Hilton Head Vacation

The second week in July, DJ and I took Grace and one of her friends, Danielle, to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. This was Grace's first time at the beach! The sand was extremely hot, and Grace did not walk well in the sand, which resulted in her straggling behind the whole way to the beach. She got all mad that we walked off without her, and came out of the dunes fussing, until she saw the ocean. Her little face lit up, and all was forgiven! I managed to get a few pictures of her, then got both girl's life jackets on, and then they ran for the water. Grace loved the waves, and gave a little shriek every time one hit her. She did not like the salt water though, and announced that it tasted like fish poop. Between jumping waves, making sand castles, playing in the tide pools, and digging for sand dollars and crabs, she and Danielle really enjoyed the beach.





























Saturday afternoon, we took the girls to play putt putt golf. It was Pirate Adventure, and the course was decorated with skeletons and waterfalls and treasure, which they called "booty".(that, of course, produced many giggles from the girls!) This was another first for Grace, and she did as well as a four year old could do. DJ taught her how to hold the putter, and her excellent grip would have made her Papaw proud. It was brutally hot, and we only played 18 holes.













The last night we were there, I wanted some pictures on the beach, so after dinner we all walked back down to the shore. It had just finished raining and was getting windier by the minute! All in all, the trip was a great success and my little water baby can't wait to go back next summer!

Grace took this one of DJ and I

Fourth of July Fun at the Farm

We spent the Fourth of July in Houston this year with DJ's mom and siblings. A close friend of their family owns a lovely ranch and quite a bit of land, and he was nice enough to allow us all to invade his place for an American themed party! We swam in his pool, which Grace loved and did for about a seven hours total that day (talk about a tired little girl!). We also rode the paddleboat, went fishing, and enjoyed rides on the four wheeler. All of these were firsts for Grace, and she had such a good time! Her favorite thing, besides swimming, was fishing! She and DJ caught five little fish, ranging in size from the length of her hand to the length of DJ's hand. She didn't want to put the worm on, but held the pole, cast the line, and helped take the fish off the hook. We ended the night by shooting off fireworks and making smores. What a wonderful day spent expressing our thankfulness for our amazing country and for all the brave men and women who keep us safe, including my husband for his selfless contribution in serving our country!





































God bless America!

Saddlin' Up for Vacation Bible School

Grace and I decided to be involved in our church's VBS this year, and had an awesome time! The theme was Saddle Ridge Ranch, so we were cowgirls everyday. I was an assistant to a Kindergarten class taught by a friend of mine, and Grace was in Ms Sherry's class, whom she knew from her preschool year at the church. Monday through Friday, we worked and played at church every morning, making crafts, singing, and learning about Jesus. On Friday, all of the kiddos sang the songs they had learned that week and everyone enjoyed a hot dog lunch and some fellowship.



















She was so tired every night after VBS! She passed right out!

My own personal entertainment

My Gracie loves the sound of her own voice, especially when that voice is raised in song! Here are some videos of her singing and showing off, and one of her kung fu skills. I can only hope these videos will bring you as much laughter as they bring to our lives!

Singing "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story

You've got a friend in me! from Teri Elliott on Vimeo.

Singing at the end of the year performance for her preschool

Singing the "G" song at the end of year show from Teri Elliott on Vimeo.

Showing off her Kung Fu

Grace's Kung Fu from Teri Elliott on Vimeo.

"Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming..."

Grace took swim lessons through a neighbor of Tiffany's and had a great time! She took a week's worth with her two best buds, Taylor and Abby. My little fish has always loved water, and shows no fear! She jumps in without hesitating, goes underwater with no problem, and would stay in the pool all day if allowed! She had some trouble following directions, preferring to play and be silly than listen to her instructor. Overall, the week was fairly successful and I am confident enough that if she fell in, she would not drown! So, in the words of Dory, I guess we will just keep swimming!





















At the end of the week, the instructor allowed the kids to take a turn down the water slide. Of course Grace was all over that! She couldn't wait for her turn, and threw herself down the slide with delight when her time came!





Love my little water baby!

Grace swimming from Teri Elliott on Vimeo.