Mesquite Rodeo

On Saturday night, we headed to the Mesquite Rodeo with two other families from the fire station. The kids always have a good time at the rodeo. We paid money for Addison to ride a horse...I'm not sure why!?! She enjoyed it though. Brock didn't want to have any part of it. But the next time we go, he is going to do the mutton bustin'!! Addison riding the horse

The girls petting the lemur

Our hillbilly boy

Beautiful smile

Gotta love those ears!

Fourth of July Part II

Last night we headed to the lake. Sadly enough, this was the first time Addison and Brock had ever been swimming in a lake. Addison never missed a beat. She headed into the water without fear. Brock, on the other hand, had to investigate the water for living creatures. Once he figured out the water was clear, he decided to go out and play with the kids. Before he got out there he said, "This water really freaks me out!" Brock checking things out


Addison coming to get Brock away from the shore

Girl fun

Addison going to town on some corn

Brock getting ready for a new adventure

Another first

Addison's turn

Addison and Brock both loved this

We had a great time with good friends and good food. A very special thank you to Tom and Mona for inviting us!

Happy Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July!!

Our celebration started out by riding in the Rockwall parade. The kids enjoyed throwing candy and waving the flag. Although it was hot, the had a lot of fun. After a quick lunch, we headed to Aunt Sallee's and Uncle Blaine's to see Uncle Danny. Their house is one of A & B's favorite places to visit. Addison & Brock loaded and ready to roll.

Audree, Addison, Blaire & Brock

Two of the Grove's finest =)

BFF

Brock enjoying some of Aunt Sallee's holiday dessert......a bit before her celebration started.

Who spoils our kids?????

Our Texas family

Danny, Blaine & Sallee

What would be do without them?

Now we are off to the lake to celebrate with more fireman.

Happy Independence Day!

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores ~ Our heaven on Earth

Addison waiting for a wave on her boogie board. The boogie boards were all the thing for our kids this year.

Walking down to the shore.

I love this picture!

Addison built a castle, with a little help.

Brock starting his castle.

Addison being tackled by a wave.

The kids and their brave Daddy.

He took them way out in the ocean.

I can see this boy surfing in the future.

Chillin'

Addison's footprint and name

Brock and Daddy working on a castle.

We had a great family vacation, but it is good to be home!

Dolphin Cruise

We spent our last night on a Dolphin Cruise. It was a great evening. Captain Ritchie found many dolphins and even got them to jump over the wake of the boat.

FYI: The ocean air is not good on your hair.

Oh well, we were on vacation!

Lulu's

One of the famous eating joints in Gulf Shores is Lulu's. We went to eat one night and the wait was over 2 hours. We decided to come back another day. The restaurant is located right on the intercoastal waterway. While we were eating our dinner, the Coast Guard went down the waterway in a huge barge. It was very cool!

Alligator Alley

One day we had to give our pale skin time to heal, so we headed to Alligator Alley. This was a stretch for me.....alligators/crocodiles.....it doesn't matter, they can both eat me. I do not want to be around either one. But I did it for my kids education =)Yes, all of those brown spots in the water are alligators.

Captain Crunch is the largest captive alligator. He is HUGE. I'm glad the deck didn't give away while we were standing over his area.

My brave children overcoming their own fears. Everyone in the family held the alligator, well except me. I had to take the pictures!

After we saw the alligators, we headed to the famous Lambert's restaurant in Foley. It was delicious! Needless to say, it was my favorite part of the day. Brock's favorite part was shopping at the Mossy Oak store. He is going to be the next Jack Hannah or any other animal person.