Davis Family

Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-25T16:14:00.000-08:00

Photos by Lauren E. Sykes

dpp 25 {2011}

2011-12-25T16:10:00.000-08:00

Thankful for Jesus! Merry Christmas!

dpp 24 {2011}

2011-12-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

Thankful for Carols by Candlelight with our church family downtown.

dpp 23 {2011}

2011-12-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

Thankful for the Gordon Family.

Their friendship is a gift.

dpp 22 {2011}

2011-12-22T17:28:00.000-08:00

Thankful for my friend Jenny and her lovely family and bumping into them unexpectedly.

dpp 21 {2011}

2011-12-21T20:14:00.000-08:00

Thankful for these smiles!

dpp 20 {2011}

2011-12-20T19:35:00.000-08:00

Thankful for new garbage cans, actually silliness in new garbage cans.

dpp 19 {2011}

2011-12-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

Thankful for their Daddy-Daughter relationship (& stare contests).

Arrived!

2011-12-18T17:35:00.000-08:00

Nana & Grandpa have arrived! May the Christmas week festivities begin.

dpp 18 {2011}

2011-12-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

Thankful for neighborhood kids at play.

Gabby catching and scoring!

The Karate Kid

2011-12-17T14:57:00.001-08:00

Matthew was invited to test for his solid yellow belt this afternoon. Once Matthew turned 7 he was no longer considered a Lion Cub (4-6 year olds). As a 7 year old he now joins the older kids and participates in a longer class. He is expected to know more moves and combinations in his new class. As a Lion Cub your belts consisted of a white stripe going through them. This belt series will consist of a black stripe running through them. Eventually, the belts Matt will earn in this series will lead to a black belt. He is still a far way off, but something to strive for.

Punching and breaking the board. The final part of his testing.

Congratulations Matt on earning your yellow belt!

dpp 17 {2011}

2011-12-17T14:44:00.000-08:00

Thankful for our adopt-a-grandma Ann.

Today we visited with Ann and exchanged gifts. We made ornaments, ate delicious cookies and got a visit from Santa. It has been a joy to have Ann in our lives.

dpp 16 {2011)

2011-12-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

Thankful for our friend Patty.

She opened up her home to host Christmas story time. She read two beautiful books and we sipped hot cocoa and ate popcorn, cookies and goldfish. A fun time was had by all!

dpp 15 {2011}

2011-12-15T19:21:00.000-08:00

Thankful for our Co-op Family.

Today we attended the Nutcracker. Our good friend and her daughter were in the performance this year. We were all thrilled to witness this special moment in their lives and enjoy such a lovely show.

dpp 14 {2011}

2011-12-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

Thankful for Mrs. Patterson, Gabby & Matthew's piano teacher.

She has taught our children to take joy in making music.

dpp13 {2011}

2011-12-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

Thankful for Mrs. Nikki Gabby's ballet teacher.

She is teaching Gabby to praise the Lord through dance.

dpp 12 {2011}

2011-12-12T20:07:00.000-08:00

Thankful for the colors that make Christmas so lovely & merry.

dpp 11 {2011}

2011-12-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

Thankful for the beautiful music they play.

Today was Gabby & Matthew's Christmas Piano Recital. It was for students only. Their sweet teacher cooked and baked up goodies for them to enjoy after they performed for one another. I was told they both did a fabulous job. It is such a joy to hear them play.

dpp 10 {2011}

2011-12-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

Thankful for nap time. :)

dpp 9 {2011}

2011-12-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

Thankful for Matt's creativity & joy in what he accomplished.

dpp 8 {2011}

2011-12-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

Thankful for our little friend Chico.

dpp 7 {2011}

2011-12-07T15:33:00.000-08:00

Thankful for my iphone 4s and Siri who have kept me organized and well informed this time of year. :)

dpp 6

2011-12-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

Thankful for new decorations that help enhance our Christmas Celebration.

dpp 5

2011-12-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

Thankful for creating art with friends.

dpp4

2011-12-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

Thankful for our Jesse Tree Advent readings &

Sunday NFL football.

DPP 3

2011-12-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

Thankful for surprise victories.

Thankful for family time decorating the tree.

December Photo Project 2011 Day 2

2011-12-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

Thankful for all his funny faces.

Thankful for precious friends and park play dates.

Thankful for the discovery of a new sandwich shop.

