"Blackwater Traditions"

This is a photo of the creek / river where we spent a few hours today. And, of course, there is a story behind it! When I was a little girl, every summer my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother would take me, my brothers and my sister and several other cousins down to a swimming hole on this creek / river. We had some wonderful times swimming, picnicking, rope-swinging and just plain exploring. I guess I have gotten sentimental in my old age - after all, I will be 40 in a few short weeks! I decided a few weeks ago, that I would love for my children to have some of those same memories. So today, despite the 70% chance of thundershowers, we loaded up and headed out to find the perfect spot. And although it was not the exact place we used to go (that place is so grown up it is no longer accessible), we got directions from a dear, sweet friend and were able to find a place to start our own "Blackwater Traditions!"


Andrew, Ty, Amy, Allie, Brady and Conner





Catching tadpoles

Thanks to Nana and Daddy Jim for going with us. As you can see, we had the cousins and the grandparents for memory making!

Notice we took our beach gear with us, but after a few minutes Brady declared, "Mom, this is better than the beach!"

We are already excited about our next trip!

"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."

Proverbs 17:6

Jacobs Family Reunion

For the first time in 12 years, the Jacobs family did NOT go to Lake Martin the 3rd weekend in July. Back during the winter and spring, when it was time for the usual planning of this annual event, we weren't sure what the situation with Grandmother would be in July. After she passed away in May, we decided that even though going to the lake would not be possible this year, we still want to set aside the 3rd weekend in July for a Jacobs' family get-together. So, this year we spent Saturday afternoon at my parents' house eating, fellowshipping and swimming in the rain! Although the weekend will never be quite the same without Grandmother, we hope to return to Lake Martin next summer!

Lydia and Emory

Katy, Amy and Brady


Conner




Allie






Katy and Brady

Aubry, Emory and Conner

Emory, Conner, Lydia and Peyton

Peyton, Aubry and Emory

Lydia

Peyton

Emory and "Charlie"

Lydia

"Keep Away"

"Charlie" and Conner

"Chicken Fights"

"Popsicle Time"


I am truly blessed to have been born into such a wonderful family!

"But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; Your renown endures through all generations."

Psalm 102:12

Summer Vacation 2011

We just returned from a week-long family vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida. We stayed at Sunnyside Beach and Tennis with the Kelley side of our family and had a blast! The pictures in this post show some of our adventures while we were there. The first photo shows Hubble and the boys as we were waiting in line to go into Wonder Works.




Here Conner has made his entrance into Wonder Works through the spinning tunnel.

Brady is taking his turn on the off road atv game.

Conner trying out the pitching game...

Both boys experimenting with the head turners.....

Brady in the bubble lab......

Conner in the bubble lab....

Conner in the head illusion "thingy".....

....and Brady adding a little drama to his photo!

MINDBALL!!!!

Brady, the astronaut......

Conner and Brady getting ready for the 3-story rope climb course.....

Don't fall Brady!

Hang on Conner! That's pretty high!!

More of the rope climbing....

And now....on to some beach shots.....

Brady and his boogie board......

Conner catching a wave...

Jackson and Conner....

....riding the waves....

These boys had some serious FUN!

Conner the crab hunter....

...and his "deadliest catch!"

On to some pool shots....

Conner and Brady or....Shamu and Orka???

Jackson....

Dylan...

...and Brynne, who by the way did NOT have enough time to stop and look at the camera! :)

And now for our afternoon photo session with the cousins...

My handsome boys......

Brady....

....and Conner....

Hubble had to go back to work a few days before our vacation was officially over...so no family photo for us....just Mom and the boys!

I had to throw this one in. It captures how they really feel about getting pictures made!

Especially this one!

Much better, boys!

The Kelley Cousins:

Jackson, Brynne, Dylan, Conner and Brady

Top to bottom.....oldest to youngest! :)



And finally, our last night there...a trip to Captain Anderson's and the marina.....

The beginning of our LONG wait for dinner...

The boys....waiting ever so patiently!

And Brynne....sitting still long enough for Aunt Joy to get a great picture!

....walking along the docks and seeing the catch from all the boats....

...with Uncle Russell leading the way! (this is my favorite!)

Brady...posing for one more pic!

And Conner...trying to be cooperative for Mom!

...checking out the pirate.....

...posing with the pirate....

Lending a hand to a younger cousin...oh if only he could be that patient with his younger brother!

Well, once again we had a great vacation and enjoyed spending time with our family. We have enjoyed our summer and although we are planning for a few more fun activities before school resumes, we realize the summer is speeding by way too fast! In just a few short weeks, we will have a 4th grader and a middle school student! WOW!

We have been truly blessed and are thankful for every blessing from above!

"I will tell of the kindness of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us." Isaiah 63:7