Captivated...

The summer after we got married Owen and I went with his family to Sanibel/Captiva Island. I had heard about this place forever from him and been DYING to go! Needless to say it was a fantastic trip and I knew that first time that I had to bring my parents and sister down there. It was a LONG drive...especially since all 6 of us were piled into our suburban towing a UHaul. We really did have a good time (I love car trips) and Mayzie did a great job! We stayed at a house on the bay side of the island which had a private pool. This was a HUGE plus since swimming was Mayzie's favorite part of the whole trip! We rented a boat two days out of the trip and went shelling at North Captiva (Sanibel and Captiva are wonderful for shelling) and then went fishing the next day. We caught a couple of trout, and when I say a couple I really do mean two...ha! Mayzie did great on the boat. Thanks to some good advice from our expert boating friends, Kayla and Justin, she played in her little laundry basket and loved watching the water! We also did some biking on Sanibel one day. Mom and Dad rented a tandem bike which was the cutest thing ever and Mayzie loved her little trailer! We visited all our favorite resturaunts, did a little shopping and a lot of relaxing! I can't wait to be back!

A Very Proud Niece

Owen's brother Evan leaves for his year deployment in Afghanistan tomorrow. We are having some mixed emotions at our house today. So incredibly proud of Evan and his choices to put his life on hold and at risk to keep our family safe and comfortable in this wonderful country of ours but also worried for his safety. We have complete confidence in our Father's plan but can't help but be anxious for his return in December and then in June.

Owen's mom Janie, Evan and his sweet girlfriend Kelsey all came and visited us over Memorial Day weekend. We had WAY too much food and so much fun just hanging out around Hendersonville. I even tried out one of my Pinterest recipies (with Uncle Evan's help of course)...bacon pancakes...so easy and fun and DELICIOUS! One of my favorite things we did was have a picnic at Saunders Ferry Park. Evan put Mayzie on his shoulders and she did NOT stop laughing for probably 20 minutes as we walked around the park. I'm terrible at remembering to take pictures and so mad at myself for not getting a group one. We'll have to put that on the list for when he's home in December. I know Mayzie doesn't understand any of this now but someday I know that she will proudly brag about her strong and bwave Uncle Evan who's in the awmy (is it weird that I hope she can't say her r's?). Please keep Evan and ALL our soldiers in your prayers and remember this upcoming Fourth of July what our freedom costs. We love you Evan!!!