December Photo Project 2011 Day 1

2011-12-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

This year will be the second year that I participate in the December Photo Project Challenge. Capture one picture every day for 25 days. I enjoyed it last year and I am looking forward to the challenge this year. This year I am desiring to shoot with a theme in mind...thankfulness. I can't guarantee that will happen each day but I am sure going to try. So, here it goes with the first day.

I am thankful for the silliness I discover throughout the day.

I found Alex on top of the washing machine (which has a window) watching the the clothes go through a wash cycle.

I am thankful for new life.

For the DPP challenge I only need to take one picture a day. Most days I know that will be a challenge but I could not resist posting this one as well. Greg had given me these mums months back just because. They brought such beauty to our home and then eventually died. I set them out back on the back porch with all the other dead plants. Well, guess what has sprouted new life? My mums. The contrast between the new blooms and the old dead ones makes me mindful and thankful for how God gives us life, new life in Him.

12 Years!

2011-11-20T16:59:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrate 12 years as husband and wife.

Happy Anniversary my love!

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8a & 13

Matt turns 7!

2011-11-20T05:09:00.000-08:00

Last month we celebrated Matthew's 7th birthday. We found out Lego Land opened just outside of Orlando a week before his birthday. Lately, Matthew has been in a Star Wars Lego craze. So, when he heard that Lego Land was an option as a birthday celebration he jumped on the opportunity. We woke early and made Star Wars pancakes and opened gifts.

As you can see Star Wars was the theme.

Then we headed to Lego Land. The kids had a blast! Matthew rode his first roller coaster, actually two. He enjoyed the second one better.

Here he is driving a car on a mini roadway with other kid drivers.

We ended our evening with dinner out and did not get home until late that evening. It was a fun filled day for all. Matthew looks forward to going back to Lego Land real soon.

Happy 7th Birthday Matt!

My 9th Birthday!

2011-11-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

WOW! My 9th birthday was amazing. Above is me with my birthday breakfast. It was delicious! Below I'm reading my mom and dad's NICE card. The 3rd picture I'm opening my Webkinz cat.

Below this is a picture of me and my brothers sitting in the lobby of our resort in Lake Placid, New York.
Here I am standing right in front my mom with her camera taking a very wonderful picture of me with the beautiful flower my friend Amy and Meredith made. Thanks mom and dad, I had a great birthday here (for a little bit) and especially in New York. It was beautiful! Gabby

T-Ball

2011-10-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today was Matthew's first game of Veteran T-Ball. Number 8 is playing for the Yankees this year. Matt was so poised, confident and ready to play ball. He looked like a natural on the field (good genes). Greg assists the coach and was on the field watching everything unfold. A big thanks to the Gordon family who came out to support Matt in his first T-ball game.

4

2011-10-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

Last month our baby turned 4. For some reason it has stuck with Alex, so each year he receives a shirt with his age on it. This year mama got a little funky and Alex loved it.

He is big into trains so that was the theme for the cake. After it was frosted and partially assembled I realize a missed two significant cuts on the engine. It looked more like an El Camino pulling train cars then an engine. :)

He is growing up way to fast. I am holding on with all I have to try and keep him just like this.

Gabby reading his birthday cards to him.

Receiving his big present, a train table. Thanks to daddy and 5 hours of labor to get it put together.

Skyping with Nana & Grandpa in OH, while opening gifts.

Skyping with Baby and Pop Pop in FL while opening more gifts.

He had a fun filled day and went to bed exhausted.

Happy 4th Birthday Alex!

"flee"

2011-10-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Alex's last day of being "flee". He could never say the "th" sound.

random

2011-09-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

~Clam Boil~

Greg decided on Labor Day that he wanted to have a clam boil. It was delicious! I love it when he cooks!

::typical::

*Jack in the box*

Happy Birthday Greg!

2011-09-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

At the end of August we celebrated Greg's birthday. It was a very low key event due to the birthday boy being sick with Strep throat. Yes, after suffering for 6 days with what we thought was flu like symptoms Greg finally went to the doctor two days after his birthday and was diagnosed with Strep. He opted for the shot and within 10 hours was feeling much better. Unfortunately, Gabby and Alex got Strep a week later. Thankfully, everyone is well and at full throttle.

Greg's birthday was spent at home eating, sleeping and celebrating. We had a good day despite how under the weather Greg was feeling. Happy Birthday my love!

