A much needed Fall Break

Since Zachary started Kindergarten, we have made fall break our "family vacation time". Rates are cheaper, better weather and less crowds. We headed out for Gulf Shores for a fun filled week with family and friends (5 other families). This would be Anna's first glimpse of the beach. We videoed her first reactions looking over the balcony of our 9th floor condo, and all she could keep saying is "wow, beautiful!" It was priceless. We then headed out to get our toes in the sand. And this is Anna's first steps in the sand.

On Friday night, we attended the free Concerts for the Coast concerts for Bon Jovi and then on Sunday night saw Little Big Town and Brad Paisley. There is nothing like watching a free concert, on the beach, in beautiful fall weather!!!

Anna truly loved the sand and beach. She NEVER once complained or wanted to go in. She could sit and scoop sand up and put in a bucket for hours. She loved getting in the hot tub at the pool. She also loved hunting for shells in the sand.

Anna also got to ride on her first ferris wheel ride at the Wharf. She was all smiles! No fear.

The boys enjoyed playing anything that involved a ball-

For months now, Anna has seen several of our beach pictures throughout the house and would ask, " Where is Anna?" We would tell her she would be in this years picture and she would always say she wanted to be by Daddy. So we made it a priority (as dreaded as the kids & Mickey hate this) to do family beach pics.

Our Family

School Days & More

It's so hard being a kindergartner.....can't you tell?

And yes, this is at school during reading time. Anna has fallen asleep several times during the reading time in the afternoon. Her teacher captured this photo one afternoon, as she took her a little 45 minute nap. I guess she must have been really tired!!  There is no NAPTIME in kindergarten, but just to let you know, the naps have become fewer as the year goes on.

And, Anna got to ride the school bus home for the first time this week!!! Mickey has been going to pick her up due to her hip, so she hasn't gotten to ride the bus yet. So Friday she got to ride home and as soon as she turned the corner to our house, she was all grins and waving. We heard about the bus the whole weekend and she kept asking to ride it again, so she is an afternoon bus rider nowadays and loves every minute of it.

We were so excited to also have the privilege to volunteer for the Stephen Curtis Chapman concert. He was in town and we got to help pass out packets and assist at the table for "Show Hope". Anna is a "Shop Hope" kid. If you want to learn more about Show Hope or becoming a sponsor, please visit http://showhope.org/.
It is an amazing adoption aid organization that helps give waiting children from around the world loving families by sponsoring adoption and orphan care! And while you are there, check out Marias Big House!