Ashley's Visit

Ashley arrived late Friday night and we left for Myrtle Beach on Saturday morning. We are having a really good time. I decided to take a break from the sun and boot up on the Internet for awhile.
The first night we were here we went to Broadway on the Beach, ate raw oysters and sushi and saw an IMAX movie about Sharks. It wasn't nearly as thrilling as what we had anticipated. The second day after spending a large portion of the day on the beach, we went to Hooks which is a seafood buffet. I hate buffets so I'm not sure why I thought I would enjoy it. We all left so sick but we pressed on and went dancing at Studebakers. Evidently the night we were there was an "off" night because there was only a hand full of people at this place. So we danced a few times and made friends with one of the guys that has worked there for 20 years. He hooked us up with some free t-shirts and took a picture of us in the old car as you can see below. Yesterday, we decided to go shark fishing. So we took a chartered boat out in the ocean from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Even though it was a beautiful day, the ocean was extremely rough. It was one of those days where the waves crash over the top of the boat. You had to hang on for dear life but I thought it was great. So did Ashley and Scott until they got sick and threw up. Me on the other hand, I fished until the captain told us to reel them in. Unfortunately I only caught two baby fish, one of which was used to catch about a 4 ft shark. I thought it was very unfair that I wasn't allowed to use my own bait that I caught.
Today, is our last day here. We've been playing in the ocean and Scott and Ashley are laying on the beach right now but I came in to work. As you can tell, I'm writing my blog instead of working. I'll have to get to that later.

Here are some pictures of our trip so far.

Mid Life Crisis?????

I know I'm such a bad blogger. I've had so much to blog about but can't seem to bring myself to sit down and do it. However, after tonight I felt like I needed to blog.

About two weeks ago Scott went to the dealership and told the salesman, "I want the biggest truck you've got". He got it. (Dodge Mega Cab) and tonight I believe I have bought the smallest car they make. I bought myself a Porsche Boxster.

Am I going through a mid life crisis??? Just maybe...... but I can tell you, Scott and I have drove all over Snellville tonight having a blast. This thing is fast and so much fun!! The only problem is trying to get out of my car. It's hilarious. We both moan and have to get a push to get out of the car. Funny thing, I am to the point in my life where I can afford a car like this but too old to get out of it. Life is so backwards. I still have my Nissan to tote the kids around in and give myself a break if needed.

Vacation Slideshow

http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/gQ2Iy9hD

VACATION

We are currently on vacation at Dauphin Island. This was a last minute plan therefore the only home we could find available during spring break was in dauphin island. As it turns out, this is a great location! Very private beach, no crowds and the kids and dog can run and play without any worries. We have water on both sides of our home. One side is relatively calm where we can fish and the other side is rough with lots waves for the kids to play. Our home is beautiful and plenty of space for all of us.

I brought what I thought was my USb cable to hook up to my camera so that I could post them daily on the blog. I actually brought the wrong cable so I'm stuck with website pictures until I get home.

Max caught three sting rays but also caught a 20 lb. red fish that we ate the first night. It was pretty good.

We have seen a lot of sea urchins around from sting rays, dolphins, hermit crabs, and jellyfish. Aimee was out riding the waves with the boogie board and two large jellyfish wrapped around both of her thighs which of course, stung her multiple times. Needless to say, she was in a lot pain. We almost took her to the hospital. The pain was so intense, her eyes rolled back in her head and her body shook for a few hours. The key to stings, in case no one knows, rinse with sea water not fresh, pour vinegar over the sting or stings, and use a razor to remove all the stingers, then of course take benedryl.

Other than the jellyfish drama, we are having a really good time! We have taken a lot of pictures that we will share once we get home.

Happy Birthday Ashley!!!!

Ashley turned 18 yesterday!!!! Happy Birthday Ash!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!

I think my skating career is now over. It was a short and sweet run but I can no longer show my face at that particular skating rink again. I'm feared by all children. I assume if were to walk in the door in the future, music would play and people would gasp (possible cry) much like as if I were Sinister Sam.

We decided to have another Family Skating Day again this weekend because last weekend Scott wasn't able to join us so we wanted him to experience the same fun. And fun we had!!!!

At this particular rink, the two top corners are where people exit and enter the rink. Those two areas can be pretty dangerous. At one point, Scott and I were skating around the rink when we came to the top lefthand side corner. I spot Max sitting on the bench and motion for him to come skate with us. Even though I'm talking to Max, my body is still rolling forward with my head turned looking back. At which time I hear my husband say, "Look OUT!!" Just in time for me to turn to see a blonde head of hair right at my nose. CRASH! I collided into a twelve year old boy like a bowling ball to a pin. We both went down pretty hard. Neither of us ever saw it coming. Bless his heart, he was just trying to exit the rink to join all of his friends who were not even a two feet in front of us.

Scott couldn't stop to help. He said that once he said "look out", the next thing he knows he is seeing tattoo and booty. You know those low rise jeans aren't the best to bend over in much less .........well I can't recollect my position while falling and I don't even want to try.

