September 2009 - Trip to NYC and Laura's Wedding

Labor Day weekend found us heading to NYC for some much needed couple time. The summer and early fall had been extremely stressful for us and we really needed some time away. The kids were staying with Grandmomma and Granddaddy so we knew they would be well-cared for.

Roy's best friend from high school, Laura Davis, was getting married in Red Bank, NJ on Saturday. We boarded a plan at the craxk of dawn Friday morning and arrived in Red Bank just in time for the rehearsal lunch. We had a great time catching up with old friends and making new friends. After lunch we headed back to the hotel to check-in and relax. We had floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the bay, it was gorgeous! The wedding party and friends met down in the bar/cafe area for some wild and crazy fun. It was so good to just relax and laugh without a care in the world. Saturday morning we had closed the curtains and slept in until 10, which is unheard of for me, before Roy walked to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast and coffee. We lazed around until time to get ready for the wedding. The ceremony was the perfect blend of the religions and personalities. I am so glad we were able to be there with them. After the ceremony the real party started. There was a live band and food that was out of this world. Laura sang "At Last" to Brandon and proved to anyone who may have doubted that she still has it!The morning after the wedding we headed to the city. Laura and Brandon were gracious enough to let us use their apartment in Astoria while they were on their honeymoon. It was the perfect place to stay, close to the city but away from the noise, and the price was right! We shopped, walked around enjoying the sights, went to a street fair in Astoria, had dinner at Mont Blanc (my favorite fondue restaurant in NYC) and just enjoyed being alone together. We went to see a new Broadway musical, "Next to Normal". It was awesome and Roy stayed afterwards to have his program autographed by the cast.When I saw this I just had to have my picture taken with it, what could be better than chocolate and Elvis? There were pictures of so many other sights that I can't include them all. I guess you will have to come visit and look at my scrapbook to see the rest. (Wait a little while because I am also behind in my scrapbooking!). We had a fabulous time and were slightly sad to head home. I was anxious to see the kids and they were so glad to see us too. It was a nice vacation and I can't wait until our next trip.

East Ridge 5/6 year old Pioneer Cheerleaders

Abigail and Lydia cheered for Caleb's touch football team last year and wanted to do it again this year. It was quite a commitment since they also had practice two nights a week and games on Saturday. This meant that we were at the field Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. With church on Wednesday and Sunday our fall was very full!

East Ridge 5/6 year old Pioneers

This was Caleb's first year playing tackle football so it was a season of adjustments for us. Caleb worked really hard and improved quite a bit by the end of the season. He played defense and offense depending on who showed up for the games. Since I love football I was all over this. We had practices two nights per week and games on Saturdays. Most of our fall was consumed with football but it was worth it.

(The boy to the left of the coach is Caleb)

August 2009 - First Day of School

With the month of August comes the end of summer and the beginning of another school year, and this year we are at a new school. The kids were very nervous about the new year and not knowing anyone at their new school. This was also our first experience with uniforms so the kids weren't happy with that at all. They both have great teachers and I am excited to see them find their niche.

Vacation - Myrtle Beach

It was Myrtle Beach or bust for the Denton Clan on Saturday morning. The 8 hour drive is not our favorite part of vacation but it is necessary so we endure it. I am so thankful that we have a dvd player in our van, we also pack bags of toys and coloring books to occupy the kids. As soon as we arrive, we eat supper then Mema and I head out for groceries and everyone else settles into our condos.

Every day begins with pool time and beach time. The kids love both.

Each year we pick a morning to go eat a big breakfast together before going shopping at the outlets. Can you believe we don't have our traditional matching shirts??? Erik and Roy were both so disappointed that Mom wasn't able to find everyone's sizes this year! (Can you detect the touch of sarcasm?) Lydia and Faith are so cute together. They spend most of the week glued to one another's sides, holding hands everywhere they go. They play very well together and are best friends.

Caleb's favorite part was the days we rode jet skis. He especially loves it when Uncle Erik takes him out in the ocean and jumps the waves. He is my little daredevil!

We are always so sad to see the week come to an end. Our family has come to relish this time away at the beach. We keep talking about doing something different for our summer vacation but the ocean keeps calling us back. We are so thankful that Mema and Pepa are able to take us every year. I hope this tradition continues for a long time!

Lydia's 4th Birthday

Lydia had a Little Einstein's birthday party and wanted a Rocket cake. Daddy met the challenge and made her the cutest cake. She loved it! Lydia had her first sleepover with her best friend Annabelle. We picked up Annabelle after I got off work on Friday and took her home Saturday afternoon. The girls both had a blast but not a lot of sleep!

Lydia had a lot of presents and loved every minute of opening them. She was overjoyed with what everyone got her. Of course the lack of sleep was starting to hit her by the end of the party so she got a little cranky.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

July 4th - Independence Day

For our Fourth of July celebration we headed over to Brooke and Dale's house to grill out, watch movies, and watch the Lake Winnie fireworks. Since we couldn't be with family we decided to celebrate with friends.

We bought some fireworks to set off in the driveway too. While we were setting off the fireworks a large dog showed up and kept playing with the lit rockets, carrying them around in his mouth while we chased him and got them away from him in time for them to explode, and one time catching his fur on fire. We never did find out who that dog belonged to but he apparently likes to play with fire!

From Brooke and Dale's front porch you can see the Lake Winnie fireworks display through the trees. We didn't have to fight the traffic and crowds and still got to enjoy the show.

We also bought sparklers and glow in the dark toys for the kids to play with.

We were all exhausted by the end of the night but a good time was had by all!