Miss McKinzie Lee

My Goddaughter, McKinzie, came for a visit to celebrate her turning 13 this year!  We had a week chockfull of activities.  Laundry and household responsibilities were put on hold--you only get to turn thirteen once!  I really enjoyed the adult conversation, not having to talk about video games or toys was great.  It's made me look forward to my kids growing up, to see their personalities develop.  Kinzie's personality is full of fun-loving sass and attitude.  She kept us laughing all week!

Isn't she beautiful?!

 

 We enjoyed all Fort Worth had to offer--bounce houses, museums, swim parks, restaurants, and movies.  No activity was left unturned!

 

Surprisingly, it wasn't that hot at the zoo that day.

 

Taking a much-needed break from swimming. It made swimming a lot easier having man-on-man defense with the kids.

 

Super stylish 3-D glasses before the movie at the museum.

 (She's gonna love that I posted this one!)

 

I have always wanted to watch the Twilight movies and was excited when McKinzie said she 

hadn't seen the latest one.  We all watched the first two and had a girls' night out to see the third.  I'm not sure if  I loved it enough to go with my friend, Shanita, to the midnight showing of the next one, but at least now I know what it means to be 'Team Jacob' or 'Team Edward.'  Still not sure which one I am, though. 

 

Steve loved wearing this lovely hat!  We all enjoyed the show, but Harrison really, really loved it.  He literally couldn't sit still in my lap watching the knights joust, constantly asking me if he was a good guy or bad guy.  And, seeing as how I often have to remind him to use his fork and spoons, he had no problem eating with only his hands.

 

Not that she needed it, but I showed her the 'ropes' when it comes to make-up application.  

Being able to apply eyeliner without bumpy lines and smudges will make her the envy of all her friends!

The Barn

After the fun wedding in Detroit we drove over to Port Clinton, Ohio, to visit my GrandmotherJane and her special house.  By house I mean a barn that my Granddad turned into a charming rustic residence.   The 'farm,' as Harrison calls it, holds lots of special memories.  When we're there it's always packed with family and filled with love.  Sadly, we lost Granddad three years ago; being at the barn is the one place you can actually feel his presence. 

 This is a thrilling game of 'keep the ball away from the dogs.'  A lot harder than it may look.

This is the family that packs the house and these are the kind of memories made.

 

 

We ferried over the Put-in-Bay.  It's a quaint little island on Lake Erie.  We rented golf carts and went site-seeing.  I have wishful dreams of owning a summer home on an island like this.  A girl can dream, right?

 

Oh, yes, Gavin was Batman for a few hours. Of course, he drew attention looking like this.  I think it looked like we were hiding some hideous affliction!  Thank goodness we parted with the mask before arriving to the island.

My cutie cousin, Rylan.  Harrison loved being her little helper. 

 

Gavin loves his Da-Da!

 

 

 

Mining for precious stones.  We had fun discovering if our ten dollar bag of dirt would hold the gem of all gems!  

 

 

 

♪ My first kiss went a little like this...♪

 

A slip 'n slide has been entertaining kids for how many years?  And, I have no idea what good Harrison's goggles are doing for him.  But, don't even think about trying to take them off!

 

 

 

I love this boy.

 

 GrandmotherJane made what seemed like a very simple request, "a picture with me and my three great-grandchildren."  No kidding, I took 22!! pictures and this was the best one.  Photoshop had to have come about from people trying to photo multiple children.  It is impossible!

Detroit Nuptials

Oh, how I love weddings!  And weddings of family members are even better!  And weddings with my big boy as the ring bearer are the best!!  

Harrison loving on his beautiful Godmother, Ashly.  Pay no attention to the phone she is holding.  In no way was that phone used to entice an antsy boy to sit still and smile. 

He wowed all the ladies on the way to the church with crazy, mad singing skills to 'boom boom pow' by the Black Eyed Peas.

I know, I know, the boy needs a haircut.  I just can't do it, okay?  It'll happen.  One day.

 Cheers!

 I love seeing my Grandpa smile. 

 

Aunt Pat (M.O.B.) watching Ashly during the daddy/daughter dance.

Grandpa and Grandma were a 'shoe-in' for the who's-been-married-the-longest-dance.  I mean, really, who's is going to top fifty-seven years?

 Gavin loves being carried around by girls of all sizes.

 G-Jo schooling Harrison on the best way to pat a tooshie.  

Harrison told me he wanted a baby bruder.  I told him he had one already, but I would see what I could do.

I just thought this was so cute.  Gavin and Aunt Peg having what looks to be an intense conversation at the rehearsal dinner.  

This was the coolest wedding favor.  A photo booth! 

 

2600 Miles Of Family Lovin'

Being a salesman to his core, it didn't take much for Steve to talk me into buying a motorhome for our trip to Michigan and Ohio.  Having no experience between us, it was a little daunting beginning a two week trip.  But, with lots of internet reading and help from our new-found, friendly R.V.-ers we started our journey. 

I don't know who said it more, Steve or Harrison, "This is soooo cool!"  They thought being able to go the bathroom while also going 65 mph was the best.  Throw-in grabbing an icy cold soda from the fridge--fugetaboutit--they were in boy heaven!

We stopped half-way in Nashville at our first RV park.  I can honestly say, never in a million years did I think I would rest my head at one of these places.  Kinda like that song, "one of these things is not like the other one"  I would be that one who's not like the other one.  This is our first attempt at making Jiffy Pop.  I must say Jiffy knows how to make some popcorn.  Add some M&M's and it was like we were back home!

Nothing is sweeter than watching your baby sleep.  Even when he starts to look like such a big boy.

A nice healthy snack of strawberries, kept chilledl by the super-cool fridge!

All the cousins thought it was the coolest to take a ride.  We picked up quite a few strays along the way.

On the way home we picked up my Goddaughter, McKinzie.   She didn't quite know what she was getting into--22 hours of hearing Gavin yell.  

Saying goodbye to family is always hard. 

 Harrison found a sleeping buddy.










 I should have payed a little more attention to the cardinal RV rule about making sure items that can become airborne are securely tied down.  My laptop can serve quite a beating when it wants to.  Please note the swelling in my cheek and wound on my face.  No, I am not being dramatic and, yes, it was completely Steve's fault.  

 To make our hillbilly trip complete, on our way home we stayed at none other than Elvis' RV park and made a trip to the mansion.  What mansion?!  Graceland, of course. 

I was talking to a coworker complaining about how irritable Gavin was on the way home.  He commented on his grown kids and how much he missed the road trips when they were younger.  He said, even the whining was memorable.   So, here's to many more memorable trips in the RV.  Even if it includes my whiny Geedge.  

Silly Mommy

Me:  Harrison, I have loved you even before you were born.  Do you know you grew in my tummy? (lifting my shirt and pushing my belly out to show him how big my tummy was) And I loved you even when you were inside me growing big. 

Harrison:  Why did you eat me? 

Me: I didn't eat you, you grew inside my tummy....well, uterus, but let's not get technical. 

Harrison:  Silly Mommy, you said tummy.