First Day of School 2014

Lucas in 2nd grade, Sarah in 5th, and Ethan in 4th. First time I wasn't in the massively-overcrowded cafeteria with nine million other parents taking pictures because they rode their bikes! Jacob in 8th grade but no picture because he overslept! 

Lucas' 7th Birthday

Lucas was adamant this year that he did not want a birthday party. Not exactly sure why, but maybe not wanting to be the center of attention? Anxiety over school starting in a couple days? Still haven't figured it out. So we did a family day at Main Event with bowling and laser tag and mini golf...and had cake at home. Happy birthday sweet boy! 

Raingutter Regatta 2014

We got back from Gulf Shores knowing the Raingutter Regatta (Cub Scout Boat Race) was the next afternoon. Ethan had his boat kit but hadn't started, and Lucas didn't even have one. I called one of the den leaders and luckily he had an extra kit. Both boys started their boats in the morning and by 3 pm, they were racing!

And winning! Lucas won the Wolf Den contest! Not bad for a hastily-made boat!

Gulf Shores 2014

Ever since we moved to Texas, I've wanted to go to a beach like Gulf Shores. Some friends planned a beach vacation there by renting half of a duplex. They called up and said we think you should rent the other side. So we did! Turned out to be a wonderful house - each side with three beds and three baths - right on the Gulf Shores peninsula, about three miles from Fort Morgan. It wasn't crowded. We were able to leave all our shade tents, beach chairs, and toys on the sand every night. Bliss!

Jacob was working on merit badges for Scouts all summer. We were able to cross off a fishing requirement on the first day when he caught two flounder! We grilled them up with onions and butter and ate them as an appetizer for dinner. He didn't catch any more fish that week, but he tried! Luckily, other in our group did. 

One day, the dads chased down an ice cream truck from the main road and persuaded him to come right to our house. "Eight kids would love it!" I'm sure the guy heard "Eight sure sales!"

Because we don't take pics often enough...

We also visited Fort Morgan on the tip of Mobile Bay. It was brutally hot, educational, and crossed of another merit badge requirement for Jacob...visiting a National Historic Landmark.

Right next to our duplex, a turtle nest was marked off...while we were there, the turtle rescuers said the eggs were expected to hatch any day now so they blocked off a narrow path for the turtles to follow. We waited each night with infrared stickers on our flashlights, but the turtles didn't hatch before we left town.

Lot of beach fun!

The whole crew! Three families - six adults and eight kids!

Duck Dynasty Visit

Jacob is a big fan of the show. On the way to Gulf Shores, we passed right through Monroe, LA, where much of the show is filmed. We stopped at the warehouse for a pic with the iconic sign, visited the gift shop, and ate at Willie's restaurant. 

Jersey Shore 2014

After the family reunion, we continued the party at Aunt Mary's Jersey Shore house. The kids enjoyed the Bay Beach (nice calm water) and the Big Beach...the Pacific Ocean!

Cousin Mariah was a great kayak teacher.

Several aunts and cousins came to the shore as well and we got bonus time with them and the kids' first cousin once removed...baby William!

A visit to the Boardwalk on the Jersey Shore.