Tres Leches Cake (requested by the birthday boy)

Locks for Charity

2011-08-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Gabby has wanted to have a significantly shorter hair cut for quite some time, however I haven't been too keen on the idea. She has lovely, beautiful, long curly hair that, honestly, Mama could not part with. Yet this same hair could also cause much hassle. We came across an organization called Pantene Beautiful Lengths that has partnered with the American Cancer Society and donates real hair wigs to those in need. Pantene Beautiful Lengths only required 8 inches of hair opposed to some other organizations that required 10 inches. I was more comfortable with this since Gabby could still continue to get her hair in a bun for her ballet classes. Here is a photo chronicle of Saturday when she got her hair cut and donated it.

Curly (before)

Flat ironed straight (for a more accurate measurement)

The first cut!

Carole the hairdresser actually cut 9 inches due to some split ends.

Second cut...

All gone! Daddy was in the background recording it all on his smart phone. You can't see Gabby's face in this picture but she was giddy with delight over the whole thing.

Gabby with our hair dresser Carole. Carole by the way cuts all of our hair and we are so glad she could assist us through this wonderful experience.

Gabby with her new hair cut! This week we will send off the bag containing the two ponytails of hair.

We are so proud of you Gabby!

Vacation

2011-08-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

The destination for our family vacation was North Captiva Island, FL. You can access the island by boat and the transportation on the island are golf carts. You bring your food, clothes and an island attitude. We found a lovely home on the island that boasted views of the gulf and the island grass air strip. We were entertained by numerous small aircraft landing and taking off along with a couple of helicopters. Our days consisted of food, beach, shelling, more food, naps, lounging, sunset beach walks, games, reading and just reconnecting as a family. We had a wonderful time and look forward to going back again.

Conversations with Alex

2011-07-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

Alex: "Look Mama I am going to work!"

Mama: "Where do you work Alex?"

Alex: "United States of the America."

Mama: "What do you do there?"

Alex: "I teach football, baseball, golf, soccer."

Mama: "So you teach sports! What do they call you, Mr. Alex or Coach Alex?"

Alex: "Coach Alex!"

Alex in his work outfit.

Photos by Alex

(after I took his picture he wanted to take one of each of us)

Our Ballerina!

2011-07-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Gabby celebrated her last ballet class of the school year with a little recital for the families. They dressed in these lovely costumes and performed beautifully as they showed us what a typical class looks like. They ended the open house class with a lovely performance. Here are a few pictures of Gabby and her classmates.

Matt's Basketball Camp

2011-07-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

I know, I know it has been a long time. So, I am going to attempt to catch you up on all the happenings this summer. So, here it goes....

Matthew at Flager College Bo Clark Basketball Camp.

Matthew, Jake & Jackson

Cool Kid

Matt had a great time playing basketball and hanging out with his friends. He is looking forward to next year.

Jackson, Bo Clark & Matthew

(Bo's dad was one of my professors @ UCF. Bo is in the UCF hall of fame for Basketball along with his father who coached there for many years.)

Goodbye Braces!

2011-06-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today, after 10 months of living with a metal smile, Gabby had her braces along with the appliance removed. She says it feels so weird especially when she can feel the roof of her mouth with out the appliance in her way. She will receive a retainer to wear at night tomorrow. After a congratulatory lunch Gabby popped in her favorite gum and chewed it for the remainder of the day. She is looking forward to eating all those things she could not eat because of the braces and appliance.

Gabby in the office as her name scrolled by indicating she was getting her braces off today.

Congrats Gabby, keep smiling!

Pasta Part 2

2011-05-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

Now it is time to roll out the dough! Grandpa brought his pasta maker from OH and showed us how it was done. You roll out the dough and then start sending strips of dough through the machine to flatten and knead it. Once it was at the right consistency you put on another piece of equipment to cut the dough into the pasta you desire. We made fettuccine. Place in boiling water for 3 - 5 minutes and it is ready to go. What a fun lesson and a delicious homemade meal. Thanks Grandpa!

Pasta Making with Grandpa & Nana

2011-05-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Grandpa gave us an education on how to make your own pasta. He showed us how to make pasta by hand. Each of the kids got to work on their own dough. After it was all rolled up in a ball we refrigerated it for a few hours.

