Suwannee Springfest 2009

*** Updated with new pictures (some from Kelly)***

We had a terrific time on our trip and are looking forward to another round next year. It's such a great time for us kids (yes, that includes us) to be surrounded by great Americana / Grassroots music and slow down the hustle and bustle of the daily routine for just a short while to truly enjoy life and one another. And that is just what we did.

feeling sleepy fletch?

We fell in love with the new band Tornado Rider.

To say the least, they were awesome! Very, very entertaining to watch. They are a bit on the heavy side but the boys were all over it! Fletch can't get them out of his head "I'm a Falcon, I'm a Falcon" and he frequently plays the "cello" using a guitar and a drum stick. They ROCK!

we listened to a lot of great music

{me and brother brian}

and had lots of fun playing with our friends and family

maya is just 2 months older than fletch. she is a sweet, quiet little girl and fletch is.. well, fletch. she thought he was crazy but he didn't give up. I think he's in love.

{the two youngest cousins kaya and fletcher}

{kaya, ava, rachel (maya's sister) and gracie trying to stay dry}

{brian, cousin andrew and josh}

we absorbed the nature all around us

every bit of it

{when nature calls, answer it}

and we enjoyed getting to know the Suwannee River

{ready for our canoe trip}

{aunt kelly and colton}

they call it the spirit of the Suwannee

and we love it!

Heading Out

We are packing up and heading out and can't wait! It's that time of the year again and we are excited for another awesome trip here.

My cousin Andy is coming this year and not only will it be so much fun to have him there to hang out with, but he'll also be a HUGE help with the kids as he always is. The kids are extra excited this year knowing that he'll be there to play with them.

We are praying for no problems with the RV as we had our share of them last year. After a few tire blowouts which turned into an unexpected expense and caused the trip there to take much longer than we'd anticipated, we are praying that this time around will be smooth "sailing".

Before we depart, here are just a few random things that I'm so thankful for...

...for Gracie's special "date" with Ava and Kaya to see the ballet performance Cinderella at the Kravitz Center. The night truly made her feel like a princess herself. Thank you Brian and Kelly for including her on Ava's special birthday surprise!

...for having a sweet kitty who keeps my boy company during his many art adventures

...for having a very flexible and patient son who is willing to put up with his sisters many episodes of playing dress up

...for having wonderful childhood friends to gather together with and watch our children play together as we once did long ago

...for having another sweet kitty who I affectionately call Rubylicious who is so patient with a little boy who is often seen running around the house with her in his arms

...and finally for this amazing and beautiful woman who helps me more than I'd ever be able to begin to describe. She truly is a Saint in my life! She will be babysitting the soon to be peepers for us while we're away and will be taking the honor of the three times a day rotations while they grow. Thanks so much Aunt Joyce. We love you!!!

It's 5 am and we are rolling out! Hope you have a great weekend!

Ava Turns Five

Ava celebrated her fifth birthday last Saturday with a fun ducky luau.



Gracie and her "little" cousin Ava

It wound up being an extra windy and chilly day, but that didn't stop the kids from having fun in the pool (but mostly in the hot tub). Uncle B. was on lifeguard duty as you can see him here surrounded by all the kiddos in the pool.

Brian and his two little darlings

We love you so much Ava Rain and had such a fun time celebrating your special day with you!!!