Owens take Destin

Fall break was quickly approaching for our kids and we were long overdue for an adventure.  I batted my eyelashes at my sweetie and asked him to take a day off so we could go on a long weekend.  Jeff surprised me by taking 2 days off.  We planned & booked the trip with 15 days until we would leave.

The beach is like medicine for me.

It heals me.

We had a fantastic place and gorgeous weather.  It was a little chilly in the am and pm.  But perfect, not-to-hot weather for spending our time out together during the day. We soaked up every moment of the sand.  Ate all our lunches out of the cooler.  Only going in to shower of the evening for dinner.

My attempt at pictures on the beach

It is always better in my head.

But still the beach makes anything look better!

I love this crew

My favorite picture of the weekend

Emilia loved her first vacation to the beach.  She fits right in with our sand loving babes.

She enjoyed being outside, watching the big kids play soccer and volleyball, napping and nursing by the waves, and snacking on her mat.

These girls loved going out of the sand bar

Exploring for treasures

Learning to volley with Daddy

Abe loves to dig and keep busy.

We hid Dinos to dig, ate ALOT of snacks, and explored for treasures

this boy

I can't wait to go back

Emilia Micah: 7 month

Emilia Micah: 7 months

Mommy's girl is full of infectious laughs this month

Loves to wave hi

You love being outside and it calms you

You love being with your siblings and light up when they come home from school

You have tried lots of new foods and haven't found anything you wouldn't eat

You are just starting to crawl

1 year

One year ago we lost a great man.  My father in law Mike had a weak heart anatomically, but the strongest, sweetest heart for people.  I miss him daily.  I am thankful that he raised such a strong, loving boy that became my best friend.

We set out to the farm to celebrate Papaw.

We played on the land he loved.  Rode 4 wheelers.  Cooked out on the fire.  Fished.

It was perfect.  Exactly as he would have done himself.

This cross was made by Mike's brother.

It is placed very near to the scene of his heart attack.  He was on our land hosting a disabled person charity hunt.  He was doing what he loved.  Helping people and hunting. 

This is the first picture of all of the grandchildren.

We lit off lanterns at dusk.

We miss you Papaw.  It will be wonderful to see you again one day.

Uncle Ralph's Surprise 85th Birthday

We had the best time heading to Kentucky to celebrate this awesome man.

Uncle Ralph's daughter's pulled off a wonderful surprise party for him.  The weather and company could not have been any more wonderful.

Legacy

Jeff got himself a new toy for his birthday this year.

We have been enjoying taking Ranger rides.

We rode out to the pond farm to show the kids the lay of the land.

Jeff's family bought this land when he was a small boy- maybe around Abram's age.

They planted acres of trees.

All perfectly lined.  Dad didn't do things half way.

Now look at this legacy.

God gives us beautiful reminders just when we need them.

Emilia Micah: 6 months

Emilia Micah: 6 months

A half year!!

How is it possible you have been in my arms this long?

So thankful for you and your sweet spirit.

14lb 8 oz

You are always smiling & laughing

You can clap and give high fives

You love to give kisses but are starting to show your bashful side

Sleeping has been tough.  You no longer sleep through the night.

You had your first taste of oats.  

First Taste

You had your first taste of oats this week.

Mommy wanted to wait until 6 months but you had other plans.

Since you are always grabbing at our cups and spoons we decided to try your first foods.  You really liked the oats.  I plan on making some baby food this month for you to try some other tastes.  Abram was right there.  He couldn't wait to help out.