Nana & Matthew

Spring Piano Recital 2011

2011-05-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday Gabby and Matthew participated in their spring recital for piano. Mrs. Patterson had the children perform in age order and Matthew was the first to perform his two songs. He did a wonderful job!

Gabby was the 4th student to perform her two songs. She was so composed and played so beautifully. It amazes me how composed and confident they are when performing in front of a group of people. We are so thrilled! They both did an amazing job.

Matthew, Mrs. Patterson & Gabby

Belt Test & Easter Party

2011-04-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

The sun was shinning, there was a slight breeze in the air and the temperature was so ideal, Spring is in the air. It was such a lovely day to be outside enjoying God's creation. The first part of our day consisted of the kids being outdoors playing and riding bikes. Then it was time to head to Matthew's Karate belt testing.

Here is Matthew warming up getting ready for the belt testing. He has been progressing so quickly through the belts. It has been a joy to watch him grow in and through Karate.
Matt had to sidekick and break a board as the final part of his test. He nailed it! Man, was that cool to watch.

He is now a red belt.

Matthew, Mr. Jose and Alex aka "mayhem" (you know that car insurance commercial?)
After lunch Gabby and I attended the annual ladies Easter celebration at Judith's home. Judith and her sister Amy supply crafts, cookies to decorate and an easter egg hunt. All the ladies, young and old had a lovely time.

a rainbow?

2011-04-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

Alex came running into the house and exclaimed, "Mama there's a rainbow by our house!"

I followed him outside knowing this could not be true, because we have had sunshine all day today. When I stepped out and looked at what he was talking about I was taken aback by the beauty of what I was seeing. I ran in and got my camera. I let Alex know that it was not a rainbow but a lovely sun setting. This beautiful picture reminds me of the God I serve and how lovely and awesome all His creation is.

::From the Rising of the Sun::

From the rising of the sun
To the going down of the same
The name of the Lord shall be praised
From the rising of the sun
To the going down of the same
The name of the Lord shall be praised

So praise ye the Lord
Praise ye the Lord

From the rising of the sun
To the going down of the same
The name of the Lord shall be praised

lately...

2011-02-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

{this moment}

2011-02-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

{this moment} - A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

~ photo captured by greg ~

::inspired by Soule Mama::

Go Steelers!

2011-02-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

Another Year

2011-01-26T18:53:00.000-08:00

home made key lime pie by my love, greg

I want to thank my loves for making my birthday so sweet. I love each of you with all my heart. I had a wonderful and happy birthday!

He's got GAME!

2011-01-26T12:29:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday morning Matthew participated in his first organized basketball game. Let's just say he was beyond excited about the game. The kid had been talking about it for 2 weeks and invited everyone and their mother to the game. It turned out to be a fun event for the whole family. We all cheered Matt and his team on as they learned how to play and work as a team. So without further ado... cue music...Introducing the starting line up for the Owls, #11 @ 4o something inches tall, playing all positions, Matthew....cue crowd....yeah!

These are the kids after running through a tunnel of parents and yes, cheerleaders.

Matt playing defense

Running back to play defense

D - FENCE!

Matthew shoots....

...and he scores (check out his teammate on the right)

#11 dribbles down the court looking for the shot or the open man

Good game!

Congratulations Owls!

Purple Belt

2011-01-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday Matthew kicked, punched and flew thorough the air to prove he was worthy of the purple belt. It has been a joy watching Matthew progress in karate and most especially during testing times. I am so glad I was able to capture these shots of Matt soaring through the air. They're my favorite ones. This time Matthew had to break a board with his foot. He did it on the first try. Way to go Matt and Congratulations!

Feliz Navidad 2010

2011-01-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

dpp 25

2010-12-25T17:49:00.000-08:00

The kids took two of our stockings and put them on Greg's feet.

25 days of pictures for the December Photo Project. What a fun time it has been to take pictures every day! I am glad I participated in the project. I hope you have enjoyed them each day.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours...Merry Christmas!

dpp 24

2010-12-24T18:42:00.001-08:00

::Joy to the world::

dpp 23

2010-12-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

::gifts for our neighbors & friends::

dpp 22

2010-12-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

::swingin'::

dpp 21

2010-12-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

dpp 20

2010-12-20T19:49:00.001-08:00

Christmas Ornament Exchange & Dessert

Tonight several of the co-op moms gathered at our home for a fun evening of fellowship and yummy desserts. It was a precious time had by all.

