The Watts Family

Here's to 2010 and Making Every Day Count!

2010-01-01T19:43:00.001-05:00

The start of something new brings the hope of something great.
Anything is possible.
There is only one you and you will pass this way but once.
Do it Right!

Destin Beach Photos

2010-01-01T10:49:00.002-05:00

Christmas Family Pictures

2010-01-01T10:46:00.002-05:00

Destin Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T10:02:00.006-05:00

This year we wanted to do something different for Christmas. It was important for us all to be together this first year without mom, but we needed somewhere new and fresh without all the memories of home. We found a perfect location in Destin, FL. We stayed at Palm Villa - 2 houses right next door to eachother and just steps from the ocean. We set up Mom's Christmas village and some of her beautiful painted xmas decorations as a tribute/memory of her. We continued some of our traditions....crafts and cookie decorating with the kids, Chinese food for Xmas Eve, Annual Talent show, Xmas day movie...then we added a few extras. The 1st annual family scavenger hunt was the highlight. As we broke up into 3 teams and gathered crazy video, photos, and other items, we made fools of ourselves, then each team created a video of the hunt. I have not laughed that hard in a LONG time! This was a really special, memorable, christmas! We love you mom---just wish you could have been there with us, but you were there in spirit Scavenger hunt item..picture of team spelling "ELF", some others were...videos of someone asking Santa for plastic surgery for xmas, interviewing potential elves for Santa next year, people saying merry christmas in other languages, pumping strangers gas, team member jumping in ocean(COLD), team singing xmas carol in public area, adult playing with childs toy and LOVING it, photo of 2 kissing under mistletoe, team member wrapped as a present, all team members sharing one soda (w/different straws) etc, etc. We had so much fun with it and showed everyones sense of humor and creativity.

The Cutlips stole the night in their talent show performance. Really cute!

The Lybberts performed Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer with bells. Isaac showed off his reading/sight word skills, Carson showed his engineering talents, Spencer his video making/skateboarding skills, Joni showed her gymnastics talents, Amber her art, Dad his auto body trade, Jason showed off his work being published in Porsche magazine..what a talented family!

Christmas morning at Palm Villa!

Harris vs. Watts - Just a little Friendly competition :)

2010-01-01T09:42:00.005-05:00

The 2nd Annual Christmas with our favorite neighbors and gingerbread house building. Somehow this fun little after dinner activity, has captured a bit of our competitive sides. We were spanked last year, so this year we did a little recon and got some ideas from Savannah's gingerbread village (a huge village made only out of gingerbread and displayed at the Westin hotel on the river). I think we took the cake this year, but the house didn't stay up long. :)

The final result! Ours was complete with shingles, car port, fireplace, xmas tree and solar panels :)

Last Years final result!

After the activities the kids had a gift exchange. What cuties!

Savannah River Bridge Run 2009 - 15K

2010-01-01T09:34:00.001-05:00

For the 2nd year in a row, kristy and I braved the Savannah River Bridge Run- the souths toughest bridge run. But for some reason, this year we chose to do the double pump -15k. Last year we did the 10K and I was in much better shape. But we did it! 3 times over that dreaded thing.

Kristy is such a great neighbor, motivator, running parter, and FRIEND!

Birthday Blunder!

