if only i could show you the pictures

We decided to take advantage of the long weekend and and head to the MS Gulf Coast to visit with Ronnie's Mom (aka: Granny).  Ronnie had to work yesterday, so we didn't get here until rather late (but not too late to make a quick trip to Wal-mart!), and, for the first time ever, we made the 3 hour road trip with a dog!  It wasn't too bad though.  Ronnie did have to make a few modifications to Granny's fence to make it Daisy proof.

This week has been somewhat stressful for me.  Our school week didn't work the way I had hoped and I had a hard time preparing to teach Beowulf (the hard prep work did pay off, though ... my class went very well!).  All of this added up to me being extremely ready to get out of town for a few days and quite honestly, it has been wonderful!  Everyone slept great last night and got up ready for fun.

This morning Ronnie's uncle offered to take us out on his boat.  LB had never been out with him and the boys were excited to get to go again.  I have to admit, I enjoyed it almost as much as the kids.  There were a couple of extra kids along (Ronnie's cousin's daughter and one of her friends) so Charlie told the girls he would let them tube while we were out.  Our kids didn't have their swimsuits with them so they were content to just ride in the boat, but ended up tubing in their clothes.   LB and JW loved it!  We wouldn't let D go since he is a little young and we were afraid that he wouldn't be able to hang on.  We stayed out on the water about 2 hours and had a wonderful time.  I took plenty of pictures, but I can't put them on here until I get home. :(

During the time we were out on the boat, I couldn't help but think about the song the kids and I were singing trying to sing earlier this week.  The weather was perfect - sunny, but not too hot.  It was so relaxing to just sit and take in the world around me ... my Father's world ... beautiful and full of variety and all pointing me to the Creator.  What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!

Following the boat ride, we let the kids swim for a while in Charlie's pool.  When everyone was good and worn out, we headed back to Granny's.  We rounded out the day with dinner at Red Lobster and a quick shopping trip to Target.

All in all, it was a wonderful day ... but it is late now and I am heading to bed.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!