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

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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.)

Here, There, and Everywhere

Mike went out of town, so Kensley, Aunt Marilyn and I took the liberty of having some girl time just frolicking around the area.
The first night we ate Mexican and did a little beach shopping around town.

The second night, we went down to a little waterfront beach community and enjoyed their free concert on the green. Kensley was enjoying a little Bluegrass - about to start dancing - when a little guy (his dad said he was 4) came up to her and wanted to dance!!! It was sooooo funny. She just looked and him, then looked and us, then back at him as if to say, Uh, I was already dancing, thank-you-very-much, instead she indulged and they cut a rug a bit until another boy came through and started rough-housing. At this point, Kensley got cooties and they boys did whatever it is little boys do. She was a little hurt she'd been ditched, but she quickly got over it.

The following day, we went to a quaint little artsy town I'd heard about and tooled around there most of the day. We three had our first beignets, which we are now more fondly of than funnel cakes (although funnel cakes are still very highly regarded!). It was some fun girl time and we are glad to share them with our family.

it didn't take long for them to be long gone!

how cute is that???

this tree was so neat!

For the end of the week, we headed the beach. If this doesn't scream, I LOVE THE BEACH - nothing does.

Gone Fishin'

We have a little pond behind our house and Mike has been promising Kensley they could go fishing. So when Wal-Mart had a sale on fishing gear, Kensley picked out a pink rod and reel and a bobber half the size of her head. Mike took Kensley over to the pond and they had a blast. I was the official photographer, since fishing gives me the willies. Kensley, however, is a champ and will touch all of the necessary grossness, which makes her an even better fishing buddy with her daddy.

bread and rod-n-reel

practicing

waiting for the fish to bite

...and after all of the waiting (maybe 10 seconds?) kensley caught her first fish!

Goggle Girl Conquers the World

Just so you know, this yummy man's workout is referred to as the 300 Workout.

She needed them to help make muffins, too.

Kensley is a swimmer. She has always LOVED the water, but now she is a swimmer. Kensley and her daddy did the parent-and-tot swimming lessons this winter so Kensley would be better equipped for watertime fun this summer. This was a fun activity for them and since her lessons have ended, Kensley has become the very proud owner of goggles.