On the Road with Lily Grace: A guest post

Mom and I went on a road trip to Indianapolis to see the Childrens Museum of Indianapolis.  We also went to see dad on his birthday because he was there on business. 

On our road trip, we got breakfast at Starbucks, and then started our road trip!  We saw many corn fields.  I took pictures of them because I was the photographer.  When I got tired, Mom watched for the Nestle bunny.  I was sleeping.  When Mom saw it, she woke me up.  I took a picture of it.  When we got to the Childrens Museum, we saw a glass sculpture, a mummified dinosaur, Chinese Terra Cotta Warriors, and lots more! 

On Dad’s birthday, we went to the hotel to meet dad.  When he got to the hotel, I hugged him and he smelled like magnet wire, which stinks.  We went to Mountain Jacks for dinner.  I loved their meal.  After we ate, we went back to the hotel.  I read a couple of pages of my book. 

When I woke up, we went to Starbucks to get a breakfast sandwich.  Then we said goodbye to dad and got in the car for another road trip.  We didn’t go past the Nestle bunny though.  We had alot of fun on our road trip.

A selfie to start the trip

Dropping off Molly

A Molly Ann selfie

Me and mom- two girls on the road

A beautiful red barn in the corn field

I have never had Nestle quick, but mom grew up with this bunny.  He's really big and cute.

I finally got to see this glass sculpture that I read about in my Science book 
in second grade.

There are beautiful glass pieces at the bottom of the sculpture. 

Chinese Opera Singer Costumes

Me building a Chinese Terra Cotta Warrior

Finally, I built him!

One of the real Chinese Terra Cotta Warriors and his horse

My Terra Cotta Warrior pose

A real race car (you have to really stretch out and be long to start it)

I'm glowing!!!

Some American Girls

This mirror made us really short

Daddy loves Indiana Jones.  I found the movie artifacts for him. 

This dinosaur is trying to eat my head off!!!!!

Diggin' for bones

Ahhhhh!  Dinosaurs are trying to break into the museum

A huge Transformer called Bumblebee

Dad's birthday dinner at Mountain Jack's

Mom with the birthday boy!

Michigan Holiday

This past weekend, we drove to Michigan to visit the "L" family and celebrate the 4th of July.  It was our first trip to Michigan other than passing through the Detroit airport from time to time.  

We had a great time hanging out, watching the fireworks, fishing, getting wet and seeing the sights.  

Thanks so much to the "L's" for hosting and sharing your quaint little town with us. 

Sporting their matching shirts

A beautiful spot to watch the fireworks from

No, Matt isn't watching the fireworks, apparently he's dreaming about them.

Keeping themselves entertained while waiting for nightfall. 

The Singing Fountain kicked off the fireworks

The best way to watch and enjoy

I love this picture.  It looks like a postcard of summer vacation.

It was a beautiful but chilly day.  It didn't stop these two from getting wet.

Matt and Scott enjoyed a little fly-fishing while  Kathy and I enjoyed the beach and pool with the girls.  Matt was in heaven.  As you can see, little is the operative word  here. 

Downtown Charm

This is how you handle 6 people in a 5 passenger car.  Yes!  He really rode to the pier back there.  It was hilarious.  However, Lily Grace is truly her father's daughter, see the worry on her face.  