2009-11-13T22:15:00.007-05:00

6yrs old and he's moving beyond Thomas the Train...He wants the Collectibles...and he knows what he wants!
When it comes to toys, Isaac doesn't usually ask for anything. When we are in a toystore, he will play with things, but very rarely asks to have it. Every once in a while he will say "can we bring this one home"; I will say "not today" and he moves on.
While hanging out downtown last summer, we passed the window of a model train store and Isaac had to go inside. We hung out in there a while looking at the model train set and he saw a Lionel, O gauge, Polar Express Train -just his size. He stared at it for a LONG time and finally asked to bring it home. I said "No, but maybe if you ask daddy nicely, you can get it for Christmas or your Birthday." I didn't think anything of it until that night - As soon as Eric walks in the Door he says "Daddy, I want a Polar Express train for Christmas...PLEASE" Eric says, "Oh Really...hmmm?" Isaac responds "Yes, Dad come on...lets put up the Christmas Tree." Since then he has reminded us regularly that he wants a Polar Express Train for Christmas.
When Shopping for his birthday, I saw a North Pole Express Train at Toys R Us for 1/3 the price of the Lionel Polar Express Train. Eric and I agreed that he would really like this one and it would save us some money, plus it would be nice to give it to him for his birthday so we have it to put around the tree at christmas. Isaac liked his train and played with it for a day until we hear.... "I get a Christmas train for my birthday and then the Polar Express Train for Christmas. I will have 2 trains!" We look at eachother. "No honey, you only get one train, this is your polar express train." He gets quiet..."ohhh, I only get one train." The next morning while getting ready for school he says "I wish I could have the Polar Express Train." I say, "But this is such a cool train, you don't want to bring this one back to the toystore do you?" He responds, "Yes Mom, bring this back to the toystore." Train goes back to Toys R Us-there is no longer a bday present from us. Hmmm...what to do now? This is the first year he has asked for something specifically. Should we cave? Grandma/Papa? Nona/Papa? Santa Clause? Anyone want to chip in on the real deal? The red one is the one we returned.......Isaac wants the cool black one!

Isaac is 6!

2009-11-13T22:12:00.000-05:00

We had a small birthday party with our favorite neighbors - The Harris Family + Abby and Isabelle.

They had fun playing with Isaac's new toys.

Isaac's Choice - The Train Museum

2009-11-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

On Isaac's day, he wanted to go to the Roundhouse Train Museum. Its actually a pretty cool place. It used to be part of the georgia railway. It has a working turntable and a short train ride, a large model train set, a kids area, and lots of old trains to look at.

Birthday Celebration at School

2009-11-13T22:04:00.000-05:00

Isaac stood on a chair while the class sang Happy Birthday to him. He was a little shy but loved it!

He chose Transformer cupcakes to give to his class.

The kids all wanted the Autobot cupcakes, nobody wanted to be a decepticon :)
Funny kids.

Blue & Red icing, and chocolate cupcake crumbs everywhere! They loved it!

Halloween Fun!

2009-11-13T21:57:00.000-05:00

We got to spend Halloween in Atlanta with the new Arrival!

Sydnie and Cameron....Scary! Dark and Ninja Girl!

Sydnie and Jeena ready to brave the COLD, Rainy weather to get their candy!

Cohen has 2 new Cousins

2009-11-13T21:49:00.000-05:00

Jason's baby boy - Tristan Hiler, joined us on 17 Oct. and just one week later Tiffany & Aaron's beautiful girl decided to join us - 5 weeks early. We are so blessed to have 3 healthy babies at the same time. Can't wait to see them play together.

Kadence Ruthanne Cutlip
born 24 Oct 09, 4lb 8oz, 17in
She is tiny, but PERFECT!

Cohen is playing bodyguard!

He is excited to have a cousin to play with.

Grandma and Papa came to meet Cohen

2009-11-13T21:29:00.000-05:00

At 5 weeks old Grandma and Papa came to meet their new grandson.
They got lots of cuddle and play time. We all had a great time.

Isaac's Trip to Meet Willie

2009-11-13T21:27:00.000-05:00

Isaac is obsessed with the movie Free Willy. Since he first saw it, he has been into whales..he watches national geographic episodes of the blue whale and others. Anyways, when grandma and Papa came to visit we took that opportunity to take him to Sea World to "Meet Willy." He was mesmerized. The look on his face when Shamu came out was PRICELESS!

This is his "shark face" :)

Nickelodeon Hotel - Orlando

2009-11-13T21:22:00.000-05:00

We stayed at the Nickelodeon Hotel! It was a blast! We even got SLIMED!

There is a great waterpark that only those staying at the hotel can use.

Waterlogged, but having fun!

Lots of Swimming at the Hotel

2009-11-13T21:20:00.000-05:00

Isaac Loves his baby brother!

2009-11-13T20:16:00.000-05:00

Cohen is one month old! weighing in at 11lb 9oz. Gets lots of lovin from his big brother!

My Best Friend Came to Savannah!

