First Time Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chloe had her picture made with Santa Claus at her school's Winterfest. This is the first time in her life that she has been even in the same room with Santa much less sit on his lap. I'm thinking she likes the Jolly Old Elf now!

Summer's Gone :(

Summer has come and gone and now it is time to start back to school! What a busy few weeks, this may have been one of the fastest summers that I can remember. Chloe reached a big milestone today! She lost her first tooth. Isn't she just the cutest thing EVER!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

It was a good day in spite of the fact that I had to leave the beach. And I did get to share the ride back with Chloe. We got to talk about all the things we did at the beach and just how many more days till we returned! Pictures tell the story so much better. Just indulge me for a while here:)

Kiss My Toes and Crabs!

It started with 'Kiss My Toes' but quickly changed to 'I've Got Crabs'! Let me explain...The first time we hit the beach just 3 short years ago, Chloe was very hesitant to get near the ocean. Fast water and big waves were just a little overpowering for a 3 year old. So, I came up with the story that the waves were just kissing her toes. [And, with those freshly polished toes, who wouldn't want to!] Tonight was no exception. It had been quite breezy all day and the waves were quick and big so we had to relearn the process slowly, letting the waves come to us and kiss our toes. What fun! It wasn't long till we were wet past our knees and almost swept off our feet a couple of times. Oh, about the crabs. We were crabbing on the beach. Grant and Pepaw netted 3 big Blue Crabs for our little bucket. We walked up and down the beach looking for more but guess the wind was just too much for the little critters. We released our crabs and headed back to the condo for a good night's sleep.

We're Baaaaack!!!!

We made it! It's just turning 2 AM as I sit and listen to the ocean beat against the beach. I cannot wait until daybreak to see the white sands and the rolling water! Driving all the way through was great [for us girls anyway, we rested in the back.] We stopped in a small place in Mississippi to eat and were asked 'Smoking' or 'Non-smoking' when we went in! It's been a while since I heard that! Great cheeseburgers and tater babies, a check of Facebook [yes, free Wi-Fi] and we were soon back on the road again. The trip was really uneventful until we reached Foley, AL. Right in the middle of town, at least 3 deer were crossing the 5 lane highway and almost met head on with the truck. OMG! Brakes were slammed on and all that were sleeping were soon awakened. We stopped at the rental agency and picked up the keys to the condo and here we are, unpacked and ready for bed. We have new living room furniture and Gil and I have a new chest in our bedroom. A nice little surprise! Stay tuned for beach fun! It's going to be a wild weekend. Chloe Grace fell asleep smiling.

Remembered!

I remember. From sitting on the arm of Grandma Murphy's big blue chair and listening to the story of Beowulf to the long summer days spent at the Tennessee River...I remember. From hearing tales of my ancestors to the shenanigans of brothers and cousins gone wild...I remember. Anyone who ever crossed paths with John T. Murphy remembers him. He never met a stranger. He was a big hearted man who left giant prints on this old Earth. I was blessed to have him be my Uncle John. I know he stands at the river's edge waiting...

It's Official!

Chloe is a big girl! Yes, those ears are pierced! And, she is so proud!