I Play Bubbles

Ethan the Monkey

This summer, we enrolled Ethan in some classes and camps at My Gym, a children's fitness center right around the corner.  I can't believe we haven't done this before - he LOVES it more than I have seen him love anything.  These shots are from this morning's class.

he hangs on the instructor's every word, which gives us preschool hope (just two months away!)

ah, his beloved "Mr. Jared."

Bitten by the Wedding Nostalgia Bug

Jon and I watch parts of our wedding video each year on or around our anniversary.  Wow. For nine years, now.

Don't roll your eyes; it is fun and brings back many awesome memories of people near and dear who have either departed this planet or who we don't get to see anymore for one reason or another.

One of our favorite clips is the toast my best friends Heidi and Jennifer did for us.  When you have music teachers as best buddies, the possibilities are endless.

Watch if you dare, and please excuse the weird editing at the beginning.

Nine Years

Jon and I have been married nine years today. The time has flown and been full of adventure.

Our big day in WV in 2003

My parents, also married in WV

Jon's parents, married in Phoenix

Our honeymoon in Jamaica

Our first anniversary... hiked up to "Table Rock" in Morgantown, WV and definitely somehow self-timed this shot!

Andrew's 5th Birthday Party at Monkey Joe's

June 9, 2012... Both grandmas AND the auntie were in attendance, which made this party extra, extra special!

with Christopher

atop the giant slide

with Nick

Carrie helps Emmalyn up the slide

with Joseph

crash!

with Michael, who's moving :(

Mr. Giant Mouth (aka brother Ethan)

first sight of Monkey Joe!

birthday t-shirt presentation

goodbye, MJ.  fun was had by all!

Saluda River Tubing Adventure

Yesterday, Jon, his sis, his mom, and I took a three-hour float trip down Columbia's beautiful Saluda river. It was relaxing and fun, even when the rapids split us up a couple of times. :)

North Myrtle Beach 2012

Jon, Andrew, Ethan, Jon's sis, my mom, Mom's friend, and I just enjoyed a few days at beautiful North Myrtle Beach, SC. We have had this trip planned for many months and it didn't disappoint.

Monday, June 11: Arrival Day

The view from our room was amazing: two giant windows six floors above the Atlantic (we headed out and livened up the boys shortly after this photo was taken).

I took this from our room... except for the kid at the bottom left (and the photographer of course),
 it's a pool shot of our entire vacation party.

Dinner the first night was a seafood buffet.  Ethan was exhausted before we even got seated...

The weather forecast was not our friend for about 24 hours... here's the rain moving in...

Tuesday, June 12: Day Two... The Monsoon

Jon and I left the kids to nap at the resort with Auntie on Tuesday afternoon
as we shot some pool and avoided the deluge

By evening, the rain had stopped and it was off to the pirate dinner show - a HIT in everyone's book!

After the pirate show, the dudes had to don their skull and crossbone pjs.

Wednesday, June 13: Gorgeous Day Three

Jon and I began the beautiful day with a beach run. This was our view as the storms moved out. I did 3 miles, he did 5.  The sand was packed so nicely that it was easy.

That day, no other photos were taken.... Just swimming and sand digging. I took this lovely sunset shot that evening as we were getting ready to venture out for the night.

These guys were making some gorgeous beach art at the time.

The "Burbank Three" located Wednesday night "wave" karaoke and belted out some tunes.  Here's Christina on "Torn."

Jon maxxed out the "Mississippi Squirrel Revival.

And I did some Reba, of course.

Thursday, June 14: Departure Day

Following some last-minute beach and pool time, we headed to MagiQuest, where the boys had a blast with their wands.

Goodbye, beautiful Atlantic. I will see you again in July for the girls' weekend!!