2009-11-13T20:00:00.000-05:00

How awesome is this. Cohen and Jacob - only 5 weeks apart. This year marks 20 years of friendship for Kelly and I and I hope that this friendship will carry on to the next generation.

We had a great couple days in Savannah, enjoying the riverwalk and picnicing in Forsyth Park.

What a cute Family! Can't believe we both have 2 kids now! Whodda Thunk!

Cohen's Many Stages of REM!

2009-09-11T15:16:00.001-04:00

My little piece of heaven is good at sleeping, eating, and pooping! Pretty much the typical newborn. I just love to watch him, his funny facial expresions, the roto reflex when he gets suprised and all joints flare out, his little bug eyes and cross eyes as he tries to get things in focus, his constant rooting cause he wants to suck, suck, suck all day long, his little sqeeks and grunts, and well he has a very LOUD cry when he doesn't get what he wants right away. I am getting a little camera happy, but he's just so darn cute. Am I biased or what?

Introducing Cohen

2009-09-01T20:14:00.001-04:00

Finally holding my sweet, beautiful, boy! Born Aug 27th at 2:55 am.

He was a healthy 8lb 14 Ounces and 21 inches long.

Isaac meets his little brother! He was so excited and gently checked out all his little parts. He keeps saying I love baby Cohen, he is so sweet, cute!

Cohen on his trip home!

Napping in the sun to help with jaundice! He has kept us very busy! Tired but loving life and grateful for our little piece of heaven!

First days at home with Family!

2009-09-01T20:05:00.000-04:00

Isaac had fun taking him on a walk..what a great big brother!

He sure loves his daddy!

It was so great that Aunt Tiffy was able to make it just in time to be with us when he was born. She has helped out so much these past few days!

Proud Papa Hiler

2009-09-01T20:01:00.000-04:00

Papa just loved meeting his 9th grandchild! He has already cuddled him, taken him on a walk, taken him down to the pool, and read a book with him...all in a short 2 day visit. We love you Papa!

2009 A year of ups and downs & still 4 months left...

2009-08-24T13:51:00.003-04:00

(Click on the collage to see pictures better)

I have to say this past year has been full of ups and downs. Since right before Christmas, when we found out the news of our family addition, we have experienced many joys, but also those life lessons that help to build character and unite families. Jan and Feb consisted of those long weeks of morning sickness that kept me hooked to pumps, IV's, and in bed (luckily I had wonderful family and friends to help throught that). March I got myself back in the groove of things: back to my precious preschool class and finishing off the school year strong, enjoying the riverwalk and outdoors with family, eating all the food I could get my hands on, and a great visit from Mom and Dad to see the Gladys Night concert in town. April began with news of Mom and her undergoing brain surgery, and then subsequent knowledge of the Glioblastoma Brain Tumor. We had high hopes for treatments and spent a couple priceless weeks with her in Atlanta. Her recovery rate was impressive and seemed back to herself for those few weeks..until May when all of a sudden it seemed there was a new symptom every day. First the eyesight, then strength, then hallutionations, etc. It was obvious Heavenly Father had a plan for her and needed her more. That tumor grew back with impressive speed and took an amazing, strong, woman and mother on June 9th. Wow..the things we learn, the bonding, the family ties, the inner strength, the appreciation for God’s plan for allof us, and the knowledge that we are meant to find happiness through each trial we are given. Among the emotions, we had priceless opportunity for all the family to be together for much longer than we have in many years. All the cousins had great bonding time, climbing trees, racing go-karts, playing on trampoline, movies, swimming, and just exploring all there is to see on the ranch. We were also blessed with an incredible outpouring of love from extended family and friends and recieved an abundance of service from all who loved mom.

Family Time - July/Aug summer Fun!

2009-08-24T13:46:00.001-04:00

Mid-June, July, and August have consisted of getting life back on track. Papa and Amber came to visit for Father's Day and we had boating adventures at Hilton Head Island, we spent a week at the lakehouse with Nona and Papa Watts, Isaac had his first ride on the tube behind the boat, and learned to Love the Jet Ski! 4th of July was spent with the Hiler gang in St Augustine Beach. We spent a great day at the beach and then took the boat into the harbor to watch the fireworks over old town St Augustine. Eric, Isaac, and I have spent many days swimming, enjoying the riverwalk, attending concerts in the square, and enjoying the rest of the summer together while it is just the three of us.

