Myrtle

Fall break fell the first week of October this year, and we took our first, hopefully of many, vacations to the beach. We have been to the beach before when we have visited family, but we have never taken a trip just for beachin'.

With it being October, it was considered the off season, and we got a great rate for a week. We stayed in a condo on the third floor of a quaint, little beach front complex. There is just nothing like going to sleep to the sound of waves crashing. This is what we got to wake up to every morning...


Pure bliss I tell you.

Our unit had two bedrooms with a kitchen and living area. Nothing fancy, but was beach front with a great view and perfect for our little fam.

But, we didn't go it alone. Just to keep things interesting, we went with three other families; the Hales, Stewarts, and Coxs. 10 kids. 8 adults.

We are no strangers to these families, and truth be told do most of 'life' with them, but this was the first time we have vacationed together as families. I was cautiously optimistic that all of the kids would do well spending every day together for a week. For the most part they get along really well, but the older girls sometimes have a bit of trouble acting like...well, girls. And all in all, I think they did great. It is always interesting and sometimes quite comical to watch the dynamic of them together, but they truly love each other, and my prayer is that they are forming relationships that will be true and authentic for a lifetime.

There was some golf, shopping, eating out, date nights, and putt putt thrown in the mix, but we all spent the majority of our time on the beach. Each family had their own condo, and we would all make our way to the beach in the mornings and set up camp for the day. Man, there is a lot of gear that goes with beachin'. We looked like pack-mules making our way down in the mornings.

This is Parker and P on boogie boards. P loved being in the water. She was always out there on a board ever in pursuit of the next big wave.
P + a boogie board = a cute buns photo op. (Shhhh, don't tell! She would be oh so embarrased)





There was some serious bocce ball games that took place on that beach. Kids and adults alike. Doesn't matter where we go, we always find a way to make a competition out of something!



This was a great get-away for us! I loved the no schedule, reading, walking, playing, talking, eating, relaxing, swimming, and just hanging vacation that going to the beach provided. We had so much fun and made memories that we will have for years to come. I am grateful to these families for sharing a week of vacation with us. We are blessed to have them in our lives.




And here is just a bit a proof that vacation or no vacation.... some things never change.

A big 'fourd' year old

This little guy was counting down the days till he turned 'fourd.' Somehow in his little mind he thought that he would get to go to school when he was four. Sorry bud, not going to happen.
We did a little family celebration on his actual birthday. We had his favorite, pancakes for dinner, and then opened a few gifts.








For the past few weeks, maybe even months, Mas has had an obsession with 'bowling pins and bowl.' They have a little play set of pins and a ball in his class at church, and he plays with it every week. And every time we would pick him up he would say, "can i get bowling pins and bowl for my birthday?" So, when we were planning his party, we asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday party, and you guessed it... 'bowling pins and bowl' with my 'fwiends.' You got it mister! We can make that happen.











Oh my word, I love his guts! Happy birthday big 'fourd' year old! So blessed to be your mom!

A Few Fun Facts

* made the Honor Roll for the first nine weeks of school.

* made the Dance Team for lyrical and hip hop at school.

* about to finish up your first season of select soccer.

* in love with all things animals, specifically horses.

* social girl that loves to have 'play dates' and 'sleepovers' with your friends.

* your room looks like a hurricane hit 99% of the time, and you could not care less.

* hours of your life are spent painting, drawing, writing, coloring, or anything to do with arts/crafts.

* you and spelling, well, lets just say you don't have the greatest of relationships.

* you have one more baby tooth to lose, and chances are, braces are in our future.

* current favorite tv show is Animal Planet.

* favorite music, still going strong at number one is Toby Mac.

* you fight with your brother like no tomorrow.

* early mornings are your thing, except when you have to get up for school.

* you love life, and Daddy and I love watching you live it!





* big 'fourd' year old.

* every morning your breakfast order is toast with butter and sugar and 'cut it in five.'

* followed by an apple, 'cut it in five' with 'no holes.'

* playing the wii is one of your most favorite things to do, and the number one controller is a must.

* football, basketball, baseball, soccer....anything with a ball!

* current favorite tv show Word World.

* you are a professional at drive by punches.

* counting to 20 and abc's...mastered.

* you want to 'stay in the home' with your mommy 'fa-eva'.

* all about anything to do with Michael Jordan.

* when asked "whose boy are you?" you always say, "Daddy's boy."

* Chick-fil-A is your favorite. Sharing is not.

* Sweet, sweet boy that I get to love and kiss a million times a day. And I love every second of it!

Vacation Scenery

I mentioned in our vacation post about stopping along our travels for a couple or 600 photo ops. Well, here is some of the photog's handy work.

Northern CA really is a beautiful part of the country. Not to be confused with God's country, which is where we live here in the south, but beautiful nonetheless.

bragging rights … if there even is such a thing?

This post is to brag on my man just a bit. So, if that sort of thing turns your stomach, you may want to 'mark as read' and move on to another blog.

A little less than a year ago, Ryan started his journey as a contributor on istock. A coworker of his, who has also become one of Ryan's closest friends, introduced him to the world of stock photography. I know I speak for both of us when I say how thankful we are for God bringing the Degrie's into our lives. Royce has been an encourager, teacher, and mentor through the whole process, and we will always be grateful.

And, all of those hours and hours of work have paid off! As of last week this little guy
represents big things for Ryan Alexander. He is now an exclusive contributor on istock!

I am beyond excited for him and his achievement. It has been my pleasure as a wife to watch my husband be so passionate about something and pursue it with such die-hard committment. Ryan has spent countless hours of the past months reading, learning, and working. He has always been a hard worker. He has stepped up to the plate on many occasions for our family doing jobs that he has not always enjoyed. But it does my heart good to see him work so hard and know that it is for something that he loves. When I was a kid I can remember my Dad saying, "Success is getting paid to do what you would pay to do." And I know that is where Ryan is right now, and I could not be happier for him.

Ryan, your dedication and hard work are inspiring. Your commitment to excellence is refreshing. I am your biggest fan. I love you and am so proud of all that you have accomplished!