So we both laughed trying to hide the tears. (Because I do believe he cried) We both asked each other if the other was okay. I told him yes, and he can take comfort in knowing he will heal much faster than I.

I tore my jeans and thought I had knocked my knee into the back of my leg. It swelled up so bad it took a good while before I could stand up. I don't know what I did to my hand but I have a thick blue line from my wrist almost to my forefinger. After the past two weekends I look like I've been in a bad fight.

Shortly after the collison the kid's mother showed up. He ran to her holding his head. I told her I was the one who ran over her son. She was nice and said that's okay, he has a hard head. She was about my age and she said, " You know, there was a time when I could really tear it up on the skating rink." I said, "Me too but you know, I've come to find out, that was then and it's best to leave it there."

Why must I always be reminded of my age????!!!!

I'm not old. I'm actually in my prime! So why can't "prime" really mean "prime"??? Most days I start out forgetting I'm almost 40, until inevitably something has to remind me.

This weekend, I took six of my kids roller skating and I, being the "hip" mom that I am, decided to skate too. I rented my four wheel skates and laced 'em up just like the good ole days. I was ready to show my stuff. ....... Well, evidently the 20 year time span had slipped my mind. Actually, my mind remembered but my body forgot. I stepped one step onto the rink and things didn't quite feel the same as it did when I was in Jr. High school. The skates felt heavier the floor felt slicker and so help a small child if they fall in front of me. Addison was a little wobbly and so we held hands and skated around for awhile helping each other stay up. After about an hour, it started to come back to me a little and I felt some what secure so I let go of Addie and skated around with my little "beat bounce" as I once did a long long time ago. I'm feeling great! My two 15 year olds are pooped out, but not me! I've got it going on! But even though I'm skating the whole time, I keep slowing down to grab one of my kids to skate with so I'm not "all out" skating the whole time. But I'm thinking, wow I'm doing pretty good.

Then comes, "ADULT SKATE". So I grabbed Allie (even though she is under 18) and had her skate with me. The DJ played "You dropped a bomb on me" by the Gap band. OOHH YEAH, I know this song. So I get out there to do my thing. I'm skating at a decent pace of course adding my "beat bounce" as I go. Allie's laughing because all of us are skating exactly the same way--- just like we learned 25-30 years ago. Things are going well for a couple of rounds, then I start to get really winded and sweaty and I'm thinking, how long is this song anyway? Is this a remix or something cause how many times do you really have to say "you dropped a bomb on me". I think we all get the point. "Oh lord, I'm going to pass out right here in front of everyone. This is going to be embarrassing." I attempt to get Allie's attention so she'll slow down and we can skate around acting as though we are talking to give myself a break but that doesn't work instead she says "What Mom? Come on" Waving the motion to come on so just incase you didn't hear her - you had the motion to know the old woman is giving out and lagging behind. So I plugged on with my tongue hanging out trying to look like I had it all under control.

Finally the place is closing and it's time to go home. Wow that was fun! I drive the kids home, slide out of the SUV and hmmmm..........can't seem to move my legs so well. What has happened to my legs? Is it already starting? If it is, boy I'm going to be in trouble tomorrow. As I try to walk into the house and step up on the brick steps which lead from my garage to the kitchen, one leg just flat out doesn't come with me. I fall, luckily my shoulder and upper arm break some of the fall by slamming into the door frame as I went down. Okay........so I now have some pretty good bruises but I'll live. My point is........why do I constantly have to be reminded that I'm not as young as I once was????!!!!!!

CHAMPIONS!!!!

Andrew just finished his 3rd season of Hockey. His team, The Avalanche, won the championship game tonight. Congratulations!!! Andrew loves playing hockey and I'm going to be sad if we move and he is unable to play.

Happy Birthday Addie!!!

Addie's 9th birthday is tomorrow. We celebrated her birthday Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, I took her out shopping and to get a manicure and pedicure. We tried to get into the salon for a hair cut and style but they were booked.

Then that evening she got into one of her new outfits and Scott took her out for a daddy daughter birthday date.

He showed up at the front door with a rose. Addie was smiling from ear to ear. She had to take the rose with her to dinner and show it to everyone. They went to the Cheesecake factory for dinner and dessert. Addie felt really special and thought it was the best time ever.

Christmas Morning

What's with the faces???

Christmas Eve

I know I'm late on posting but here are some pictures from the Christmas Eve extravaganza at my parent's home. My parents handed out a can of fruit with a spoon to each grandchild for Christmas. The kids were then instructed to wait until "go" then eat the can of fruit as fast as they can and the first 5 to eat all of the fruit in the can would win $25.00 for their Christmas present. Obviously those who dislike fruit were slightly distraught. Lucky for them, when they opened the can, they found either $50.00 (for the girls) or motor cross ticket (for the boys.)

HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY AIMEE!!!