Vacationing the Oliver Way

Let me preface this post by saying that we are spoiled rotten!! (I know that some of you are rolling your eyes because this is no news flash for you.)  We enjoy at least one trip to the beach with both Matt's parents and my parents.  Tough life, I know. 

It is so funny to hear Matt tease about the differences in our family vacation and his family vacation.  The Olivers like to go, go, go, and come back from a vacation feeling like (as the saying goes) "you need a vacation from the vacation."  The Gaymons like to relax, play it by ear, and come back feeling more refreshed.  So, Matt has had to adjust to our style of vacationing.  And, I am pleased to say, that after almost eight years of marriage, Matt has finally started to not only adjust, but he is enjoying a vacation with the Olivers.  We had a great time!!  Here are a few things that we squeezed into our week at the beach:

The first few days were really chilly.  We had to get creative in order to stay entertained.  We swam in the tub, splashed around in the hot tub, walked down to the deck to watch people fish, and went on a little shopping trip.  Fun was still had by all!

The girls swam in the garden tub for a full hour.  So fun!

Mimi and Eliza are ready to go shopping!

Sweet cousins cuddling in Mimi and Papa's bed.

Hot tub time!

It took Kerri Grace a little while to get used to swimming.

Maggie helped make the "Celebration Breakfast" in honor of Daddy's first morning at the beach.

Maggie and Kerri Grace check out the live bait.

Crab!

 The weather warmed up, and it was glorious from Wednesday afternoon on!  We played and played and played on the beach.  The guys played golf and went on a couple of bike rides. We went out to eat at all of the local favorites!  We had a blast!

Eliza's first time on the beach!

The Oliver Family

Kerri Grace wearing Daddy's hat.

Hand-in-Hand...

Those are some hard core bike riders!

Off they go!

Maggie and Kerri Grace made some new Canadian friends.  They played with them every single day.  So fun!

Daddy and Kerri Grace have a chat on the beach.

Like Father Like Daughter

This is so fun!  Hooray!

Seaweed for the Sea Turtle!

The turtle is done!

Sandy Sisters!

Beach Picture!

Another Family Shot!

Mommy and Kerri Grace.

And, that's a wrap!  Goodbye, Litchfield.

 So, there you have it!  We couldn't have fit one more event in, and it was such a fun trip! 

What ways are your family trips different from your spouse's?!  I'd love to hear.  Happy Monday!

The Things They Say....

This conversation took place about a month ago, and although I don't think I will ever forget it, I still want to jot it down in my "viral memory book."  It went something like this....

Mommy:  Maggie, I love you so much.
(Maggie nods)
Mommy:  Do you know who loves you even more than Mommy?  Even more than Daddy?
(Side Note: The correct answer is Jesus.  Everyone knows that the only being capable of more love than a mother is Jesus, right?)
Maggie's eyes light up!
Maggie: Yes.....Mimi!!!!!!!

I decided not to continue with the conversation, and revisit the love of God later on.  At least my little gal knows that she is loved!!

Candy Shop!!

Our very talented friend, Kim Deloach, held a Candy Shop Mini Photography Session at her house last week, and I couldn't resist!  The morning was pretty chilly, but Kim was still able to get so many sweet shots of my sweet gals in the sweet shop!  All of the images are adorable, but these are a few she posted on facebook:

Look at Maggie's complete joy, and Kerri Grace admiring her sister!

This shows my girls' personalities perfectly....Maggie is posing and following the rules while Kerri Grace is only concerned about the candy.  Ha!  Love both of their little personalities!

Yum!! Yum!!

I hope that your weekend is as delicious as these pictures!! 

Things That Matter....

I have been dwelling on this quote this morning. I will be on to Maggie's dance recital video tomorrow (less important but cute-as-can-be post), but for now, I am praying through this thought. Happy Monday!

He is Risen and is Worthy of Celebration!!!!

Happy Easter to All!

I love Easter! Despite the fact that I usually spend the entire weekend in a big mess of tears, I really enjoy the celebration of Christ's sacrifice and his Resurrection. Really....is there anything else more worthy of celebrating?! No!

Praise Him for Dying for Me and Resurrecting to Prove His Plan Was Accomplished!

This past weekend, we worshipped, ate, partied, and of course, hid and found Easter eggs. We had our traditional Fortner lunch at our house which was a lot of fun. That was a first for me, and I felt like such an adult. (I guess being married, having kids, and being over thirty doesn't make me feel that way. ;))

Here are some pictures of our weekend of celebration:

Here are a few shots of the girls dying eggs and our house decorated for the festivities. I love our home!!

My little morning cuties looking at their Easter basket goodies...

Before we headed to church Sunday morning, we had a little photo shoot. The girls decided to let their true colors show! Ha!

The Bradley Oliver Family

Mimi and Papa with all of their Easter chicks.

The Matt Gaymon Family

Aunt Sandra, Uncle Roger, and Juleah Rose

My Sweet Little Gals

The Oliver Granddaughters

Mimi with Eliza

Maggie loved hiding and hunting eggs!

She is so silly!

Eliza and her Mommy

Mimi and Papa looking for eggs.

Kerri Grace and Daddy

"He is risen from the dead!" -Mark 16:6
I hope that you had a sweet Resurrection Sunday with family and friends!