Back in Destin

We were so happy to head back to Destin last weekend. Even though it was a very quick trip, we had so much fun. Pierson and Sydney were quick to tell us that we had mistakenly moved to Madison and that we should have stayed in Destin. Sorry to disappoint kids, but we still have fun visiting!

No trip back would be complete without a visit with Chris and a visit to Pompano Joe's!

Syd looked like a natural running through the beach and waves. I say if you are born at the beach, you must have a little sand that always runs through your veins.

How many pictures do I have of these two? Cheryl held this boy more times than I can count. It was good to see you Cheryl!

Here it is - the reason for our visit. Mikey and Lilly made a beautiful bride and groom. And I have to say Pete looked great officiating too!

Girl Scout Camping

I had a great time camping with the girl scouts several weekends back. Here Sydney was was taking a break during a hike. We rested at Fairy Rock - to look for fairies, of course!

Peter and Pierson were at Boy Scout camp the same weekend, so we had a great girl time!

So, I signed Sydney up for pony rides, and every little girl got a pony. However, Sydney got this huge horse and she was a pro - no fear!

Easter

We had fun this Easter! It was a great day. We had our first service in our new sancturary at church, followed by a great dinner!

The family is waithing to dig in!

The Easter Bunny came while we were at church.

Thank you Easter Bunny!

Then it was time for the egg hunt, even Belle got in on the action.

Birthday Celebrations

So, we went to Gatlinburg, TN the last weekend in March to celebrate Pierson and Sydney's birthday. Of course, no birthday is complete with chocolate cupcakes. We had a great time at the resort!

Pierson had been looking forward to the waterslides and they did not disappoint!

Even Sydney was brave enough to conquer the waterslides - and they were big! But Sydney loved them!

Of course, all had to try to body boarding and surfing. My boy is a natural!

Missions Conference

I know it has been a few weeks since I have posted updates, but I have several weeks worth below. We had been so busy preparing for and enjoying the mission conference. It was such a great week for me to get to know some of the missionaries that our chuch supports. These are the Vegas, the missionaries that Pete works with when he travels to Panama. He has always had wonderful things to say about them. They are awesome church planters that are doing great things in Panama. It was such a blessing to get to know them and spend so much time with them.

Pierson's choir sang on the fourth night of the conference. It was so great to hear the kids sing about serving Jesus!

This is the 1st grade choir!

First Pinewood Derby

Here it is - the first entry in the pine wood derby. We did okay, but learned a lot about making cars. Pete and Pierson are getting ready for next year.

Sydney's Big Day

So, Sydney was so excited to have her Daisy Girls Investure. This is the day that the girls become an official Daisy Girl. It was a much anticipate day and she learned the Girl Scout promise to become a Daisy.

Here she is, reciting the promise she worked so hard to learn.

After the ceremonies with her new Daisy Girl pin and her new friend, Jasmine.

More Snow!

Okay, okay, so this amount of snow is not so much of a big deal for you notherners, but for us it is a big deal. We had our second snow day at school this year. What a treat!

Bowling (that isn't Wii)!

So, we had our first time real bowling, thanks to another scout outing! The kids thought they would have it mastered, since they are so good at Wii bowling. They learned it was a bit harder but had a great time!

A score of 55 - not bad Pierson!

Even Sydney got a 65! The girl has skills - she beat all of the boys!

Missing Teeth

He is getting tired of me saying so, but I think he is so cute with his two front teeth missing! Even Sydney said he sounded so cute when he talks!

Pierson's Hockey Career Begins

Last week we went to the Huntsville Havocs Hockey Game with Pierson's scout troop. Pierson and his friend Jake were picked to compete in a competion during one of the breaks. It was a three legged race. They had to race down, eat a piece of pizza and race back. Pierson and Jake won - I was so proud of the boys! He says he is ready to do it again!

Christmas

I know it is late, but here is a very small glimpse of our Christmas. We had a wonderful time just hanging out and playing games. Here is our annual family picture on Christmas Eve before heading out to church.

Sydney is proudly displaying her ZhuZhu pets. They were the gem of her Christmas Day. She played with them from 6 am to 9 pm, almost non-stop!

Okay, so this was actually a few days before Christmas, but Pierson was really proud of his decorated gingerbread men. The Christmas season would not be the same without decorating our cookies!

Like many other families in America, we spent Christmas day playing on our new Wii. It was fun, but the kids seem to beat their parents a bit too much.

Snow and Basketball

Snow - it is a major thing in Alabama. Last Saturday, we awoke to a winter wonderland.

Later that day, the kids had their first basketball games. Here is Pierson's team being introduced. Go Tigers!

I didn't doctor this picture at all. Pierson is just that fast on the court. What can I say, he is like his Dad!

Sydney's team is the "Flash." She has her defense down - it helps to be taller than most of the other kids!

Here is coach Daddy, encouraging her to run fast. I love that Pete is coaching Sydney's team this year.

Thanksgiving Day

Another successful Thanksgiving turkey, and he was a huge 17 pounds!

Here we are, waiting to dig in. We had a great day with just the four of us. We ate, hung out together, and played bocce ball!

As always, we set up the tree Thanksgiving night, and it was so much fun.

Hanging the garland and lights. It is hard to believe that the kids are 7 and 5.

Time for the star. Every year we alternate who gets to put it up. This year, it was Sydney's turn.

Choir Sunday

Two of the children's and youth choirs sang on Sunday morning. This is Pierson's 1st and 2nd grade choir. They did a great job singing!

This is the Senior High choir from the church. Even after 4 years, I am still so excited to be at our church. They have so many opportunites for the kids to serve God and learn about Him. It is a great place to raise our kids.