Too Bad Vacations Don't Last Forever...

Actually we were ready to get back and see our kids again. I started to really miss them two days into our trip. We thank both our parents for loving on our children and caring for them while we were gone. We feel very blessed to have our family to help out.

Thankfully we only got pulled over once on the trip home and left with a warning. I'm so thankful for God's traveling mercies. We spent most of our drive home reading (well, me reading out loud to Greg) a book called, "The Heavenly Man." We're still not even half way through with it, but it has inspired us to press on in Christ.

Wholy Fit on the Beach

Greg and I ran on the beach barefoot a couple of times. It was very difficult, but a whole lot of fun. When Greg would stop to look for shells, I would do some of my Wholy Fit stretches (http://www.wholyfit.org/). The greatest thing about being on the beach at this time of day and at this time of year, is that no one was there. It was like having our own private beach. We were able to recharge and relax and come back feeling refreshed.

How We Spent Our Time

Boogie boarding and having fun lounging on the beach listening to my ipod and reading. We loved the boogie boards and wore ourselves out. The water was pretty rough. Here is a picture of Greg riding in.
Dining outside for breakfast at Tacky Jacks

Shopping in Pensacola on the boardwalk and in Foley at the outlet mallStrolling along the pier looking at the fancy yachts and strolling along the beach

Watching the sunset, watching the NBA playoffs, playing some Wii

Dressing up and going out for a night on the town

We spent a lot of time eating out. We spent one evening dining at a nice restaurant in Pensacola called Hemingway's. Greg and I spilt our entire meal. We had lobster bisque soup, a ham, tomato, artichoke pesto flat bread and Mahi Mahi with rice and broccoli. It was delicious! I would have that meal all over again if I could. It was nice to have time to talk and not worry about feeding other little ones when eating together. We also loved eating at a place called Lillian's, a very yummy pizza place in Perdido and The Shrimp Basket (can't go wrong with a bottomless basket of fried shrimp). We loved Tacky Jacks as well. We ate there before heading home and had a wonderful breakfast. Greg's pancake was bigger than the plate, it was probably a 12 in. diameter. HUGE and GOOD!

We also spent some time in Alabama shopping at the Foley outlet mall. We found some great deals and shopped til the stores closed. The best part for Greg was probably drinking his smoothie while watching me look for clothes. haha.... However, he did find some shoes.

When two paths collide

The woman walks seeking to find God's best....
The man walks seeking after the Lord, knowing He has the best....

In God's timing, the two meet.....

They fall in love, yet are completely satisfied in the Lord....

The two become one and serve Him together.....

the rest is history....
I know this is cheesy, but I am truly thankful Greg and I crossed paths 9 years ago when training for the Houston Marathon. I'm so glad God knew exactly who I needed in my life to beautify me and purify me. I know I have said this before, but Greg sharpens me and draws me closer to Jesus every day. I know the same is true for him as well. What a blessing it is to share this life with him and enjoy loving Jesus more and more each day. I know it will only get better!!

Perdido Beach

Elita and I at her house in Mobile, Alabama.
Me being a goober on the beach. This stick made for all kinds of funny photo's.Greg would have loved to bring this stick home. It had Mose written all over it. haha

Good-looking couple....

Me and the beach bird (probably a crane)

My photo shoot

This vacation was so much fun. Greg and I drove to Florida and made a couple of unexpected stops along the way. We left after Greg got off work on Thursday around 5 pm and traveled east. Knowing we would arrive very late to our destination, we made a stop in New Orleans to sleep at a friends house (Laurie's). We literally called her 3 hours before arriving and asked if we could spend the night. She is so hospitable and had the guest room ready for visitors. What a blessing it was to be there and talk a little. Thank you again Laurie for opening your home up for us!! On Friday morning we left and I remembered I had friends in Mobile (my friend Elita), who I called and arranged to meet her and and her family for lunch. It was so great to see her beautiful home and family. We loved being able to catch up and talk over some lunch. Then we were off to our final destination... Perdido Beach, Florida. We stayed at Greg's co-workers condo free of charge. It was a great location. That night we strolled on the beach and took lots of funny pictures (as you can see). There's more to come....

