Dill Pickle and Barbie get MARRIED!

Ellison is obsessed with weddings right now.

It was no surprise to arrive home a few weeks ago and discover that Ellison was deep into her imagination dreaming up a wedding. Lucky for Ellison, Amanda was a willing participant in the wedding plans...

Meet Dill Pickle:

Meet Barbie Ariel:

The invitations:

 The Groom on the Big Day:

 The Bride ready to walk down the aisle:

The happy imaginary couple:

For All the Single Ladies...

Forget fashion designer, I think we may have found Ellison's true calling, relationship counselor. Today, she gave a few tips to Amanda on how to find a Prince. 

Listen closely single gals, I think she is on to something...

Haphazard 4th!

Our Fourth celebration was a little off this year. First, I can't remember the last time we stayed in town to celebrate ( I really can not recall a Fourth in Central Florida). However, with the Bar looming we chose to stay put.

Second, on the evening before, Dylan came down with the stomach bug... not good.

So on the Fourth, Graham and Ellison went fishing with Uncle Tim, enjoyed the pool, and Dylan and I cuddled on the couch (as he recovered).  In the evening, we lit a few fireworks and called it a night.

The festivities continued on the 5th at summer camp with a Fourth of July parade led by a father who was home from service for the week.  It was very touching to watch the father with his daughter.  It was wonderful to see Ellison march in the parade (Dylan was still sick and out for the day).  It was not fun to start throwing up during the parade in front of everyone.  Yep, I caught the stomach bug.

By that evening, Ellison had also caught the bug.  Graham followed the next day, which meant everyone stayed home and had a movie day.  The great news, time spent together... the bad news, well the stomach bug.  I am already booking the condo for the Fourth next year!

They may be sick, but they sure are happy!

Advice not Taken...

Study around the clock, say good bye to your family, lock yourself in a room, and focus for the next few months was the advice given as I began to study for the Bar Exam. I have tried to take it, use it, follow it, and maintain a positive attitude.

However, there is one piece of the advice that I am not listening to... I have not said good bye to my family.  I refuse.  Just as I think I am having a nervous breakdown, Ellison will belt out a tune, Dylan will start a fit of giggles, or Graham will say something ridiculous. They keep me grounded. So for now, I will lock myself away to study, but take some much deserved breaks with the ones I love.

A few photos from Friday night at Landon's Birthday Party:

 

Adrenaline Junkies

The cousins, plus Mermaid Mal, and little E headed off to race go karts and ride some rides during the reunion.  I won't mention why I was not able to join them... ok, maybe I will... two words, Bar Exam. They returned with tales of Ellison's love for rides and her overall disappointment that her car was so slow on the go kart track.  Luckily, Mermaid Mal took a few shots (thank you, thank you, thank you):

Doesn't the saying go...

The nut doesn't fall far from the tree?!?

Or is that an apple...

There is something about a family reunion that makes you realize that you are a lot like the other nuts! I mean for heaven's sake, Andrew and Graham own the same pair of sunglasses.

Who would have ever thought those two had the same fashion sense?!?

(After all, Andrew's whole arm is one big tattoo)

The goofiest nut in the group.

Mermaid Mal's official first family reunion - welcome!

Ellison had a blast with her cousins.

Cute guys!
(I need to find Dylan a pair of Danny's shorts)

That's the tattoo I was talking about.

Sister and brother love.

Dylan was in middle of a splash attack... awesome!

Aren't some of your best childhood memories, the ones with your cousins.

So cute!

I know what you are thinking, its easy for me to call my husband's family a bunch of nuts. (you would be correct) One thing is for sure, my family reunions have never involved an orchestra of kazoos.  In all honesty and sincerity, its the nutty stuff that makes for the best memories and the biggest laughs. 

We had a wonderful time in Tennessee, spending time with the family, and studying for the Bar. Ok, well only I was doing the last thing... which was gross. (On a side note... 4 more weeks until the Bar!) (On another side note, Andrew's tattoo was not permanent.)

Olivia's Baptism

Sweet Olivia was baptised on Sunday.  We had a lovely time celebrating the little angel with family and friends.

Dylan and Ellison love their cousin!