Months Closer to You! We are SOOO Ready!

2009-08-24T13:40:00.001-04:00

Now we have many more changes to come as Isaac starts kindergarten September 1st and we anxiously look forward to the arrival of our new addition to the family. He seems to be comfortable in his current location though and I am beginning to think he will never come and I will be huge forever! We all can’t wait to meet you Cohen Daniel Watts! (1st pic- suprise we are prego, 2nd - 13 weeks, 3rd - 17 weeks, 4th - 30 weeks, 5th - 32 weeks, 6th - 36 weeks, 7th - 38 weeks, 8th - 39 weeks)

Isaac Preschool Graduation

2009-05-17T10:28:00.000-04:00

My boy is a graduate. He had a very cute ceremony on Friday night. The class did a great job showing us how smart they were. First they came in and did the pledge to the American Flag, The Christian Flag, and The Holy Bible, then sang four fun songs.

He looks pretty proud of himself and happy to see Dad in the Audience.

Then they had the graduation ceremony. Walking down the Aisle.

Aren't they cute? Now on to Kindergarten...mom is a bit worried. I wish he could stay in this type of school..a small class, great teachers, nice kids. We will miss Ms Kellie and friends.

Isaac's Fairytale Prayer

2009-05-05T19:56:00.002-04:00

Last night at dinner Isaac wanted to say the dinner prayer. We trade off doing family prayer every night at bedtime so he is pretty experienced at it and usually has a lot to talk to his heavenly father about. So the dinner prayer was going pretty much like normal...thanks for the food, the fork, the gospel, cameron, sydnie, etc, etc. Then he reverently ends with And they lived happily ever after, The End. I have no idea where this came from, but it made us laugh. ofcourse I reviewed with him the appropriate ending after we all got a good laugh. Its the little things he does that adds joy to our day.

Its another Boy!

2009-04-16T19:22:00.001-04:00

I have gotten so far behind on this blog, so here are a few posts to catch everyone up. Just in case you havn't heard, Isaac is going to have a little brother. We had the 20 week sonogram yesterday and Isaac enjoyed watching him kick and yawn.

The Easter week we would like to forget -- but never will

2009-04-16T15:57:00.000-04:00

I have to say this was the worst Easter I have ever experienced. On April 2nd the Hiler Family's lives were pretty much turned upside down. After many days of severe headaches Dad took Mom to the emergency room where they discovered a massive tumor on her brain. She was immediately scheduled for brain surgery and the kids all scrambled to get to Mom and Dad. This was a long, emotional week, but it was easier to handle with everyone together and with all the love and prayers from friends. After 2 surgeries mom was released from the hospital April 11th. She has a long road ahead of her with chemo and radiation and other treatments to fight this thing they call GBM. Mom, you are an amazing woman, mother, and daughter of God...We Love You so Much!

We were happy to have Mom home just in time for Easter morning. We all gathered in her room for Easter baskets and then brought her out to the back porch to watch an easter egg hunt. It was the best day of the week!

Good Eats in Savannah

2009-04-16T15:55:00.000-04:00

So we have found another place that you just have to go to if you come to Savannah. Mrs. Wilkes Kitchen is a very small place with a very long line and is only open at lunch time, but is Sooooo worth it. You sit at a table with 10 people and I think we counted 19 amazing southern food dishes that you pass around....and then there is dessert. Yum! But so stuffed!

Our first trip to the famous Pirate's House downtown. The food didn't really wow us...compared to other restaurants, but Isaac loved seeing the pirates and the pirate ships and wearing the pirate attire

All Decked out! Argh!

17 weeks prego pooch...or was it all the food?

St Pattys Day on the River

2009-04-16T15:53:00.000-04:00

Boat Ride - note the hat Isaac made - cool huh!