Florida here we come

So if you haven't heard.... Greg and I will be on our way to Florida on Thursday to celebrate our 7 year anniversary. It's been a long time (probably about 4 years) since we have left town without the kids. I'm not quite sure what we will do with ourselves besides get a tan, read a book, sleep, enjoy the break. I know we will miss Carlee and Zachary, but they will be in good hands. Both grandparents will be helping us out. Thanks mom and dad and Ed and Randle in advance. May God supply you with the strength and give you the grace you need each day. I know it will be a memorable time for us all. If you think about it please keep us in your prayers. We will be gone from Thursday until Tuesday (5 nights and 4 whole days). Thanks!

Easter at Nana and Grandpa's

Nana and Zachary are hand and hand walking to the park
The girls with their guys

I can't believe we are swinging especially prego Rachel. We are so funny!

I love this picture. I bet she doesn't even know I took this.

Just the boys in their Easter best

Just the girls. Don't we match so well?!

Resting on grandpa's back

TWINS!!! Matching again. hahaha

Our traditional picture in front of the bottle brush tree (dad planted this when Carlee was born).

We spent Easter day with Nana, Grandpa, Uncle P, Aunt Rachel and Uncle John. We had a relaxing time together watching movies, walking to the park, swinging, catching caterpillars and eating brisket. I love times like these!

Easter with Grammy and Pawpaw

Zachary enjoying his new bubble lawn mower. Carlee testing out her new tennis racket. She's learning very quickly.

Cutie Pie

Hunting the eggs at Grammy's was a little more difficult since Pawpaw hid the eggs so well, but it was a whole lot of fun

Zachary's Easter basket

Carlee's Easter basket

We had a great evening together celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord. Thanks Grammy and Pawpaw for a lovely time. Dinner was delicious!

Hunting Eggs

We made it to church just in time to hunt some eggs, well more like gather some Easter eggs seeing as they weren't very hidden. Very fun despite the fact. Although, I wish they were filled with something different. We had some questionable treasures inside. Zachary just stood around and watched while Greg and I loaded his basket. Carlee knew exactly what to do and put as many eggs in her basket as she could. We probably came out of there with 50 eggs or so. I know.... way too many.

7 Years

It's hard to imagine I have been loving this man for 7 years plus. He's so easy to love. God has been so faithful to us and has blessed us with the greatest family! I look forward to the next 7. It's going to be an incredible journey.... Seeking the Lord, trusting Him completely, denying ourselves, following in obedience, maturing, growing in wisdom and revelation, loving deeply, serving wholeheartedly, striving for excellence..... There's so many areas to grow and we will take it one step at a time because His ways are best!

We had an enjoyable dinner last night at Brio while the kids spent the night at Grandparents houses. Then today had lunch at The Goose's Acre and some dessert at Marble Slab. You can't go wrong with fried food and ice cream. DELICIOUS! We will be packing our bags soon to head out to Florida where we will take a longer break from our kids and relax on the sandy beach.

Bluebonnets

Zachary and Carlee are twirling in this one. Zachary copies Carlee's ballet spin now with hands out and everything. It is hilarious!

The best shot of the set... I got my haircut (Three and a half in.)

Notice how windy it is

This is as good as it gets...

Today after church we headed over to Creekside Park to take some pictures in the bluebonnets before they disappeared. It was incredibly windy while we were their. I think a cold front was blowing in while we were there.... Great timing!! It was a lot of fun, not to great of pictures but that's just the stage we are in. Zachary could have cared less and did not want to take a single picture. Carlee gave us one good shot. Too funny!! We had lots of fun twirling though!!