Vacation 2 days away

We are leaving for our overdue vacation. The kids are so excited to be spending 7 days at the beach. Yes you read correct 7 days away from home and on the beach. My mom is keeping the dogs, which is a huge help, considering sending them to the doggie camp would be 400 dollars and I can think of many more ways to spend that money, so thanks MOM!!!!

The kids and I have been packing and cleaning. It is a huge task to get everyone ready and make sure nothing is left behind. There are the normal clothes, and bathing needs, then they need movies for the drive, IPODS, the Wii and footballs and tennis rackets... the list goes on and on. We have a truck and are worried there will not be enough room. As for me, I have about 3 lists going for different things that need to be done. I think packing for vacation is stressful. Maybe that is just me.

Some things we are planning on doing- parasailing, drinking, jet skiing, dolphin seeing, drinking, going to the Blue Angels practice, did I mention drinking?

When We get back I will post tons of pics and give ya'll the run down on how much fun we had and how tan we are all now.

Riain's new talent

When Riain went off to camp, they learned survival skills. Just in case their plan ever gets shot down, ( like I ever want to think of that). Anyways, one thing he learned was how to build different types of fire. Now all he wants to do is build fires in the back yard. I think he knows 6 different types of fires to build. I thought there was only one kind, but according to Riain I am wrong. So here are aome pics I took on the first night we let him build a fire. The boy with him is our neighbor Dawson. Then of course, one of Brian and myself.

A camp made for Riain

Today was a sad, scratch that, heart and gut wrenching day for Brian and I. We drove Riain to Huntsville, Alabama to go to his first ever summer camp. This is the first time Riain has ever been away from home for a long period of time without a family member around. He will be participating in Aviation Challenge from today Sunday the 14th until Friday the 19th. We go and pick him up and get to watch his graduation.

This camp was made for this boy. They do flight simulations, pilot training, evasive maneuvering, and much more. He was in heaven. I think there was a little nervousness before, but when they called his groups name, he was gone. I had to chase him down and tell him bye. He got his book and pen from his counselor, and that was it.

Of course, I kept looking back and walking slow and trying to wave. He looked back only once, and I waved and sent him the I love you sign, then we loaded up in the car and drove away. My stomach was sick and I was nervous and right now as I write this am still watching my phone, trying not to cry, waiting for his first call home.

We will blog when he gets back and of course I will post more pics of graduation. Pray that he is safe and has the time of his life. I miss him already. H


Here are some pics we got to take before we left. One is of course where he will be sleeping, one is of his locker, the door to his room and who it is named after, Riain in his flight suite(OMG... he looks so cute), and of his counselor and team members. There is also one of his armband.

The things boys do for love...

Brian and Riain love Lyci so much, that when she was bored they let her do this to them. That is real love, or are they trying to tell me something?

Schools out for summer!!!

Today was the kids last day of school. I on the otherhand have to work Monday and Tuesday. We are so glad the year is over. The kids have had another great year. We have been blessed in the fact, they have had some many wonderful teachers.

Riain had his awards day on Wednesday. He recieved A/B honor roll. He missed all A's by 2 points. He was very upset, but we are so proud of him. Lyci had her awards today. She also got all A/B honor roll. This is a huge honor in middle school. Her 6th grade team has about 400 kids and only only 50 made A/B honor. Lyci also got another award. She was choosen out of her 100 kid team to receive the Math academic achievment award. This is such an amazing honor. She really struggled in math in 5th grade and her she is a year later getting an award for it. Her math teacher was amazing. She really made it possible for Lyci to understand and enjoy math. We are hoping Lyci gets her next year also. Lyci is such a great girl.

Christian leaves for Florida tomorrow. He is flying down there by himself, this will be the first time for him to fly. I think I am nore nervous then he is. Lyci leaves for her 6th year at Camp Braveheart. So, I will have just Riain for a week. Lyci will get back on the 12th and then Riain leaves for his camp on the 14th. THat week I will have only her. I am glad to have some one on one time with each kid. When Christian gets back, I am going to take him somewhere for the weekend.

Busy start to the summer. THANK GOD FOR SUMMER BREAK!!!!

12 Things We Love about Lyci

Today Lyci turns 12. So I thought I would share some of the things we love about her.

1. She is the biggest helper in the world.
2. She is cute.
3. She snorts sometimes when she laughs.
4. When she sleeps she snores, but she will never admit it.
5. She has the biggest heart.
6. Family is very important to her.
7. She loves to be at home.
8. She loves to eat out as much as we do.
9. When she does not feel well, laying in mommy and daddy's bed makes her feel better.
10. She loves animals.
11. Sometimes when she talks, she says things mommy would say.
12. She loves to sit on her daddy's lap, she sits with him everyday.

These are just a few things that make her the sweetest, and most loved girl in our house. She is growing up and although it is fast, we are having a blast with her.

Today, we went to lunch at Pappasitos. Lyci took her friend along with us. Then Lyci, Taylor and I went and got our toes done. Last was the traditional birthday cake and singing.

All in all a good day I hope.

She Bangs...

Lyci is sporting some new bangs. I think they are a little uneven, but after they are fixed, she will look cute. She is unsure, but I like them. It really changes what she looks like.