Trooper Trenty @ the beach

1st time in the ocean and in all that sand! He loved it!

kid pics in the white/khaki combo- little cutie

I love walking in the sand!

I think I'm so funny!!!

It's reeeeeaaaaaaallly windy on the balcony...look at my hair!!

Just hangin' with Papa outside the condo

running around

standing in a hole

trying to climb out of the hole

I like this!

I love using this huge shovel!

See ya!

Daddy's helping me in the rough waves.

Just enjoyin' the ride.

Papa made this so much fun!

I'm so dirty, I need to rinse off...

AHHHH, that's MUCH better!!!!

This was Trent's 1st time at the beach and he really enjoyed it! He liked playing and walking in the sand and loved watching and trying to follow the seagulls. He was interested in the ocean, but the waves were rough most of the time we were there, so he never got to get in it for long. Trent did like the pool and especially the steps inside the pool where he wanted to do his own thing with no assistance. He also loved the outdoor shower...pulling the chain and letting it wash all over his head-it was too funny to watch! He liked the condo and made his way into every possible area. He liked the music that came out of the speaker on the ground floor outside the elevator...he waved or clapped his hands every time and definitely has some "groove" in him. He was tired from all the activities we did every day and was really quite a trooper about everything. He went to bed easily at night and at nap...but unfortunately he would wake up every night, and it was very hard for me to get him to go back to sleep. His favorite activity was definitely walking and exploring, whether it be on the beach, in the condo or just around the condo. He is such a sweet boy and was such a "trooper"!! Trenty loves his big brother and sister so much! He cries when his brother gets upset and cries. He hugs his siblings to make them feel better when they're sad. He's a little lovey-boy. His most recent form of communication is his emphatic, negative head nod. In other words, he shakes his head "no". But, it's so cute how he emphatically shakes it from side to side and almost puts his whole body into it. And, he really does understand exactly how and when to use his "no" nod. Example: Trenty, are you tired? "no-nod". Trenty, do you want to get a bath? "no-nod". Trenty, do you want to go outside? .... he gives no response except a hand pointed toward the door and a grunt and fuss until he gets to go. It's really cute. Trent really enjoyed spending time with his Gege and Papa...they are so sweet to him and he loves them so much!! It was so much fun getting to take our baby to the beach and watch him take it all in for the first time!

My main squeeze

After we took all the family and then kid pics outside, we came up to the room and realized we had not taken any of just me and Nick. Again, thankfully, Deb took some pics for us. I usually take so many pictures of the kids and forget to take some of me and my main squeeze. Here we are...my awesome, handsome, loving, sweet, caring husband and me! I love you Nick Milligan!

Our "original" family picture(s) at the beach

This year we copied everyone who goes to the beach and does a family picture in tan shorts and white shorts. It was fun! Yeah, right! Getting everyone dressed and outside was a chore, threatening the kids to make them smile was lots of fun and then pretending like we were enjoying it was a farce! But, I'm tickled we got some good shots. Thank goodness Deb was taking the pics and Joe was entertaining/distracting us behind her. Thanks J&D!! As soon as we were done with the pics, it started raining, the wind got fierce and it was "hurricane-y" for several hours. But, the overcast weather made it ideal for taking pics!

VBS Update

Phew! That's the best way to describe this week. It has been a whirlwind of craziness and fun. I've enjoyed our week and being with the precious pre-k kids I've been teaching. I've enjoyed the 3 other teachers I've gotten to know better and had the privilege of working with. I've loved all the sweet little catchy songs I've learned this week. My kids have had a blast in their classes singing, doing crafts, playing and learning. I was truly touched by the sweetness and innoncence of the precious kids we've been teaching. They are all so sweet and precious...even the difficult ones. And there have been some difficult ones for sure. On day 2, we got twin boys who have special needs. We don't know exactly what their "needs" are, but it was pretty obvious pretty quick that they didn't like to follow directions, be in groups or function at a "normal" pre-k level. They have been a challenge all week. However, they have also been extremely loving and affectionate and seem to like us alot. Having never taught young elementary grades, I didn't realize how much affection this age likes. They like to hold your hand and sit in your lap. They cry easily and need lots of encouragement. I knew I did all this for my 3 kids, but just hadn't thought about this age in general and all of it's neediness. I'm still pretty sure that my strength in teaching is still with middle grades, (unless they're my own kids). But, this has been a fun and exhausting challenge. The only downside to VBS is the fact that lots of parents/grandparents just view it as free babysitting for a week. Thankfully though, our church has done a great job of being so organized that they've been equipped and able to handle every glitch this week. Needless to say, I'm very glad tomorrow is the last day. I have NOT enjoyed getting everyone up, fed, dressed and out the door by 8:30 every day. I feel tired having to plan outfits for every morning and snacks/drinks for the car since we get out at noon and everyone's pooped and hungry. It's tiring dropping everyone off at their designated areas. It's hard coming home and having the energy to get much done around the house. All that to say, I've definitely been spoiled by our laidback homeschool schedule. Even though we're up and fed and somewhat dressed early, not having to go somewhere EVERY day is more of a blessing than I realized. Anyway, I think we all learned alot this week. Most importantly about God's love for us and his desire for us to "round up questions and drive home answers" on Saddle Ridge Ranch!

Here are the words to one of the VBS songs that I have loved singing! There are hand movements too and it's so cute all together!

H-A-P-P-Y (spell out the word)
I am so H A P P Y
and I will tell you why--
I know that my God loves me
cause he shows me all the time.
I am so H A P P Y
and I will tell you why
I know that my God loves me
cause he shows me all the time.
He cares for me-
he has a plan for my life-
that's why I'm H A P P Y inside!!
(repeat)

Which one(s) look most like daddy??

Here lately we've heard alot about how much Bradley looks like Nick. I think that's true. His big, pretty, expressive eyes remind me of Nick. When I looked at these pictures I was really struck by how much Rachel looks like Nick too. Aside from her gorgeous brown skin and hair, her eye shape and mouth looks like Nick too. Then there's Trent...our little Duke baby. He doesn't favor Nick too much, for now. I hope he looks kinda like me, but it's definite that he favors his great-gramma and his good ole Pop! One thing's for sure, Trent's a gorgeous guy like his brother and sister with his unique and beautiful blue eyes and blonde hair!! They're all sweet, cute kids, and I'm so proud of them all!

Happy Father's Day!!

my sweet dad
my awesome husband and the greatest father ever!

my sweet father in law

This past Sunday was Father's Day and I couldn't be more blessed by the men God has put in my life. From a loving, patient, handsome husband to a loving father and father in law. I am so thankful that I have 3 great men who truly know how to be awesome fathers to their children. I love you all!

VBS= Very Busy Schedule

We're on day 1 of our Vacation Bible School week. This year's theme is Saddle Ridge Ranch. It's cute; lots of cowboy/cowgirl stuff, saddles, horses, cows and other ranch-y items as decorations. I'm teaching a pre-k class and so far they have been well-behaved and enjoyable. I'm working with 3 other teachers, and having so many helpful hands makes things so much easier to handle. We have VBS in the morning, which is nice. That leaves the afternoon for us to relax and start getting ready for our trip to the beach! We leave this Saturday for Panama City and we can't wait. Even though we'll probably see some oil or at least tar balls, I'm just looking forward to a different view. I don't mind doing dishes...as long as it's in another kitchen for a change! So, this week is going to be a busy one, but no doubt will be full of fun, precious memories and awesome evidence of God working in our lives!