Family of Flower Girls

This past week, we visited Alabama for my cousin Jessica's wedding.  Lily Grace had the honor of being Jessica's flower girl.  She was beyond excited and loved every minute of it.  
I think we all have a family member that we loved spending time with and looked up to or tried to emulate.  For me, it was my Aunt Pam.  She had long curly hair and she loved make-up and I thought she was the best.  She'd let me style her long hair and would give me her old makeup to play with and I loved spending time with her.  
For Lily Grace, that person is Jessica.  They both love the color pink and everything girly.  Lily Grace absolutely adores Jessica and never tires of  being with her.  Jessica is very good to Lily Grace, spending time with her and taking a real interest in doing things that she knows Lily Grace will enjoy.   
When the invitation came in the mail inviting Lily Grace to be Jessica's flower girl, her excitement was priceless.  I don't think Lily Grace stopped smiling for days and she is still talking about it even though the day has come and gone.  
This trip down the isle was made even more special by the succession of flower girls in our family.  You see, I was my Aunt Pam's flower girl back in 1980.  Jessica (my Aunt Pam's daughter) was  my flower girl back in 1993 and on June 7, my own little girl, Lily Grace served as Jessica's flower girl.  Needless to say, we've kept it all in the family.  Too sweet!
As Jessica and Tanner drove away from the reception, Lily Grace began to cry.  I had to remind her that she wasn't losing Jessica, just gaining Tanner as part of the deal. (no pressure Tanner- ha!)  I was also so happy to know that Lily Grace has that same kind of experience in looking up to someone and looking forward to spending time with them.  I can still remember many of those times. (Thanks Aunt Pam!)  Thank you Jessica for being so sweet to her  and for being a good example to my sweet girl who watches and listens to you so closely.   
Thank you Jessica and Tanner for including us in your special day.  We had the best time and wish you both all the very best. May God bless and keep you both, today and always.    Much love-

                                       

As always when we visit Alabama, Lily Grace has to get in a game of Bingo with Honey and her friends at her retirement village.  The fashion glasses didn't help her win by the way.  

She also got in some fishing with Honey and caught her first fish.  She was so excited that she let go of the pole and started jumping up and down screaming before she even got the fish reeled in.  Luckily, daddy is a good catch. 

We also enjoyed a fun family dinner before the wedding which of course included some game time.  

Aunt Pam and Lily Grace after a game of HeadBanz

Jessica and Lily Grace are all smiles at the Bridal Luncheon where Jessica gave Lily Grace a precious keepsake box.

Lily Grace, Jessica and I enjoyed a pedicure and manicure to get ready for the big day.  

So sweet and ready for her big walk down the isle. 

The reception was held in a beautifully renovated barn by a pond colored with flowers and gardens.  

Lily Grace couldn't have been happier with the wedding colors.  It included pink and looks so pretty against the scenic backdrop.

Happy to lose her flower girl shoes for a comfy pair of slippers to run around and party

Jessica and Tanner had a photo booth at the reception.  Let me just say that I think the list of people LG didn't get her picture made with would be shorter.  The girl must have visited that think at least 10 times.  

Me and My Aunt Pam in 1980  (Lily Grace was kind enough to let everyone know that the Bridal Luncheon that while Aunt Pam's hair looked amazing, mine looked horrible. Really??? who doesn't appreciate some good "feathers" on the side?  It was the 80's)

Jessica on the left as my flower girl in 1993.  I'm glad the photographer was able to snap this picture before my sleeves carried me away! HA! In my defense, bigger was better in the 90's.  

Second Grade Comes to an End

This past week has been a busy and exciting one.  Lily Grace finished her last day of second grade, but not before being honored with two awards for academic excellence at her school's award ceremony.  
She also celebrated her last day with her own style.  Her school is changing their uniforms next year and the kids were allowed to wear their own clothes for the last day.  According to her, she needed a fun look.  
She was all smiles when she walked out the doors for the last time as a second grader Friday afternoon and most excited to get summer started.  (ok...so to LG that meant coming right home and getting started on the summer work packet the school sent home.)  The girl loves school!  
On Sunday, she had her end of the year violin recital.  She played Bach's Minuet 1 and was accompanied on piano by her violin teacher, Caleb.  They did a wonderful job!
Gracie, daddy and I are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished this year.  Your work ethic, self confidence, love for God and kind heart make you the wonderful girl you are.  
Next stop.....Third Grade!!!

Last day of second grade and looking forward to third

Awards Ceremony

Oh the concentration...

...and exhale!  Love the Curtsy