the jelly-fish sting

We just got back from a trip to Biloxi, Ms. We had a really great time. We were able to soak up a little sun and try out some great restaurants. It was great bonding time for our family. We really needed a vacation. We stayed at the Beau Rivage Hotel - it was really nice. (other than all of the gambling going on) Will had a conference there, so the kids and I hung out by the pool or did some shopping during the day. However, at night Will was able to join us. The picture of Lane's little feet is a picture of his attack by a jelly-fish. He was very upset by it but was very tough. You would have never even know he got stung after about an hour. We left the beach after the sting and went swimming - he forgot all about it. However, if you ask him about it he will tell you that he got bit by a shark.----- I never know what goes threw his little mind. Ha Ha!

Tracy and I (along with the rest of Mary's family ) have been planning a surprise 50th Birthday party for her for 3 months. It has been challenging keeping it from her. he had to overcome many obstacles, but it was a success. We managed to get much of her family from Tennessee here without her knowing. There were many times that we almost got caught.
I even surprised Tracy by making her a cake as well (she actually helped me make her own cake because I had to make it when I made Mary's, while Tracy was at my house) She thought we were just making Mary another cake for the party just in case one was not enough.

The two pictures above are of everyone waiting (well hiding) so Mary can arrive.

To get Mary to the surprise birthday party we told her to stop by our house because I forgot to unplug my straightener. So she let herself in with her own key and was not expecting anyone home. The pictures above are pictures of the big surprise. Mary was so shocked when she came in and saw everyone at our house.

Here we are all gathered around watching Mary open all of her gifts. Some were gag gifts and some were nice ones. Thank you everyone for coming and helping pull this party off.

We finished the weekend by going down town on Saturday and buying some formals for $5.00 (just for fun) from Frogs and Fairies. Everyone put them on and Karaoked until late Saturday night. It was hilarious to see everyone acting and sounding so ridiculous. The kids even joined in and sang. We had the best time this weekend and we wish you -- Mary and Tracy -- a very happy birthday.

Mary-Beth is so excited---SHE HAS LEARNED TO SWING---on her own. She has never been more proud of herself. Sunday afternoon, our neighbor's children were over playing. The oldest one was swinging on our swing set. Mary-Beth was watching in awe of her swinging. After the children left, Mary-Beth worked very hard until she finally got it. She now can not wait to go outside and swing. Every morning she wakes up saying "Mommy can I go outside and swing". I am so proud of her.

Geyser Falls

Rachell and her little girl -- and me and my two children went to Geyser Falls, Monday. It took us about 2 1/2 hours but it was well worth the drive. It could not have been more beautiful weather or any happier children. We played in the kiddie section (the pictures above). We also went to the leaky creaky section. This was tons of water being pored on your head as you climb your was to the top to slide down some pretty big slides. Believe it or not, even the two small children (Lane and Addison) loved the climb and the slide. I could not get any pictures of this because we stayed drenched there. We left at the end of the day when my little Lane said "that's enough, mommy." If I can tire out him than I have done something. He could not even walk to the car, I had to carry him. It was a great way to spend a Monday.