Wednesday, July 28, 2010

WARNING - NO PICTURES!

So basically I have had this post written and then added some more for a few days. I have just been so lazy to upload some pictures for it. Actually, I have been really busy and just haven't had the time to upload the pictures. I have had other things that have taken priority. Anyways. I decided - what the heck - I need to just post this, b/c I haven't done a post in forever and if I don't get it up now I might not ever. So, here is a little post about what we did on our Mini vacation to Orlando, Florida!

By far Disney World is one of my favorite places to visit. It never gets old, there are so many happy people and fun things to see, and it's one of the only places that you can be 26 (or 46, mom) and act like you are 5 years old and no one looks at you funny. It doesn't get much better than that. Amber, Bryan and I flew in to Orlando a few weeks ago to surprise Rex and have a little fun with the fam. Rex got manager of the year & and it was his birthday weekend. We had lots of things to celebrate! We are very proud of him!

Thursday night mom and Rex had a banquet so Amber, Bryan and I were on our own. We headed to Universal Studios. Bryan was excited - this is one of his favorite parks and places to go in Orlando. I have to say I was pretty pumped, since I am a big Harry Potter fan and I knew the new section of the park was open. Besides the looooong lines it was pretty cool and they did a good job with it!

Friday, ahh Friday, we went to Magic Kingdom. I definitely have to say this is by far my favorite park. I love everything about it! It was hot, but we had a good time and were able to get a few rides in and grab some food before meeting Rex for an awesome dinner at our favorite restaurant, Seasons 52. (For the record one is opening right by our house at the Shops of Legacy and we cannot wait)

Saturday we spent the day at Hollywood Studios. We ventured to the Hollywood Tower of Terror, the Rockin Roller Coaster and the backlot studios. We hit up the shops and saw a few characters. We really wanted to see the Toy Story stuff, but the lines were too long and we had dinner reservations with Rex. We met Rex at Antonio's for dinner and oh my. This was the best pasta I have ever had. Hands down, not even joking. Ask the rest of the family - I made myself sick, because I ate so much pasta. I couldn't even take 1 bite of dessert, because I ate ALL of my pasta. It was bad, I am ashamed, but it was worth it...I guess.

Sunday we headed home. (when I get a chance, I have got to post a picture of the car ride to the airport. To say the least, we were a little crammed. We had to hold 2 suit cases in the backseat! haha it was funny!) All in all it was an awesome last minute get away. We love going to Florida and it is even more fun when the whole family gets to go. :) Again Congrats Rex - we love you and you are AMAZING!!

Friday, July 16, 2010

Summer Reading Update

I thought this would be the perfect time to update you guys on my summer reading list that a posted about a month and a half ago. Here are a few of my thoughts about these books.

Take 3 By: Karen Kingsbury - For those of you who know me, know that I love, LOVE, to read Karen Kingsbury. Anything by her I can't wait to get and it is always read within a few days. Her books are a very easy read and about families that are so relatable. Anyways if you have never read a Karen Kingsbury book, I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a good, Christian, fiction book. 2 thumbs up for this book.

Take 4 By: Karen Kingsbury - Currently, I am in the middle of this one. The serious Take 4 has spun off several other of her series, but focuses on various families. Very good. So far it received a 2 thumbs up.

I am the Central Park Jogger By: Trisha Meili - This book was OK. I had never heard of the Central Park Jogger or the accident associated with it. It was actually just a book that caught my eye at the library and so I went for it. It was a terrible accident that a lady endured while running in central park. The book was the story of her recovery, the struggles and overcoming a lot of obstacles.

Fight Like a Girl: The Power of Being a Woman By: Lisa Bevere - I had a really hard time really getting into this book. So I stopped about halfway, due to lack on interest.

Strengths Finder By: Tom Rath - Awesome. Great book to see where your strengths lie and help you understand how to use those and work in groups or on a team more effectively. 2 thumbs up!

Crazy Love By: Francis Chan - Any Christian who is tired of being stagnant or lukewarm this book will challenge you! It was great! 2 thumbs up!

90 Minutes in Heaven By: Don Piper - This is a true story about a man who died for 90 minutes and went to heaven and then was brought back to life by the power of prayer. The man shares about his struggles and life back to recovery as well as his 90 minutes in heaven. Pretty neat book and perspective to hear about his experience with heaven. Worth reading. 2 thumbs up!

Same Kind of Different as Me By: Ron Hall & Denver Moore - By far this was the best book that I have read all summer. It was awesome! Description from the back: A dangerous homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery. An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani & Chanel. A gutsy woman with a stubborn dream. A story so incredible no novelist would ever dream it. This true story is eye opening and encourage. So good. If you are too read anything from this list, pick this book. You will not be disappointed. 5 thumbs up!

Still on the list:
3 Cups of Tea By: Dave Mortenson & David Oliver Relin - I have started this, just need to finish!
Sarah's Key By: Tatiana De Rosnay
So Long Insecurity By: Beth Moore

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Vacation come back to me!!!

Disclaimer: This is a long post!
Well as you have probably noticed, we have been MIA for the past several weeks. We have been on the go, but are finally back home. Ahh, Home Sweet Home! Every year we head to Holden Beach with my family. We always have a fabulous time laying on the beach, cooking dinners together and playing cards or Lord of Catan at night. This year Bryan and I were either on the beach or playing with the kiddos on this trip, while the other adults golfed or did homework(Bertha & Mom).

Trip Memories 2010:
* Playing cards with the family
* Soaking up the sun on the beach
* Toy Story 3 w/ the kiddos
* Shrimp Burger from Provision Company!
* Reading for pleasure (Same Kind of Different as Me - a MUST read)
* Bocce ball
* Reserving the house for 2011 - YAY!

Bryan & Lindsey



Great Grandma & Lindsey



The Halfmann Family



Bryan & Lindsey



Bryan & Andis



Hott Husband!



Wish you were here..




After 7 days at the beach we headed back to our old college town to visit with family and friends for a few days. We had a good time catching up with everyone. We stayed with Bryan's brother and sister-in-law, and they are always the best hostess and awesome at letting us have tons of people over :) Saturday when we got back from the beach we had a get together with several of our closest friends - grilling out and playing yard games. Fun was had by all.

Sunday for the fourth we spent the day with family. It was really great weather in NC. It was nice to be able to hangout and enjoy each other.

Mema & Lindsey



Lee



Debbie & Dave



Mema, Buddy & Robin



Bethany & Nick



:)



Monday we had an AWESOME day with Lee, Kasey and Bethany. Lee & Kasey took us all to Morehead City to the beach. We went out on their boat and headed out to Cape Lookout. I could not believe the water - I felt like we were in the Bahamas. It was so clear and gorgeous. I had no idea we were going to an island with a lighthouse. It was so fun. It was a great day, followed by a great seafood dinner! We had a great time and can't wait to go back!

Fun things from the day:
* We saw 4 foot long sharks!
* Ventured to the lighthouse and learned about the lighthouse keepers
* Enjoyed the clear, clear water
* Stuffed ourselves on yummy shrimp
* Loved the boat ride - B didn't get sick! yay!
* Being w/ the siblings :)
* Catching some rays & swimming in the ocean

The Captain, The Driver & The Passenger
(from left to right)



Our driver for the day



Cape Lookout





Kasey & Bethany



Bryan, Lindsey, Bethany @ dinner



All in all we had a fabulous trip and a fun time, but are glad to be back in Texas in our own bed and house! Thank you mom and Rex for an awesome time at the beach. We always look forward to that week every year. Thank you Lee & Kasey for letting us invade your house and stay with you guys and have people over all the time! You guys are awesome!