Our 9th Wedding Anniversary

Nine years ago this afternoon I married the man of my dreams! We both had our struggles early in life but we were meant to find each other when we did. God blessed the broken road that led us straight to each other. I think that Chuck and I have a marriage that most people dream of having. We are as close to perfect together as you could get. I feel so blessed that God sent my angel to me when He did. It's hard to believe it's been nine years since we were married and yet I really can't remember much of life before him. For me...my life truly started when we met ten years ago.


We spend much of our time together...and that's how we both like it. I love every second that we spend together. He makes me laugh several times a day and he makes me feel like someone special. I couldn't imagine life without him!

So how are we spending our 9th anniversary? Well...we are working together on a remodeling project in the living room today and then plan to spend a nice dinner together at Wood Fire Grill in Davenport.

Update:
Dinner was Yummy! We took a walk on the sky bridge after dinner to see the view. I had never been up there...thought it was pretty cool!

Wall gone!

Wall is gone and the ceiling didn't collapse so Chuck was right about it not being a load-bearing wall.

Now to just clean up all that plaster dust. YUCK!

Room cleared out! Where's my Hammer?

Everything taken off walls or protected with plastic and sheets. Chuck checking for hidden electrical wire....here we go!

I will go hide in the kitchen for awhile!

Destruction has begun!

Chuck is beginning his "phase 3" of remodeling for this year. This one involves taking out a dividing wall and bookcases between the living and dining room to create on big great room.

Here are some before pictures

Driving home today

Well...It's been a really fun vacation. Unfortunately though time to get back home...back to things that need to be done. On the upside - there is a lot of summer left before school starts up again.

Florida was very, very nice...but the great time we all had was in large part because we spent the time together as a family. Two famlies became one big one. We have such a great time together - the Davis/Gillespie vacations are the best! I've been blessed to be a part of this family for 9 years now and I love them all dearly. It is my wish that we lived closer so that our families could spend more time together. I miss them already!

Father's Day in Carterville

Let's go to the movies!  Toy Story 3 in 3D. We decided to celebrate Father's Day by going to the movies. Most of us went to see Toy Story - Shawn & Grant went to see A-Team. 

Don't we look spiffy in our 3D glasses!

Driving to Carterville

Driving home from a great vacation is certainly not as fun as driving to it. Today we are driving the 12 hour trip back to Carterville, IL.

We are currently just outside of Montgomery, Alabama after stopping for lunch.

There is a thunderstorm watch out for the area and we just passed through a big downpour. Could be a bumpy ride the rest of the way.  It's only 2:30 but seems a lot later...going to be a long day. Should get into Carterville before 10 tonight.

Lunch in Alabama

Sara & Chris pass the time waiting for our table at Cracker Barrel. Hungry!

Really gonna miss this

Oh....such a nice bathroom in the master bath. We really our going to miss it!

I'm gonna miss this!

Going to miss mornings on the deck enjoying coffee and the view of palm trees.

Thurday Dinner at Crap Trap

The teens were on their own for dinner (which was just fine with them!) and the four of us went down the beach a bit for dinner at The Crab Trap. Great place to enjoy the view the beach and water while dining on some seafood. After dinner we took a walk along the beach. It's my favorite time of day along the beach. Sun was setting, sand was cool on the feet, and you can't beat the view. We encountered some little crabs crossing our path as we walked in the white sand. I'm sure going to miss that sand.

Parasailing Was So Much Fun!!!!!!

This was not something that I even thought of doing - but was such a blast! It was the one thing that Sara wanted to do so we did! Five of us went up.

We were concerned this morning when Chuck called and one company said they may not be going out because of the oil. We did see a bunch of tar balls being washed ashore last night on Okaloosa Island. But all worked out - we went with "Boogies" water sports and they took us out in the Bay instead of the gulf area.

Chuck and I went together and Janie, Chris, and Sara went together. I think the best part was taking off from the boat. You start out sitting down and as the boat speeds up you take off. So much fun. It was a lot calmer up there than I thought it would be...and oh the view! Chuck and I had a bit of a dip in the water...but the other three really got a good soaking!

Such a fun day!

Thursday's Agenda - Parasailing

Sara wanted to go parasailing...so that's what we are going to do. 5 of us at least! I'm thinking of attempting to take the flip video up with me.  We'll see!

Wednesday's Main Event - Dolphin Cruise!

Wednesday morning we got up and going early go out on the Gulf on the "Southern Star". A nice big boat with a great crew. I didn't know what to expect from a dolphin tour. It's not like they are trained to come on call like a dolphin show at an aquarium. But we were not disappointed. Plenty of dolphins made an appearance, as did a shark or two and a couple large schools of sting ray...I think the captain called them cow rays. We found out that the dolphins like the attention and are attracted by our cheers.

One dolphin was proud to show off a large fish he had in his mouth.

The captain took us to where the wild life were, instead of just continuing on a set route. When a school of fish, shark, or dolphin was spotted he took us right to them. It was very neat. The depth of the water changed along the way. Many times you could see perfectly clearly to the bottom of the gulf. The ripples of the sand bed could be seen.

It was a beautiful day - hot - but gorgeous!

One downfall...Poor Grant got a very bad case of sea sickness. He spent the majority of the 2 hour cruise below in the air conditioned snack bar area.

Tuesday Evening on the Beach

Love The White Sand!

Tuesday evening we walked the block or so from our rental house to the beautiful white sandy beaches. It was a much more comfortable time of day for us Northerners to be able to stand the sun and sand without melting and burning us up. Rich and the kids spent some time in the water while Chuck, Janie, and I kept the majority of ourselves out of the water. We chased small fish around our feet and picked up an occasional tiny crab or piece of sand dollars.

It was a beautiful evening on the beach. I absolutely love the crystal white sand and the feel of how your feet just sinks into it.

Tuesday We Were Fudpucked

Tuesday we went to what some may call a tourist trap. A fun, colorful restaurant attraction called Fudpuckers. Yes...be very careful not to be dyslexic when saying that name. The 40 minute wait seemed like nothing as we explored (and purchased from) the gift shop. We also visited Gatorade beach where Chris fed some of the lovely creatures.

Once seated we were greeted by our server "Dude". The food was good and fun atmosphere.

What A Blast Monday Night Was!

Monday night was a Blast!! We went to the Go Kart track. Everyone had a great time - especially Shawn!


After the Go Karts it was time for some Put Put Golf - Parents versus the Kids! Hmmmm...I wonder who is going to win this one? (Parents Rule!!!) There were lots of fun opportunities for photo ops too. :)

We ended the night with a sweet treat at "Shakes" - a frozen yogurt shop.

It was a very memorable day!