mall is outdoors and it was such a beautiful day I thought it would be fun to walk around and window shop.

Yes, those are palm trees :o)

When the weather is warm water the circle above is a giant water fountain and kids (or adults) can run through it.

This is in the center of the mall area right next to the big circle fountain. In the summer they hook up a screen to this stage and play a movie every Friday night.

The grand tour...

OK so here is the tour. Keep in mind we still don't have any furniture, except our beds, so it's pretty empty.

This is the front door and entry way. The door on the left is a coat closet and the one on the right goes into the laundry room.

From the entry area you walk into the living room. First pic is the back wall of living room looking from entry. Next one is the wall to the right. Notice in this pic the hall to the right goes to the kids rooms and the one on the left goes into the kitchen.

Hall that leads to the kids rooms and bathroom.

So we made the decision to put the kids in the same room at least for the first few weeks until they are used to the house. This will soon be Owens room and closet.

This will eventually be Emmalyn's room but for now it is the playroom. Or should I say disaster area. I just love the high ceilings in there.

This is the kids/guest bathroom.

So back into the living room where you walk into the kitchen.

Dining area. You just gotta love that blue:o)

In the picture above, the door on the left goes into the sun room. Not sure what to do with this space.

Out the door on the back right above you go into the back yard.

Back into the house on the opposite side of the house is the master bedroom. This short hall leads there.

Off our bedroom is the master bath.

In the picture above, the door on the left is a linen closet and the door straight back is our closet. Yes, I finally have a walk in closet!

This is an opposite view of the bathroom. Door straight back goes into our bedroom.

Thanks for touring my crib, peace out...LOL.

I can't wait to get some furniture in here. Better yet some visitors:) I miss you all so much!