(photo credit Greg)

dpp 19

2010-12-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

::post nap::

dpp 18

2010-12-18T16:41:00.000-08:00

The Nutcracker

2010-12-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

Several families from our co-op headed to Jacksonville today to see the Nutcracker. One of the moms from our co-op was in the performance. Tamara was the Dew Drop Fairy and she was fabulous! The whole performance was lovely. The set and costumes along with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra was such a treat. We all enjoyed it and had a fun time supporting our friend.

The kids with Tamara the Dew Drop Fairy

Several families from our co-op.

dpp 17

2010-12-17T17:40:00.000-08:00

Gabby & her friend Hope after the Nutcracker

dpp 16

2010-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:00

Gabby with babysitter, friend and favorite Publix employee, Becca!

dpp 15

2010-12-15T17:52:00.000-08:00

Guess who is enjoying Chico's new crate?

December Photo Project 2010 Day 14

2010-12-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

~Gabby at her ballet class Christmas party~

dpp 13

2010-12-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

dpp 12

2010-12-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

::breakfast::

dpp 11

2010-12-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

2 lbs of carrots + 40 minutes of prep & cook time = Curried Carrot Soup for dinner

dpp 10

2010-12-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

dpp 9

2010-12-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

~my love~

dpp 8

2010-12-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

::chico::

dpp 7

2010-12-07T14:23:00.000-08:00

Matthew lost his first tooth today. Unfortunately you can't see his permanent tooth that has broken through and is sitting right behind the gap. He noticed his loose tooth a couple of weeks ago. Today while playing with Alex, Matt got kicked in the mouth and viola, the tooth is out! He was upset at first then later thought it was a cool way to loose your tooth...such a boy.

dpp 6

2010-12-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

creating, crafting & decorating @ our church's ministry house with all the ladies

dpp 5

2010-12-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

::taken @ Washington Oaks National Park::

dpp 4

2010-12-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

Today I was fortunate enough to capture Alex cross the finish line for this year's annual Reindeer Run 2010. The course follows the 1.5 mile St. Augustine Christmas Parade route. Initially, we were planning to push Alex in the jogging stroller but he insisted that he wanted to run just like the rest of the family. This 3 year old not only ran the entire 1.5 mile race and didn't stop to walk or ride in the stroller, but kept running and completed the course in under 16 minutes! We are just in awe at what this little boy can do. Run Alex, Run!

dpp 3

2010-12-03T14:13:00.001-08:00

DPP Day 2

2010-12-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

December Photo Project 2010

2010-12-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

::are you going to go get it or am I?::

I have decided to challenge myself -- a photo challenge that is -- for the month of December. As if I don't have enough challenges already, today was so much fun taking pictures of everyday life that I'm going to capture a moment each day and post it. If you want to participate join right in. All the info is above, just click the green badge. Enjoy! Happy Clicking!

Chico

2010-11-21T18:53:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce you to our new family member Chico. Chico is a 7 month old male purebred Havanese puppy. Our family has been searching for the right dog for a long time. Do you remember Winston? And then what happened? Well we did not want another experience like that. I would scour Petfinder and Craigslist, talk with all my dog loving friends and search shelters for the right dog. I was being picky. I wanted a move-in ready pup, you know house-trained, crate-trained and ready to hang with the family. I discovered the Havanese breed awhile back. I liked them not only because they were so cute, but for several other reasons. They are hypo-allergenic, a small breed, sturdy, great with small children and they love their families.

I found an ad on Craigslist for a 6 month old Havanese AKC who was house-trained. I emailed and requested a picture. We got some more info and went to meet him the next day. He came right to us and we fell in love. Chico was living with a family that had children and another small dog. They were unable to take care of Chico and wanted to find him a family who would love and take care of him. We went to lunch and talked it over and knew Chico met every criteria we were looking for in a dog. We brought him home that afternoon.

Since the Havanese breed originated in Cuba we decided to go with a Latin name for our new friend. Oh, I neglected to mention the previous owner's children had named him Cupcake, yes I typed Cupcake. I know, wrong on all levels. First, Greg's parents have a poodle and her name is Muffin that would be to many pastry names in the family. Secondly can you picture Greg calling out for Cupcake in the middle of the street? Hence the search for a new name. Everything from Castro to Uncle Rico was thrown into the mix. We all happily agreed upon Chico and it works perfectly for him.

