Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Family Moments from Our Grand Getaway




Last month, we slipped away for a few days of leisure at one of my favorite escapes, The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Ala. We missed our annual visit last summer, so for months before our family vacation, I dreamed of strolling the gardens, lounging by the sea, and riding bicycles around the idyllic property.





Joe and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary, so this trip offered a lovely observance of that milestone.





Throughout the summer, the house has seemed to swell and shrink as Carson came home from college but then different children leave for camps and other trips, so we took full advantage of having all four available for a weekend away. I'm always happiest to have all of my babies together!





This trip was also special in that Carson's sweet girlfriend, Mallory, joined us for all of the fun.






Mallory shares my love of beauty, photography, and afternoon tea, so I knew that she would enjoy the Queen of Southern Resorts. She was a lovely addition to our group and appreciated all of the amenities just as much as I thought she would!





Emma was so little when we made our first trip to The Grand years ago, and now she is a teenager -- and taller than big sister Mary Ashley!





I love and adore these three girls!





And I'm so grateful for each moment spent with these precious four.





And to think, it all began 25 years ago with these two! 





"In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful."
~Abram L. Urban

Monday, April 22, 2019

Easter Memories


"Awake, thou wintry earth --
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!"
~ Thomas Blackburn


Easter weekend found us traveling to Searcy, Arkansas, to celebrate the holiday with Carson at Harding University. During Spring Sing, an annual competition of social-club shows, he dazzled us while performing with the hosts and hostesses as part of the ensemble.






Mary Ashley's expression pretty well sums up our feelings to be reunited with our favorite college guy. Having all of us together, I could not stop smiling myself!





Joe's parents joined us for this trip, so we were able to introduce them to Harding. It was so special having three generations together on campus.





We were also able to celebrate with sweet Mallory, who is dating Carson. These two dated in high school and were best friends for a while before getting back together this year. She is a freshman at Harding, and we absolutely adore her!





Campus was in full bloom, and the kids patiently indulged me in taking family photos. They know that I look forward to this all year and cherish every image of my chicks! Here are some more of my favorite images from Easter Sunday.

























































"For I remember it is Easter morn,
And life and love and peace are all new born."
~ Alice Freeman Palmer

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