Anne's 1st Dance Recital

Whew!  It's been a busy week!  Jarod and Anne attended VBS at Pinewood this week (a church just around the corner from our house).  Jarod has been going since he was in Kindergarten and this year Anne got to join him.  She was so excited!  They had a GREAT week!

We finished it off tonight with Anne's very first Dance Recital.  Destiny Dance Center did a wonderful interpretation of Hansel and Gretel and Anne was a Firefly.

 Flying in to "tickle" Hansel and Gretel

She received a trophy tonight and Daddy brought her a rose.

Proud Daddy.....

Proud Mommy....

Anne with Jarod and Nana!  Thanks Nana for coming to watch Anne dance.  It was a magical night!

Tomorrow we leave for Youth Camp at Lake Yale!  Busy! Busy!  Until next time with camp pictures.......

Summer Begins......

Summer has officially begun for us here in Florida!  Anne graduated from Pre-K and we took off!  This week we went to Orlando.  Russ attended the Southern Baptist National Convention during the first part of the week and the Ligoneers Conference the second half.  Our friends Chuck and Karesa joined us for the convention and Sasha came when Russ went to Ligoneers.  I knew I was going to enjoy the week - but wow!  The snails pace and the laying by the pool - I could have stayed another week!  And no - we did not go to Disney!  Well - we went shopping at Downtown Disney - but no parks.  And I was okay with that!!!!!

Russ and Jarod reading the "Gator Warning" sign outside our condo.

Chuck and Anne "Gator Hunting" - None were found.

Russ and Chuck

Me and Karesa

Pool Time

We went to Target after the first day of swimming and Anne bought Goggles - she wore them with her PJ's

Back from swimming.  She fell asleep backwards in the chair waiting for her turn in the shower.

Detoured to the playground while we waited to see what the clouds were going to do.

I found her praying and asking God to not let it rain so we could swim.  Priceless!

Being silly on the swing

Sasha came to stay a few nights.  Time for swimming lessons!

Doing great!

Sasha, Jarod and Anne

By the end of the week, Anne was jumping in the deep end and swimming to Sasha!

Monday begins Vacation Bible School at a church by our house and then we are off to Youth Camp with the Church on June 27.  I'll keep you posted......

Anne's Pre-K Graduation

Tonight was Anne's Pre-K Graduation from Lighthouse Christian Preschool at Jacksonville Beach.  I can't believe this year is over already.  But as much as we have been flying back and forth from the beaches, I guess it shouldn't be a surprise.  It's been a wonderful experience for Anne and we couldn't have been more thrilled with the school and all the people who work there.  It was well worth the drive!!!  Here are a few pictures from our evening.

Waiting for the program to begin

Anne with her class mates singing for us.

Receiving her "Diploma"

A proud Daddy!

A proud Mommy!

Even a proud big brother!

And a very proud Graduate!  Now - on to Kindergarten!!!!

They gave us a nice folder with her "Diploma" in it, along with a copy of the program and this photo.  I thought it was so sweet.

Saturday we take of to Orlando for a week!  No Disney this time.  Our best friends from Alabama are coming to stay with us for a few days.  Russ and Chuck will attend the Southern Baptist National Convention and Karesa and I, along with the kids, will relax at the condo and go to the pool!  I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am!  The four of us have not been together is almost 3 years and we are overdue!!!  Not to mention, just being able to relax and enjoy some new scenery.  They will leave Wednesday, then Russ will also attend the Ligoneers Conference in Orlando and Sasha will come and visit for a few days before we come home on the 19th.  I simply cannot wait!  But - lot's of Calligraphy and packing to do in the next few days - so I'm off for now.  Until next time with lots of fun photos from out trip......

Beach Party

As you know, Anne has been attending Pre-K in Jacksonville Beach.  We put her out there thinking we would move and she wouldn't have to change schools.  Once we decided to stay on our side of the world for a while, we continued to make the drive every day because we liked the school so very much!  She's had a great teacher and has made lots of little friends.

Today was her end of the year party and we all gathered at her teacher's house and walked to the beach.  Actually we walked to The Lodge at Ponte Vedra Country Club and ate hamburgers and hot dogs, before embarking on the private beach.  Now that's the way to have a party!!!!

Eating with her friends on the patio before heading down to the beach.

Ponte Vedra Beach

Waiting for that wave......

Running......

Anne's friends!  She's had a great time this year.  We are so thankful for Lighthouse Christian Preschool!

She will have here little graduation ceremony on Thursday night.  Cap & Gown and all.  Until then, with more pictures.......