What a sweet boy he has been. He loves to cuddle, have his belly rubbed and gets excited to see you. The kids adore him. Everyone who has met him just falls in love. We have found a wonderful puppy for our family!

Chico's first day with us. He was in desperate need of a doggie grooming.

Lake Lure

2010-11-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

Horseback Riding in NC

2010-11-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

Apple Picking in NC

2010-11-20T19:18:00.000-08:00

Chimney Rock, NC

2010-11-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

Chimney Rock is a quaint little town with lots of cute shops and restaurants. The big attraction is the ROCK! We did not venture that way but did enjoy the beauty of it from far below.

We decided to go gem mining instead and had a great time and came home with a lot of gems.

Lake Lure, NC Part 2

2010-11-20T18:58:00.000-08:00

We headed to Charlotte for a day and spent time at The Discovery Place. The kids were having so much fun I could not get them to leave to have lunch. We did go back after lunch and enjoyed a wonderful day of discovery and trying new things.

Matthew on a bed of nails.

Gabby watching her first 3D movie.

Boys being boys!

Sunset on the Lake.

Lake Lure, NC

2010-11-20T18:38:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, it has been a long time since my last post. I will call it crazy busy with a twist of lazy. But now I am back with a lot to tell you about. So, here we go......

::Lake Lure, NC::

We headed north to see fall and it was wonderful! The trees, the weather, the lake all stunning. We stayed at a condo and this was the view from the balcony. Pretty sweet!

Sunset

Sunrise

We don't get to do this in FL.

Greg's parents, Herb & Kate met up with us. It was a nice treat to have them with us for a few days.

We took a boat tour of Lake Lure and a couple of movies were taped around or in the lake. This is the mountain they filmed parts of the movie Last of the Mohicans.

Here is where Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey did the famous lake scene in Dirty Dancing.

#6

2010-11-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

Back in October we celebrated Matthew's 6th Birthday while on vacation in NC. We had a fun-filled day planned for Matt. He opened all his gifts after breakfast and then we got ready for our adventure.

We headed off to the local stables and went horse back riding. The kids had a blast!

We had a yummy lunch at a restaurant right on Lake Lure.

Then it was time to go apple picking. The best part was being able to eat them and chuck some of the old ones across the orchard along the way.

The day ended with a delicious sundae.

I believe Matthew had a very special 6th birthday!

Happy Birthday Matt!

We love you buddy!

eleven

2010-11-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary Greg!

With all my love,

Gabby's 8th Birthday!

2010-10-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Eight years ago the Lord blessed us with a sweet baby girl, Gabriella Paige. Last Saturday she turned 8 years old. These eight years have gone by too quickly. She has grown into a beautiful young girl. Gabby remains true to her name, the girl can talk. She has lovely dark brown curly hair and a glittering smile. She loves to dance and play piano. She enjoys being outside and is such a wonderful helper. She continues to amazes us. We are so thankful for our sweet girl.

Her birthday was filled with much joy and special friends. We visited our new friends Ann and Marge who are our adopted grandmas. Both Gabby and Matthew played a couple of pieces on the piano for all the grandmas and families present. We brought cup cakes and they all sang Happy Birthday to Gabby. Later that evening with had several families over to help us celebrate and eat some cake. It was a wonderful day! Happy 8th Birthday Gabriella!

Marge and Gabby

Gabby and Ann

On Skype with her great Aunt Nancy

I love this picture!

Friends!

Silly Friends!

Happy Fall!

2010-09-23T03:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st day of FALL! In the past few years Autumn has become my favorite season of the year. I have lived in FL for the majority of my life now. We don't get to see all the seasons change. Some of my favorite things about Fall are the cooler weather, the fall decorations, the pumpkins, the hearty soups, football, all the yummy things you can make with pumpkin, apple pie, candy corn, the beautiful colors and the list could go on.

Last October we took a road trip to PA for Greg's Uncle Joe's Funeral. The circumstances that took us to PA were sad yet our journey through the Carolinas, the Virginias and PA were constant reminders of how great and creative the God we serve is. Finally after many years of being in the south I got to experience a true Autumn in all its glory. I was overjoyed! I could not keep my eyes off the beautiful trees that covered the mountains as we drove along. I was awed by all the beautiful colors of the leaves. It was breathtaking. I want to go back up north and see it all again. I would love to make it an annual trip, but I am not sure that will happen. So, for now I will enjoy pictures of the Fall trees and look forward to Autumn here in the south.

