Aunt Betty & Uncle Andy's in Virginia

We went to my Aunt Betty & Uncle Andy's this past weekend.........a GREAT way to kick off our summer, for sure!! We left Sat. morning early and came home late Monday night. We had an AWESOME time. Living in Virginia as well are my 3 cousins (Aunt Betty's 3 kids). Brenda lives about 50 feet away, and Sandy & Russel live about 25 minutes away (but like 2 minutes from eachother). So, when we go visit, we get to see everyone! It's so great!

The boys have so much fun exploring the "land", riding the tractors & golf cart, and for Nathan this time, "riding" on Aunt Sandy's motorcycle. They learned how to get "honey" from a honeysuckle from their cousin Bailey, and discovered the mulberry trees up by the road. They went for a quick dip in the pool at Aunt Brenda & Uncle Rick's (next door). It was filled by a truck on Monday (they have well water, and you don't want the well to run dry!), and the boys were swimming less than 2 hours after it was filled!

Our favorite spot there is down by the creek on the bridge.........lots of fun. Sometimes we float boats down, or just sticks. We usually "fish" with sticks and string, too.

We can't say enough about how much fun we have........and the best part is our family. Everyone is so warm, generous and so much fun! These are the best summer memories we can imagine for the boys to be able to look back on. We are truly Blessed!

Saturday's Surprise.........

Well, as we got our little pool ready for the boys this morning, Mike happened to spy an interesting thing hiding behind our one air conditioner..........a rather large snapping turtle! I was shocked at how large it was. My suspicion was that it was a female getting ready to lay her eggs (or having done so and got lost getting back "home").

Mike & our neighbor Mr. Herman got it with a shovel and put it in our trash can. We played with her a bit, then let her go way back behind our house (outside our fence). See, inside is where the "tame" animals belong, outside is the "wild" :) :)

Addison's 5th Birthday

Addison's 5!!!







getting their new cameras!! ..............................taking his first picture (Nathan's hair cut)






Addison's Birthday was June 2nd. He's a big 5 years old already!!

We had lots of fun with both sets of grandparents over!! Nathan and Addison were allowed to open a gift from Aunt Karyn & Uncle Jim.......kid cameras!! Addison was soooo excited as this was the only thing he requested (like, 2 days before his birthday!!). It was nice enjoying the festivities out on the deck, too :)

Just before dark Mike gave Addison & Logan a buzz cut :) Their second of the year so far.

The "U" Nieces' Recital

Dad U., Lexi & Mike



Katie & Erin ...................................................................Erin, Lexi & Katie


June 1st was Mike's oldest niece Lexi's last recital as she is a senior this year. Also in the recital were nieces Erin & Katie. They have all made the ensombles which you have to try out for, and go to competitions. They all did an awesome job. They work so hard all year......it's nice to see the end product.........which is always fabulous. Their school, Jazz Unlimited, puts on really great recitals!

Logan's Last Day of School

Logan had a concert on his last day of school (May 22). I had to work so Mike video taped it for me :) Here is a short video of one song. Unfortunately, Logan was sick (but we didn't know it). He had a fever of 103 when I picked him up later that day :( In some of the video Mike took, I can clearly see that he was struggling and would grasp his throat as if it hurt him to sing :( Poor little guy, what a trooper!!

TBall trophies

Addison ..................................................................................Nathan

The MARLINS!!!!!

May 31st Addison & Nathan received their TBall trophies. They were very proud (as were we). We had an awesome team! Mike was head coach, we had 2 assistants, and all of the parents helped out at practices and games (esp. pitching in when Mike was having issues with his kidney stone)! We couldn't have asked for a better season!