Galveston Beach, Memorial Day Weekend 2023

Our annual trip to Galveston was a success!

10 adults, 10 kids

Joe and Tom, discussing big things on the beach.

Vivian, in her Elsa dress, headed to join the boys.

Walker and Tom had a pillow fight. :)

Tom won, obviously.

Walker, Lainey, Charli, Andi, Joe, and Tom

Abby and Nate

annual crab hunting adventure

Year 1 ----> Year 9

2014 vs. 2023

Upon departure, we saw a waterspout! I had never seen one of those before.

You can kind of see it in this photo.

Gracie, having a fun time at Pompano Pet Lodge!

That's her rear end. She loved pool time!

Cousin Kate (at her neighbor's house!) with her bees!

While in the Houston area, we saw friends Franco and his family!

Walker and Franco!

***

We had a wonderful, fun-and-family-filled weekend!

Already looking forward to next year!

End of School / End of May

We made it through May!

For Mother's Day, I received a sweet print of Gracie...to match my one of Reagan.

Walker received many awards at school - Ben swore his neck was going to be sore from all the medals. :) Haha! 

Top Science Grade Award (in the entire class)

Top Math Grade Award (in the entire class)

No infractions (was never once in trouble)

Walker and his Parkland besties, Jacob and Chase.

Eating dinner with those three is always entertaining.

Lainey and Ben at the beach!

Typical "break" during our summer walks...

a duck family

The cutest! They are all over Cooper City, where Lainey dances.

AND! Gracie met Luka, a full Catahoula.

almost like looking in a mirror

at the park with Lucy

And watching the sunset with her favorite, Maple.

(Yes, Gracie has a full social calendar.)

Thursdays Are Exhausting

Tired teenagers, on the way home from school.

24/Seven Dance Convention / Competition

 We attended Lainey's last regional convention/competition in Orlando, Florida this past weekend. As always the weekend was jam-packed, fun, stressful, and exhausting - they are always all of those things. :) Ha!

Lainey's solo received 5th place overall in the teen division. She tied with several other dancers. There were 144 total soloists! Congratulations, Lainey!

"Chasing Time"

"Spice"

"Letting Go"

AND, in other news...

one of the alligators behind our house was captured to be placed in a sanctuary. He was getting a little aggressive (according to a neighbor). He was 9 feet long!

Apparently this another alligator from behind our house...also captured and put in a sanctuary. Goodness.

The rest of April...

chasing lizards...forever and ever

She smells them. And wants them.

A lil' driving lesson!

(She's doing great!)

Ben and I at a gala (we are so fancy!)

with Ben's co-workers at the gala

(What a great group - seriously! Our table was the MOST fun!)

Walker created this artwork! Featuring Paco. Amazing!

a rare moment of rest for this thing

MY BIRTHDAY! I'm 45!

I celebrated with some of my most favorite friends at a restaurant on the beach.

I LOVE this group of ladies! My people! :) 

My family got me an axe-throwing set from Costco. It's pretty fun because it brings us all together. :) See Gracie in the background? That dog gives me NO space.