Uncle Dan & Aunt Claire Performing

My favorite coffee house - ummm....caramel latte w/ whipped cream. Our Wonderful Eyes Mommy & Josie watching the performance. Josie & Uncle Joe enjoying the music. Bissy with her Aunt Claire and Uncle Dan after the show.

This evening, Josie and I went to see Aunt Claire and Uncle Dan perform at Bean Street Cafe. Their stage name is Our Wonderful Eyes. They were great and we really enjoyed watching them play. Aunt Claire and Uncle Dan are amazing musicians. Mommy got to enjoy her favorite coffee as a bonus. Uncle Joe joined us. Daddy and Jonas stayed home and worked around the house. Check out the video of one of Aunt Claire and Uncle Dan's songs below. Please excuse Josie Rose's confusion on clapping versus picking her nose at the end!!! (Be sure to pause the auto playlist music before playing video; otherwise they will run together.)

FAMILY VACATION IN GULF SHORES

On the road to Gulf Shores, AL. Daddy playing in the sand with the kids. Beautiful Josie Rose Handsome Jonas The Great Josie taking a stroll on the beach - watch out Pam Anderson! The cuties hanging out on the pier behind the condo. Josie striking a pose! Fun in the pool - tired of sand in our pants! Jonas using his net to catch hermit crabs and fish from the lagoon. Look at all those hermit crabs.

Mommy having fun on the beach with the kids. Daddy splashing in the ocean with the kids. Daddy and Josie's "mean face." Mommy and Jonas' "silly face." Enjoying dinner at Bahama Bob's on the beach.

The family left for Gulf Shores, AL on June 14th. It was about a ten hour drive, but the kids did great. We had a very nice condo directly on the lagoon. Our condo overlooked the private pier on the lagoon and the pool. It was a very awesome view. We were on West Beach and it was just a walk across the street. We alternated days going to the beach and pool. Jonas really enjoyed hanging out on the pier looking for crabs and fish. He and daddy went fishing for the first time as father and son on our trip. They fed the fish good with their shrimp bait!!! They had a ball. Josie and I hit the souvenir shop while they fished. Daddy also took Jonas night time crabbing with a big flashlight on the beach. They caught a lot of different types of crabs, but they let them all go so they wouldn't die! (We did let Jonas bring two home that he caught the morning we left.) We spent one day at the outlet mall and did a little shopping. Other than that we relaxed at the condo after fun in the sun each day. The weather was great our entire trip. We only went out to eat twice. One night was at Calypso Joe's where the kids danced to some acoustic music and watched crab races. The other night was at Bahama Bob's where we had great seafood. We had such a great first family vacation. Our family is very blessed!

Spending Time with Cousin Sam on Uncle Joe's B-Day

Josie and Sam spending time together. Rocking in Sam's chair. Josie sitting on Sam's Elmo chair. Silly Sam I Am:)

Happy 31st birthday Uncle Joe. Josie and I spent good, quality time with Cousin Sam while Uncle Joe and Aunt Mere went out for dinner and shopping. Jonas didn't get to come along because he was in Vacation Bible School. Josie was so excited to visit Sam. They played and we read LOTS of books. Josie is in the "that's mine" stage, but Sam didn't mind at all. He was a happy little camper and seemed to enjoy the company. The best part was when Sam walked around with the bucket on his head running into things because he couldn't see where he was going. Josie just laughed, which made him want to do it more. We really enjoyed our time and can't wait to get together again soon. Happy birthday Uncle Joe. We hope you had a great birthday.

Spending Time With Uncle Rich :)

Uncle Rich (my dad's brother) is in from the big California. We have really enjoyed our time with him. The first time Jonas saw Uncle Rich and spent time with him he said, "Mommy I like Uncle Rich. I wish Billy (Uncle Rich's son that visits often) could come live with us and Uncle Rich could come live with Grandma Rose and Pawpaw Orvil". It was very cute. Jonas loves Billy and when he found out Uncle Rich was Billy's dad...he was in awe! Family is so important and when you don't get to see them very often due to living out of town it is such a blessing for the kids to spend good, quality time with their loved ones and create fond memories. We love you Uncle Rich. Thanks for visiting!

Jonas' Preschool Graduation

Jonas graduated from preschool. He attended St. John's Lutheran School this year. He loved school and his teachers. He made some new friends that I believe will be his life long friends. The festivities took place at the Lanesville Park. Jonas spent the day eating lunch with mommy, daddy and baby sissy. Then he received his certificate and report card with all good marks. Jonas, we are so proud of you. Look out kindergarten....here comes Jonas!