PCB via Tyndall AFB

Acronyms. Did you understand these in the title?

PCB = Panama City Beach

AFB = Air Force Base

The first week of June, the children and I drove south to Dothan, Alabama to spend Joel's birthday with him. We arrived on a Tuesday, and the next day, Wednesday the 3rd, was Joel's brithday. We were thankful this was a week that he was training in the mornings, so we had the rest of the afternoon to spend with him. We had a great day picking up lunch then going on a picnic then playing putt-putt and some arcade games. It was a well-deserved time to spend with each of us since we have been apart since April. I digress....

Anyway, on Saturday, we desired to go to the beach, and Panama City was the closest. So off we went. On the way we decided to check out Tyndall AFB because we had heard the base was on the coast. The GPS was set, (yet another acronym = Global Positioning Satellite), and we held course to the base.

Upon arrival, we weren't quite sure of our choice of "beaches", however we were later pleased with the choice we had made. There was a boardwalk AT LEAST 1/2 mile long (wish I had taken a photo for proof), though upon stepping off onto the sand, the beach stretched on and on without the first indication that we lived in a commercial world. We felt as though we were living in a natural world amongst the other beach-goers. It was beautiful, and we relished the time we had to enjoy the sun, surf and fellowship with each other.

Caroline brought along a softball and gloves to try her hands at some beach softball. Reid, too, wanted to get some sand between his toes playing lacrosse. What a perfect place for enjoying both sports!



So why bring up acronyms? I guess I'm just getting used to them all over again. The military is notorious for the use of acronyms. After all, Joel is in the Army attending FWMEQC. Let me explain this one (I had to ask for myself.): Fixed-Wing Multi-Engine Qualification Course. For me it's easier to just say the title of the class. I'd have to really think to come up with the acronym! And in November he's going to ODIN Iraq. No, it's not the city that we originally thought; it translates into Observe Defend Identify and Neutralize! (We think. We're still new on this one.)

There are many more to come, I'm sure, but for now.. ITFB and ILYA! (It's Time For Bed and I Love You All!) I guess this is how the "text language" developed. That's another story in itself.

Baby no more!

Last year about this time I posted a photo of our precious nephew, Jay, in the pool. Well, here we are again, one year later. The blue eyes remain, and they now look at us with an adoring smile. We have a relationship where no words are required for communicating. Of course he has his own language, one we can't much understand beyond the "Heeeyyyyy!" or the "Bye-byyye." And of course, there are the arms that reach up for a lift into larger and comforting arms of an adult, or in this case, his aunt. What a gift God has blessed us with!

I love this child, and I get a thrill at the opportunity to spend time with him. He is always greeting me with a smile, and he's learning to give kisses. I'll accept them anytime... even with slobber.

And now we're making room for another; his sibling to arrive in early October. So next year at this time, there will be two in a pool photo! Stay tuned!

Atlanta Botanical Garden

On May 15th I achieved one of my goals. Since visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden with Reid's 1st grade class in 2003, I have been desiring to take Mom for a tour. It is a beautiful place, and knowing how she loves gardening, I knew that she would love a visit. So, during her visit in May, we finally took advantage of a beautiful day and drove into the city for a visit to the gardens.

It was the perfect day for this dream to be fulfilled. Blue skies prevailed with cumulus clouds and sunshine, which provided the perfect backdrop for this treat. While strolling the grounds, we also took a break to enjoy a deliciously prepared, made-to-order lunch of a Tuscan chicken sandwich and Mozzarella BLT, both on freshly made crunchy-soft sourdough bread! As Rachael Ray would say, "YUM-O!" And I had some delicious Tazo Awake black iced tea. (Can you tell I enjoyed it?!)

A lesson was learned this day and still being reflected on today... take the time to do the things which you desire. You will never know how fulfilling it can be until you accomplish your task!

Lazy Days of Summer

It's here! Summertime! It's a time that is supposed to be laid back and carefree, however I don't know if that's what it will mean for us.

Joel is away at Ft. Rucker, Alabama for some Army training through August - with a few weeks off in July which will allow us a family vacation. Caroline is busy with softball camps and tournaments. And Reid is mowing the lawn and attending lacrosse sessions a couple of times each week. And me; well, I'll be trying to keep up with the three of them. I also hope to catch up on some jaunts since February. (Sorry. I think I just let the randomness of life carry me away from blogging.)

So, let's get reconnected again! I look forward to sharing some events with you.