Alex's 3rd Birthday Celebration

2010-09-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank all of our friends and family who made Alex's 3rd birthday so special. He was thrilled to have so many of you join us for lunch at Chick-fil-a. We celebrated that evening with a huge sugar cookie with sprinkles, Alex's favorite cookie at Publix. We then Skyped his grandparents so they could wish him a Happy Birthday and watch him open gifts. Thank you all for making Alex's birthday so sweet and special. We love you all!

Alex & Danielle

With Becca

Chris & Debbie

Lauren

Ms. Trudy

Catherine

CRAZY Lauren

Ms. Frances

Amberly

Ms. Tamara, Arianna & David

Ms. Frances, Sarah & Katie (We missed having you there Caroline)

Ms. Marnie, Leanna & Sophia

Uncle Shaun

Nana & Grandpa via Skype

Baby, Pop Pop & Little Grandma (This is Allison's 96 year old grandmother, she looks awesome!)

With Daddy

With Mommy

3!

2010-09-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Alex!

We are blessed!

::To be continued::

{more pictures and more details about Alex's big day}

Bye, Bye 2s!

2010-09-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Alex's last day as a 2 year old.

::Matt::

2010-08-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

Matt of all trades! Yes, our Matthew made this salad all by himself one evening. I gave him instructions on how to use the knife properly and he surprisingly was quite good. As you will see in the other pictures he is like a natural with his knife skills. Watch out Bobby Flay I got Chef Matt. It was a delicious salad and he really enjoyed helping Mommy in the kitchen.

Matthew also enjoys being out doors especially with his Daddy helping him cut the lawn. Greg says he gets his play "mow lawner" out (yes, that is what they call the lawn mower) and is always impressed on how dirty it is by the end. Here is my little man after doing the yard work with his Dad.

Happy Birthday Greg!

2010-08-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated Greg's birthday. The kids and I woke him up early and drove him out to the beach to see the sunrise. What a beautiful way to start the day! We headed out for breakfast and pretty much kept Greg busy all day. It was a celebration filled with love, laughter and good memories.

Happy Birthday Greg!

Surfin'

2010-08-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

::Greg's new FAVORITE hobby::

photo by Lauren E. Sykes

Braces!

2010-08-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I typed braces. Today Gabby had three braces placed on three of her top permanent teeth. These will help close the gap that she has. Next Monday we will go back so they can place another device that will sit on the roof of her mouth to help the cross bite that she has. That is when they will also place the wire to the three braces. She initially got very upset and nervous when they were ready to start the procedure but eventually calmed down and did a wonderful job. A new journey begins! Ten months is the prescribed amount of time then to retainers until she gets older and all her permanent teeth come in. She is really excited about all of this. We are doing our best to prepare her for the limitations in foods she will have and the soreness and possible pain she may experience. Our little girl is growing up!

A friend from church went on a missions trip and needed someone to dog sit for two weeks. We volunteered and are happily enjoying our time with a Jack Russell Terrier named Buddy. Buddy is 10 years old and enjoys sleeping and lying around. He has been a joy! Everyone has taken to Buddy and participated in caring for him. It will be very sad to see him leave but we are cheered by the fact that we will see him often.
Alex did not want to smile because he wanted to look just like Buddy, with his tongue out.

Adopt-a-Grandma

2010-08-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

"What am I to do? I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good work, therefore, any kindness, or any service I can render to any soul of man or animal, let me do it now. Let me not neglect or defer it, for I shall not pass this way again."

An Old Quaker Saying

::Marge & Alex decorating a photo album::

::Gabby's artwork::

::Matthew & Ann eating cookies we made::

::Ann & Matthew::

::Marge & Gabby::

::Alex & Marge::

::Ann, Allison & Marge::

Once a month we will be heading over to a local assisted living facility to spend some time with our new friends Ann and Marge. This past Saturday was our first visit and we all had a great time! We brought questions to ask our new friends and wrote down five things about ourselves. We did a craft and shared the cookies we brought. We look forward to spending time with our new friends next month, our theme is show and tell.

"Give what you have; to someone it may be better than you dare to think."

Longfellow