The Week of the 4th and then some

Mike had 4 days off for the 4th, so we were able to spread out the celebration! We went to the lake for fireworks on the lake, enjoyed a few days here with Rob, Pop, and Nanna and went to Aunt Peppy and Uncle Pop's beach house! Whew!

It's July?!?!

Wow! One day we woke up and it was JULY! This year is totally flying by and very shortly, everyone will be returning to school, including Kensley and me! Kensley will go to preschool 2 days a week and the plan is for me to work on schoolwork during that time. In the meantime, we are hanging with the family and enjoying our time here with friends.

Our little princess

Princess Matchy-matchy

Princess Matchy-matchy plays with numbers

Uncle Rob Toy Storied it up on his visit with a new slip-n-slide as well as a water-propelled rocket launcher

Another wardrobe change (she loooooves dress up)

Beep! Beep! We're Rollin' in the oIIIIIIIo (Jeep)!

We've really been enjoying our new toy very much, and have since made improvements to it. See if you can spot the difference...

Sportin' some Jeep cuteness

Kensley and her buddy rode to the Splashpad together in their Jeep gear (we're converting the friend to UGA!)

At the top of a hill we "found"

We were at the top of this hill - what a view!

Our Staycation - This is a HUGE post

I don't know if it counts as a Staycation if you actually go somewhere outside of a return-to-your-home-base-the-same-day, but that's what we are calling it, since we stayed "home" while we vacayed.

We had the opportunity to grow up in ATL where there was always something to do. I have always considered that home, no matter where we move. So, this year, since Kensley was "big enough" to enjoy some things, we decided to go "home" and do some of the things with her that Mike and I did regularly growing up around ATL.

First, we headed to the lake for Memorial Day Weekend with the Wheeler's. It was tons of fun, as usual. Mike and I skiied, while Kensley rode on the jet ski. My good friend, Jennifer, and her children came to meet us one afternoon. We basically vegged on the lake in floats. (She's holding the pictures hostage, (lol, JZ) so when I get some, I will post them.)

We left out fairly early on Monday to go check out some tires for the Jeep. It turned out to be a bust, but best things come to those who wait. We arrived at the Marlatt's later that day to enjoy lots and lots of stormy days. Before the rain, Poppy took us to the Mayfield Dairy. It was loads of fun. I was the token "nerd" asking all of the questions. I learned alot, though!

The rain didn't deter us, however, as we caught a [Gwinnett] Braves game on Tuesday with Mike's brother and his family. The game was finally called after about 30 minutes of ridiculous lightening, so we enjoyed that for a few innings before we packed up and headed "home." Grammy and Poppy also accompanied us to see Alvin and the Chipmunks - The Squeakuel. Kensley had already seen it at home, but devoured it again on the big screen, this time.

The Gwinnett Braves - on the lawn!

After a few days with the Marlatt's, we nestled in at the Wheeler's. Kensley had the opportunity to watch the Laser Show (in the rain, but we stayed dry!), go to the GA Aquarium and the World of Coke. It was also Mike's first time at the World of Coke! Nanna and I had gone many times before at it's previous location near Underground ATL.

The Laser Show
The GA Aquarium
She kind of liked the moving
 sidewalk
...so did he!
Oooooh! A Whale Shark!
Nanna and Kensley
The World of Coke
World of Coke 4D Show

f

Needless to say, we had a great time! What better way to spend some vacation time than with family?!?!?

Pray for the Gulf!

I saw this picture today, which is said to have been at a BP station (look at the pump). Minutes later, I received this link and wanted to share with those who believe in the power of prayer. It details biblical passages and very pertinent prayers for our current situation in the Gulf.
I will especially keep Daniels words close to heart:
“Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”

The article encourages us to take responsibility in creating a demand for the oil, and I see my greed in that. Don't get me wrong; I am deeply angered at the irresponsibilities of multiple parties that led to this destruction. Please, please pray for our Gulf, it's speedy restoration, and for the lessons that we stand to learn from this (at nature's expense, I may add.)