Go Speed Racer!

Before the great Ferris Wheel incident of 2009, the girls did a little go-kart racing. Morgan was old enough to drive the kiddie karts by herself. She was pretty excited and really good. Made me less apprehensive about her turning 16! Well, not really!

She got comfortable in the driver's seat very quickly!



Look how she hugs the inside lane! Definitely the winner in this race!

Parking was a snap! I think the ride attendant was rather impressed!

We all rode the big track together. Momma and Morgan versus Daddy and Merritt. Daddy and Merritt were clearly given better equipment than the all-girl team. Morgan and I had a great time even in the smoke that Daddy and Merritt left behind!

When Merritt wasn't tall enough to drive the karts that Morgan could, Daddy took her for one last spin around the big track. The vote is still out on who had more fun!

Go-kart racing is serious business!

Another Treasure

"Momma, look what I found!"

Favorite Beach Photos

Here are some of my favorite beach photos/memories of our week (in no particular order) ~

GranMe & Poppy

Girls' & Daddy's annual sand sculpture. This year, a crab!

Sisterly love!


Amy, Jacob and Joe

Sea creature that Uncle Joe found

Daddy getting some much needed and deserved rest!

Motherly love!

Sand diggin'!

The girls!

Daddy & girls!

Hey Momma, We're Stuck!

One of our days at the beach was spent at a mini-amusement park where we drove go-carts, bumper boats and the girls rode on a few rides. Realizing I was missing some great picture opportunities, I headed back to the car to get my camera while Scott got in line for the Ferris wheel with the girls. On my return, I quickly started taking pictures, seizing the opportunity of the Ferris wheel being at a stand still.

As I'm taking this picture, Merritt says, "Hey Momma, we're stuck!" I kept taking pictures trying to get Morgan to look at the camera and smile. She said, "Mom, we're really stuck!" Noticing all the park employees surrounding the ride, I quickly found Scott. Yes, they really were stuck. The new ride operator loaded three baskets in a row, not distributing the weight. Scott said they got around a few times and then it just stopped.

The girls handled it very well. It helped that they were in the bottom car and not the one dangling in the air. It helped me that it was a kiddie Ferris wheel and even if they were at the top, I felt confident I could scale the Ferris wheel to their rescue if I had to! Actually, I would have sent Scott!

The great rescue!

What a brave little girl!

Big sister let little sister be saved first!

The children in the green basket were the highest up. The park employees got a ladder and handed them down to their parents. Everyone stayed very calm and the girls got a free ride on the ride of their choice. They played it safe and chose the carousel!

Gulf Shores 2009

Our annual beach trip to Gulf Shores brought us to a new location. Actually same location, just different venue. We usually stay in friends' condo but this year since Amy and her family were joining us, we rented a beach house. After the first morning breakfast on the porch/balcony with an ocean view, most of us decided we wanted to stay here every year! Not sure the purse strings of Poppy's agreed!

It was a grand location for the 9 of us! The week consisted of great beach time, putt-putt, nature walks, aquarium visiting, Lambert's roll throwing, a little shopping, many hours of driving, picturing taking, swimming, ferry riding and lots of fun! Seeing the girls with their cousin, Jacob was priceless!

Thanks to all #7A Beach house occupants for making the end of a great summer even greater!

Goodbye Florida Keys, Hello Car Keys

I returned this afternoon from a 5 day stay in the Florida Keys after traveling with my grandmother to visit her daughters. It was a fun mother/daughter reunion that I am appreciative of joining! We had a nice and relaxing time, visiting, eating, reading and of course, shopping! I am very fortunate to have a husband who can keep the girls' lives on schedule without missing a beat! I'm pretty sure they missed me though!

Thanks to Aunt Jane and Uncle Rick for being their usual super-hosting selves! I always have so much fun in your company! Next time I come it will be with Scott and the girls! Maybe Merritt can have her chance at flying!

So tonight, I bid adieu to the Florida Keys and pick up my car keys as I begin my carpooling duties again! I'd tell you about the Rum Runners but remember, "What happens in the Keys, stays in the Keys!"