Yes, the obligatory “stairs” picture! For some reason, that’s the place for group photos in this house. This is my parents with their five grandchildren. I’m an only child, and since we never intended on having more than 2 or 3 kids (God sure did change our minds…), they’re thrilled to have so many!
Granpa was really entertaining Lainey, making her laugh her little head off.Â
And, granma was equally fun…here, Lainey is trying her best to steal her watch.Â
We really enjoyed our time together…the girls went shopping (the guys stayed home so Lainey could nap), we all went out to eat, grilled out steaks and chicken, went swimming in the pool, were lazy during an afternoon thunderstorm, and finally took a trip to our local museum of science and history…here are pictures of that!
A, M, P, and E and L in her snazzy pink stroller
I love this picture! Randy stood on the other side of the cage, so he could get Marley posing with one of her fav kinds of animals. I think they’re both smiling!!
Payton, the cool big brother that he is, shows his little sis the fish!Â
The museum had an exhibit called “Giant Insects”. They weren’t kidding, these things were HUGE and had very life-like movements. Lainey was freaked and only wanted me to hold her…until Granpa rescued her by taking her out in the hall!Â
Payton and Ethan do a good imitation of fighting stag beetles!
They had a section that was a visual timeline of Florida history, which this homeschool mom enjoyed very much. Abbey is really into the Little House series of books right now (she’s read all of them, and is now starting the Rose Years books). So, she had to pose in front of this scene. :)
This sign was in a room displaying the movies that have been made in Jacksonville throughout history…too funny.Â
There was a beautiful fountain just down from the museum, so we stopped to see it. Lainey loved feeling the mist coming off of it.Â
A few more steps, and we were at the river…so, more pictures.Â
Thanks for the wonderful time! We’ll see you again in August :)
Â
July 14th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Looks like a really fun visit. Great photos.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
THANKS for the great photos!…I felt like I was back in Jax and enjoying all of those “prescious moments” all over again!! We had fun doing ALL of the things you mentioned….I think I’m still water-logged from the kids…ahem, especially Payton when he did his famous “cannon ball” into the pool and I got SOAKED!! From then on, it was a splashing good time!! :)
I remember Randy taking that picture of Marley from the other side of the glass…that really turned out good!! Yes, those giant insects really looked that big, if not bigger than they look in the photos! (No wonder Lainey was frightened!) Love the photos at the river and the fountains!! Hope Abbey is enjoying Science Camp this week and next! THANX again for the great time we had in Jax!!! Love, Mom & Dad
July 14th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I forgot to congratulate Ethan for the spectacular shot he made with the basketball into the hoop (turned backwards) into the pool! I knew you’d eventually get it, and you did!!
Love ya, Granma
July 14th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Great pictures. Your kids are the best. They look like SO much fun!!!!
July 14th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
We’re thinking that we might need a trip to Jacksonville! It looks like an awesome place! (and some pretty cool people live there).
July 15th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Great pics…the one of Marley and that lizard (or whatever it is) was really cool!!! Man, I wish we could have visited you guys while we were in Florida…
BTW, I’ve “tagged” your blog! Go to http://www.continuingthejourney.blogspot.com to see what it’s all about!!
Teresa =)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Looks like a great time and what a beautiful family (including grandparents:) )
Pam
July 16th, 2008 at 7:31 am
That looked like a fun visit- glad to see the museum has some new stuff- we’ll have to go soon. When I was a kid it was my favorite museum too. :) I am sure your folks are missing that little sweet bundle of sweetness. Holding a toddler is such a yummy feeling. OLDER KIDS- Auntie Anne just wants you to know how PROUD I AM OF YOU for taking such good care of your new little sister and for the time and love she gets from you. More than from your folks, probably- so keep up the great work- you are er being jealous of all the attention she gets- and that she will learn so much about God and howI know you love her and I want you to know that you are a HUGE PART of her memories and growing up to share 4 big kids to be proud of. Love, me Donna- I wish I could bold on this but I cannot so please let the big kids read that. HUGS. me