Savannah Boat Show -- Eric and Isaac heaven

A beautiful day on the Savannah river

13 weeks prego pooch

Isaac's Escape and Robyn's Relief

2009-03-01T18:03:00.000-05:00

Grandpa and Nona took Isaac for 9 DAYS! I was a little anxious at first, I must admit...that was the longest I had been away from him. But he didn't seem to miss home AT ALL! He had a great time with them and the Hairston Family. He spent the first few days in Virginia Beach and then the rest in West Virginia. While he played with the kids and tried his hat at sledding; Eric and I enjoyed many fancy nights out and saw a couple movies that were not rated G! Thanks for spoiling your grandson Dad and Cindy!
I am incredibly happy to say I have finally made it through the first trimester and life is improving. I finished it 19 pounds down -but now that I can eat again, I am enjoying my food. I have gained about 4 lbs back in the past 2 weeks. Although I still have to build up my energy and strength, The baby is doing good and we feel like things are going much better this time around.

Goodbye Walmart! My baby's a Senior Executive!

2009-03-01T17:14:00.004-05:00

This has been an exciting week for us! Eric got a HUGE Promotion to Senior Management for Target Distribution. He is such a hard worker and an amazing leader and I am so proud of him.

Eric has told me that there is a given rule that as a Senior Executive you don't shop at Wal-mart....Period! I sure wish it was a Target that was 2 minutes down the road, but I guess I will gladly make the extra drive.

Here we Go Again!

2009-01-09T18:56:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas to us! a few days before Christmas we found out that I am expecting. We waited to announce the big news christmas morning with everyone. Grandma got the positive pee stick wrapped up :) she was so excited, it was fun.
Among all the excitement are many emotions. I think I am more nervous about this than anything in my life so far. The last pregnancy was so hard for our family and heavenly father had other plans for our little boy. Hyperemesis is a tough battle in the first trimester. I am almost 8 weeks now, the past week has been miserable, but I think the doctors have me stabilized finally. The medicine Zofran is a godsend, I have an amazing husband to take care of me and amazing friends and family for support. We are blessed.

A Florida Christmas

2009-01-09T18:43:00.000-05:00

The day After Christmas we took the boats out to Crystal River to swim with the Manatees. It was Beautiful.

Snow is fun for a few minutes......boating is BETTER!

They were so sweet. They love people and roll over to let you rub their belly.

Just me and the DAD! :) Love ya!

Christmas Morning

2009-01-09T18:39:00.000-05:00

We were very blessed to have family together in FLA.

Isaac was suprised by a huge crane from Santa Clause. His cousins thought it was pretty cool too.

A special present from Mom to the kids. Wish we could have Julie/Ivan and Amber with us.

The Magic of Christmas

2008-12-20T08:12:00.001-05:00

Last week we had our final days of preschool for the year and they were full of fun.

Our class had a special suprise and a very special kind of Santa Claus.

Soldiers from Hunter AAF adopted our classroom for Christmas and made this an amazing day for all of us.

These amazing soldiers went above and beyond, and were so excited to give to these children (there are a couple in our classroom that have some unique family situations and I believe this drastically changed their christmas this year)

Words cant express how much fun it was seeing the excitement in these kids.

2008-12-20T08:11:00.001-05:00

Carter would not let me get a picture of him without Riley in it. I think there is a crush going on.

The soldiers stayed and played with the kids.

Here are the Heroes of the Day. They returned from 15 months in Iraq in September and last year they had the opportunity to adopt Iraqi Children. This service made such an impact on them that they were determined to find a way to enjoy that kind of experience again. We are so greatful for the sprit of service they truly have. This is the Magic of Christmas!

Snow in Savannah?

2008-12-20T08:06:00.001-05:00

Downtown Savannah puts on their own form of winter wonderland. They have to bring it in.

This really cant be beat. The fun of a snowfight in 70 degree weather.

The kids had so much fun!

Bailey thought it tasted good.

Pre Christmas Fun

2008-12-20T08:04:00.002-05:00

Whats Christmas without a train ride in the mall's overpriced winter wonderland?

And ofcourse a few visits to see Santa Claus

Isaac was so excited this year. We broke out the decorations the week of Thanksgiving and he was all about doing it ALL- and not wanting to sleep until it was done.

