We're getting closer

Only one week until his birthday. Do you think he can do it?

Family Reunion

Last week we had a family reunion with Donnie's family. His parents came out and his two sisters and their families came as well (one sister lives here in GA).

It was nice to visit with family we haven't seen in a while. In fact, this was Jaxon's first meeting with his paternal grandparents. It didn't take him long to warm up to Grandma Y.

Donnie was in charge this year, and he wanted everyone to get a feel for Atlanta. The first day, we went to Zoo Atlanta. I think all of the kids really enjoyed the parakeet house the most. There are more than 500 birds, and if you hold out a seed stick (you purchase it there) they will come and eat out of your hand. It is pretty cool.

We checked out most of the animals (we skipped a few because of time and hunger constraints), and then headed to the kid's zone. The kids rode the carousel, we all rode the train, and then the girls jumped in a bouncy castle while the boys climbed a rock wall.

I was impressed at how quickly the boys were able to scale the wall!

The next day was Sunday, so we all went to church and then took the rest of the day easy.

On Monday, we went to breakfast at Waffle House, and then headed downtown to check out the Aquarium. I really like the Aquarium, but more importantly, Sydney and Jaxon love it! Jaxy really likes the giant viewing room.

After the Aquarium we walked over to the CNN center to eat, and then let the kids play in one of the playgrounds at Centennial Olympic Park.

Tuesday Donnie had to go to school and his brothers-in law were working, so we took a day off. It was also my dad's birthday, so we spent that evening with my side of the fam eating Mexican food and birthday cake.

Wednesday we all met up at Stone Mountain Park for a day of fun. We rode the tram to the top of the mountain and back - the men and boys walked the 1.3 miles back to the bottom. Then we played a round of mini golf and rode the Stone Mountain Express.

We had a picnic lunch and the went back out for more action. We watched a

4-D movie, listened to story time (twice), played at the barn, toured the plantation, and the kids, Donnie, Deidra, Deanna, and Lorin took their chances on the Sky Hike.

Around 8 p.m. we headed back to the lawn for a picnic dinner and to settle in for the laser show. I love thelaser show! Like a lot of things, I am not sure if it is because it is a great show, or because I have so many happy memories associated with it, but a trip to Stone Mountain isn't complete without

watching it.

Thursday we headed back dowtown to watch a Braves game. Not everyone was thrilled to see the team in action, so we split up this day. Donnie, Sydney, Jaxon, and I went. Donnie's two brothers-in-law came, and their sons came too. Basically, it was a boys plus Sydney and Amy activity.

It was fun, and we had good seats. When the game started it was really sunny and hot, but by the top of the 8th the clouds started to roll in. Finally, just as the final batter struck out in the bottom of the 9th, the thunderstorm pounded down. The rain came so quickly and so heavily that everyone was caught off guard.

There is nothing like a GA summer storm!

The girls used Thursday as a mani/pedi day. They all came home with fabulous nails!

Friday we went to the Dekalb International Farmer's Market. Each family bought items to take back to Donnie's sister's house and make for our Farmer's Market Pot Luck.

We had carne asada with fresh salsa; chicken curry with potatoes, sugar snap peas, and broccoli; pork curry; strawberry spinach salad with a variety of toppings; rice; lime water; and peppers with a cheese stuffing wrapped in proscuitto. It was all very yummy!

Saturday we spent the day at the temple. It was our last day together, as everyone started leaving Sunday.

It was a nice visit, it just ended too soon!

Graduation

I can hardly believe that I have nephews who are grown up and heading to college in the fall, but I do. The oldest of our 31 nieces and nephews graduated from high school this year.

Corey is the oldest, and since he lives in GA we were able to attend his commencement ceremony. It was nice to be with family, and to see all of Corey's hard work pay off. He starts college in Savannah in just a few months. I know he will do well. He is very smart - and I am sure he will work hard.

Tyler is the second oldest (they are only 3 months apart). Tyler graduated from a high scholl in Guam, so we couldn't quite make that celebration. I'm sure it was lovely though. We are also proud of Tyler. He too is smart and a hard worker. He starts college in Hawaii this fall.

Savannah and Hawaii - I think we need to plan trips to visit our two nephews at school this next year!

Here are a few photos from Corey's graduation:

Here are a few pictures I stole from Tyler's Facebook page :-)