Summer 2009...

I've been a little behind on updating my blog. I have been doing my Flashback Friday, but other than that...I have been busy.

I cannot believe that summer is over. It has flown - for that matter - 2009 has flown as well. So, here is a recap of the summer of 09...

• Fun beach trip in June (I actually did post about that trip) - you can see it here.
• In July I went to see NKOTB with my friend Karen - see it here
• Fun 4th of July at my cousin's house - see it here
• Cruise in July with the fam - see it here and here
• Went to the beach in August - had a great time. Brandon and Ella swam like fish the entire time.
• I read 5 books this summer. I read the Twilight series - I was curious as to what the hype was about. It took me months to read the first one (probably because I saw the movie first), but once I finally finished it, I read the other three very quickly. I enjoyed reading them - but am still not sure what all the obsession is about. I will go and see the movies though.
• I also read The Time Travelers Wife. I had decided that I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. The book is a hard read and you have to really concentrate to follow it. Its an ok book - so unrealistic. Movie review coming up...
• Brandon started school this year. I cannot believe he is in kindergarten. He is doing well and has been enjoying it. He is such a kid now and not a little boy anymore.

I will have more posts coming soon with some movie reviews and a few other things...

Hope you had a great summer!!!

Hola Mexico Part Dos!!!

More photos from our vaca...

We played cards every day and this is what my life was like during every game!

And this is what Nicole's life was like - she won every game but one

Beach!!

Cokes in Progresso!

Dad and Candice

Dad and Ronald bonded

our towel animal

Hola Mexico!!!

We had a great family vacation. This year we went back to Progresso and Cozumel, Mexico. We had an addition to the family in the new brother in law - Ronald. He fit into the family nicely...here are a few photos...

Cozumel, Mexico

Nicole

Tracy

Catholic church in Progresso

Progresso City Hall

the newlyweds

open air bus tour in Progresso

playing putt putt on the boat

Beach!!!!

We took a short trip to the beach a few weeks ago. It was lots of fun hanging with the family and relaxing for a few days. The whole Beams family was there except for the newlyweds, they could not get off work since they had just been off for their honeymoon. Tons of fun was had by all...

We went to this fun restaurant called Crab Trap in Orange Beach. They had a playground for the kids while we waited.

Savannah and Noah

Brandon loves the pool and the beach more than anything.

crab hunting on the beach

Savannah and Noah at the pool

Papa Benny and Ella playing

Savannah and Brandon playing in the water

the waves got them!!

Bachelorette Weekend

The sisters took a trip to celebrate Nicole before she got married.  We went to my "favorite" place Pigeon Forge.  If you know me - you know that isn't my favorite place because every time I go there it is for work.  Its hard for me to take myself away from work thoughts when I am there since I pass all the hotels we use, venues, etc.  One good thing about it is I do get free stuff though since I do so much business with them :).  

We had a great time...here are a few photos from Tracy's camera (I haven't seen Nicole's and Candice's yet).  I didn't take any on my camera - Candice, Nicole and Tracy were the photographers!

Tracy and Candice on our way to the Forge

Nicole 

me and Tracy

We went to Wonder Works museum - its a lot like the McWane Center in Birmingham.  

It was so much fun!!

I was getting into the space capsule - I do not know how the astronauts rode in something like that - it was very uncomfortable.

Astronaut Tracy

Astronaut Gina

Astronaut Nicole

Astronaut Candice

Nicole was testing her reflexes - I think mine were the best out of everyone.

Candice testing her reflexes

We were in the hurricane tunnel - 70 mph wind was blowing us.

We also went to the Hoot N Holler Dinner Show - it was very funny!

We went to MagiQuest.  It was a fun place - we only did the bottom section - the top section seemed a little cheesy for 4 adults - it involved wands.  The bottom section was a lot of fun.  Black Light Putt Putt, the Vault (which was a Mission Impossible Laser Maze) and a mirror maze.  Lots of fun!

I was holding up my shoe because I thought it would glow in the dark with the black light - the flash on the camera took the glow out though.  I felt stupid after I realized it wouldn't show.  So, basically this picture is of me holding up my shoe!

The Mirror Maze was the best part - it was so fun!

Apple Barn - we got to sit with the table that has the swings.  I have ALWAYS wanted to do that - I was so excited when they sat us there!!

More photos of Bach Weekend and the wedding coming soon!