I DID IT! My First Triathlon

2008-11-16T21:21:00.002-05:00

For my birthday this year, Eric decided he would get me a bike (which I love-very cool bike) and sign us both up for a triathlon. I wasn't too keen on the idea, but why not--something we can do together to get in shape. So after 8 weeks of training, here I am...all alone to compete, while Eric sits on the sidelines with a bum knee.

November 16th, A brisk 35deg morning and I actually paid to be able to swim in the Silver Springs water. What was I thinking?

1st event - .5 mile swim

I never would have expected that it would actually feel great! The water felt like bathwater compared to outside. The swim went by so fast I actually wished it was longer. This was my favorite part of the race, and the part I most dreaded.

Now on to the 2nd event - 12.5 mile bike. It was chilly, but nice. While others had flats and chain trouble, my bike held up like a champ!

2008-11-16T20:46:00.002-05:00

3rd event - 3.2 mile run. This was my least favorite part. Legs were tight and feeling a bit sluggish, but the course through Silver Springs property was kinda interesting- giraffes, monkeys, and birds to keep you company. I finally appreciated the cool morning by this point.

Coming up on the finish line. A little more pep in the step.

I did it! 1hr 25 min 07 sec. I placed pretty much in the middle. There were many still behind me. I though for sure, I would be the last one. :)

Wow, its OVER! Time to refeul! Loved it! Next race....longer and harder!

Pirate Treasure for Halloween!

2008-11-09T17:36:00.000-05:00

Halloween week was full of events, but Isaac got good use of his Pirate costume.
There were multiple Halloween parties, Trunk or Treat at the Church, A pumpkin Carving Party, and ofcourse Trick or Treating with neighbors.
His friends seem rather impressed with his costume. :)

The pirate ship is our creation. We all had fun eating, talking, and carving.

Door to Door with Riley, Bailey, Noel, Gage, and Rhett.
Isaac was so excited! Luckily was more into the experience and has long since forgotten about the huge bag of candy.

Riley and Bailey as M&Ms.

My Kiddos at the Pumpkin Patch!

2008-10-20T20:36:00.001-04:00

Aren't they the cutest? We had a field trip to the pumpkin patch today. They read a pumpkin story, found and decorated pumpkins, went on a hay ride and ate snacks. What more could you want as a 2 year old? It was a fun, beautiful day!

Daddy Daughter Night Out!

2008-10-04T15:16:00.001-04:00

For my Birthday, Dad took me to the Brad Paisley concert in Gainesville. It was really fun! Jewel was the intro - that was kinda strange, since I hadn't heard her in years. But Brad definately stole the show. It was great to leave the boys behind and spend time with family and friends back home. Thanks for a special memory Mom and Dad!

Celebrating the Big "30"

2008-10-04T14:58:00.001-04:00

After countless years of being the minority in a world of men (Air Force, Engineering) I finally have positions where I am surrounded by women and I love it! 8 of us got together to celebrate the big "30" at Lulu's Chocolate Bar downtown. Thanks for a fun time girls! Friends and Dessert -- the best combination! I often hear that the 30's are the best years...I look forward to it!

Lets Go Fly A Kite

2008-09-25T08:26:00.000-04:00

The past few storms that have briefly touched the area brought perfect opportunities to fly Isaac's Diego Kite!

We also took advantage of the cheap rates on Hilton Head Beach. Not really swimming weather, but perfect for putt-putt, good seafood dinner, and walking on the beach.

In the world of 2yr olds!

2008-09-09T16:01:00.000-04:00

Last year as I separated myself from Air Force Technology Management I would never have imagined I would go on to take on an even more daunting task -eight 2yr olds! Now that I have finished my first full week of being a 2 yr old preschool teacher, I can tell you there is nothing more challenging and rewarding. I am sure I will have more stories to tell as time goes on, but right now I'm keeping the cryers happy and the active ones involved. It didn't take long to fall in love with Abby, Bailey, Carter, Ian, Madisyn, Nicholas, and Riley--what amazing personalities. More to come....

