Dancing Daze


Monday, June 29, 2009

Aaagh, Sisters Please!

Oh no, she did it. While I was preoccupied Terni took her little brothers and turned them into little sisters. She dressed them up, did their hair and painted their toenails. They had such a good time but both boys were ready to put their more masculine clothes on complaining that it was hard to walk in a skirt and the headband hurt. Sorry Terni, back to reality!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

To: A Strong Man!

"There was a man. He was a good, strong man, and everyone who saw him admired his abilities."
On this Father's Day we want to pay tribute to the wonderful man and father that he is!
Zachary has always been the ultimate Father's Day gift. Layne had pop-tarts for breakfast that morning and spent the afternoon watching the U.S. Open but that was not the highlight of the day. It was early that evening around 5:00pm when Zac joined our family. He was a surprise when he was born with all that dark hair and has remained unpredictable since then. However some things never change: He loves his dad! He loves piggy back rides to bed, wrestling, playing catch, and tucking dad's ears in!

Ben is daddy's little helper. He loves getting tools and helping, whatever the task. Ben is a ballplayer and loves hitting and throwing the baseball to his dad. Ben tells everyone that when he grows up he wants to be a scout. He loves his dad's scout uniform and going on camp-outs. Ben loves cooking and his favorite meal to make is pizza with Layne.

Sam loves to play with his dad. Especially sports like football and baseball. One of his favorite memories is when Layne coached him in soccer. When we were at the beach Layne taught Sam how to body surf and fly kites. Sam was able to spend the most time with the kite up in the air and his face in the ocean.

My dad is the best because: He's always there for me. Whenever I need him he's there. I love you so so so much. I'm so glad he's my dad. I love you daddy!! Your the best.
Love, Ternibug

Dad thank you for always being there for me when I do something, like when you took me to the Uintah mountains to do some fishing even though you don't fish much!
Love, Max

"And so the man gave his heart. It came out through feet that knew just where to walk and how to stand strong, through a back that knew which burdens to lift and how, through hands that knew how to heal and what to give, and through a mind that birthed a vision of a bright future."
Carol Lynn Pearson, A Strong Man
Layne, Thank you for being the incredible STRONG man that you are. You remind us to laugh and help us to enjoy life everyday. You make the hard times worth getting through and the good times GREAT. Enjoy your day, you deserve it.
Love Always, Lynnette

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

My Baby!

In one short week my baby will be turning two years old. It is hard to believe that my angel is about to turn into a two year old monster.

Not that hard to believe!

He is turning into that very independent child and with four older siblings he thinks he can do everything that they do. Here he gets his first slushy and he couldn't be happier.

Even with those monstrous times we still have the times when we just want to love and cuddle them. Or at the very least take a picture and share with everyone who doesn't get to see the more angelic side of Zac.


Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Tallulah Gorge State Park

We took off Tuesday morning to go check out scout camp because Layne has never been there and he wanted to see what the facilities were like and what supplies he would need. Half an hour from our destination, Ben needed a bathroom break and could not wait. We turned off at Tallulah Gorge State Park and have never enjoyed a bathroom break quite like this.

Sam at the top of the falls.

This is the second state park that we have been to in Georgia that has these steep stairways. We are used to hiking switchbacks but in Georgia they just build steps. A warning at the top says that it will take 620 steps to get to the suspension bridge. We weren't worried so down we went.


The suspension bridge was amazing. Of course it was amazing that we didn't die when Ben and Sam realized that they could make the bridge jump. Zac was scared and kept a death grip on my arm. Max chastised me for carrying Zac across the bridge because he thought I was going to drop him. He held his hand and made him walk himself on the way back. I thought it was stunning which meant it was definitely sturdy as I also fear heights.

All in all it was a glorious day. We made the stairs both down and back with Ben walking the entire way himself except for 55 stairs which he rode on Layne's shoulders. We love the Georgia outdoors with its heat, humidity, and the beauty that surrounds.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Watch your step!



The Georgia woods are truly magnificent. Terni came across this turtle as she was crossing through our backyard to go to a friend's house. We all rushed out to look at it and take pictures but I refused to put it in a box with water as Ben requested. A little while later Max went out to check and our turtle was no where to be found. I went and did a more thorough search at which time I came across the second critter of the day lurking in our shrubs. I was not as excited about this fellow but after some search on the internet determined that we had a southeastern garter snake. Non-venemous, what a relief!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Tigers and Cubs...Oh My!

Baseball Season 2009 was great. Sam played shortstop for the Tigers and Ben played...mostly in the dirt for the Cubs.
O.K. I might have encouraged the #3 for Ben. Please forgive me, but we live in Atlanta where the Murph is a legend and still a hero of mine!


I may be biased, but I know a little bit about baseball. Sam has a beautiful, pure swing and he loves to hit. Now we are trying to explain to him that he also needs to play defense. Grandma isn't worried though, that should come. She always reminds me of one little boy who loved to chase butterflies in the outfield!

I'm pretty sure grandma can also identify some similarities in the ear department between this picture and some of mine. Great Season Sam and Ben, Mom and I are proud of you. You worked hard and had fun!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Memorial Day










Our memorial day celebration was made complete by the parade. We found the equivalent of the Magna 4th of July parade in Georgia. The biggest difference was the red and green tractors. At one point Max said, I can see all the way down the street and the tractors just keep coming.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Max and I competed in our first 5k race. We ran the annual Memorial Day race and survived. I would love to be able to say that I beat Max but sadly, I did not. It must be that extra 1/8th of an inch he has on me in height.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Elementary Daze No More


With tears in her eyes Terni said goodbye to Fort Daniel elementary and another very successful year. Her teacher, Mrs. Hankinson, complimented Terni on her incredible work ethic and desire to never give up.


The year ended with the 5th grade awards ceremony and picnic. Terni had a great time with her friends as they said HELLO to summer and goodbye to elementary school.


Terni was involved in many activities including Peer Helper, Chorus, and safety patrol. She auditioned and was selected as one of four representatives from her school for the district wide Honors Chorus. She received a trophy for her achievement. I was most impressed with Terni's classroom awards which were selected by her classroom peers and not everyone received one. Terni earned two! One was for the Friendliest and the other was for the Sweetest Girl. We are so proud of you Terni, You truly are incredible and--We LOVE You!!



The 5th graders made tiles that hang in the school hallway and will remain when they no longer do. This is Terni's.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Cruisin' Daze


The Love Boat, because we loved everything about it. Some of our favorites included the taxi ride in Mazatlan, snorkeling in Cabo, warm chocolate melting cake, celebrating Tyler's 18th birthday, and being rocked to sleep every night!



We were pretty sure that we'd fit in with the locals in these outfits!



Kyle and Tyler had a large Karaoke following on the ship. They let Layne join them for one night to showcase his signature running man! Ice Ice Baby!



Chasing the Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez.



Our favorite time of day was sunrise. We were still on Eastern time so it was easy to get up. Each morning was exquisite! Chocolate Melting Cake at night and a beautiful sunrise every morning. It can't get much better than that!



Congratulations again Dad on your retirement! Thank you for everything! Now, can you go get a job and retire again...We want to go on another cruise!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Zoo Daze

It's official we really do live in a zoo. Five children, one dog, two frogs, three goldfish (oh wait, they died), and now two guinea pigs. A loving welcome to the newest members of our zoo: Nutmeg and Peanut (aka Peanut Ben).

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Daybell Daze


My Christmas wish: A Blog! And so it begins . . .