Taylor Swift Concert

2008-08-16T21:14:00.003-04:00

When I heard Taylor Swift was coming to Savannah, I decided it was the perfect opportunity for a much needed date night. Eric wasn't as thrilled, but I drug him anyways. We both had a great time. She is a very talented girl, with good, clean music, and put on a great show.

Six Flags, Atlanta

2008-08-11T14:39:00.000-04:00

Julie is 40! To celebrate the occasion Isaac and I went up to Atlanta. We had a fun sisters night out and then everyone went to Six Flags for the day. After catering to the kids all day us girls took the last 45 minutes and rode 3 insane rollercoasters back-to-back. Needless to say we were a little sick, but still had a blast.

New Friends in Savannah!

2008-07-28T19:16:00.001-04:00

We are Super excited that the Thompson's have moved to Savannah. Isaac has 2 new friends to play with - Joseph and Blake. Last week Heather and I took the boys to Hilton Head Island and had a great day!

Backyard Summer Bash

2008-07-20T14:20:00.000-04:00

The neighborhood pool was looking a bit scary this weekend, so I had to find another way to keep Isaac occupied. We invited the Harris family down to have a backyard splash day with us. We are so excited to have gotten to know them. I have made a great friend in Kristi and Rhett, Gage, Noel, Riley and Bailey have pretty much become Isaac's best friends since we moved here.

What a ladies Man :)

2008-07-20T14:18:00.000-04:00

Isaac, Rhett, and Riley do the water balloon egg races, soon they just decide its more fun to throw them at eachother

Riley and Bailey attempt the Potato Sack Races

Nashville Highlights

2008-07-13T17:32:00.000-04:00

The Opryland Hotel was AMAZING!

You can click on the collage to see the pics in more detail

Kansas City Highlights

2008-07-13T16:18:00.000-04:00

St Louis Highlights

2008-07-13T16:11:00.001-04:00

Road Trip July 2008

2008-07-13T15:30:00.001-04:00

Hey All,
Keeping in the trend with most of my friends I decided to set up this blog. This just seems like the best way to keep friends and family up to date on us. So check in on us once in a while. I will try to keep this as up to date as possible.
We are back after our ten day roadtrip to the midwest. We left on Wednesday 2 July, spent the night with Tiff in Atlanta, and headed out Thursday morning to St Louis. We spent 2 nights on Scott AFB and enjoyed the sights of St Louis, MO. St Louis is a beautiful city. It is very clean and there is a lot to do without spending any money :) love that part. Isaac enjoyed riding the metro -- which I thought was a great deal-- $4/day let us on and off at all the great sites in town - no traffic, parking fees, or getting lost. We watched a 4th of July parade, hung out at Union Station, went to Forest Park, walked around the St Louis Zoo, and ended at the Gateway Arch to watch an incredible fireworks show. The Arch is much bigger in person than I expected it to be. Getting back to base on the Metro was a little insane, but sort of expected.
On Saturday 5 July we headed on to Mom and Jims house in Kansas City, MO. We had a great few days with them. Ate lots of great food, attended a KC Royals vs. White Sox Major League baseball game, Eric and I had a date night to go to the KC Wizards vs. Red Bulls Professional Soccer game, Isaac loved the waterpark, and we went to visit some of our church history sites in the local area, and did some shopping. Thanks Mom and Jim for a wonderful week!
On Friday 11 July we headed back south 8 hrs to Nashville, TN. We stayed in the Gaylord Opryland Resort right next to the Grand Ole Opry and Opry Mills shopping. The land of country music has a lot to offer and we wouldn't mind going back to see more. The resort alone is enough to keep you occupied for 3-4 days. You could get lost in the maze of gardens. This place is huge!!!! The hotel is basically made up of multiple huge atriums with countless waterfalls, fountains, gardens, lanterns, walkways, bridges, classy restaurants, and shopping in the middle and the rooms surround and overlook all of this. The pictures dont give it justice. Its an experience. Yesterday we drove the final 8 hrs home and are glad to be back, but sad for the vacation to end. This was our first long distance road trip as a family --other than a few military moves-- and I've decided they aren't so bad, as long as you take it slow and enjoy the ride and the sites along the way.