The 1st Beach Trip of the Season...

Mason and I drove to Dothan, Alabama to spend one last weekend with my sister before her move to Iowa. She's northward bound to do her residency for the next 5 years and she wanted one last hoorah at the beach before slipping into the depths of perpetual cold up north.

Mason was showing off his Taekwondo moves in the soft sand. We'll post this one at his school on the bulletin board labeled "Kicks Around the World". Panama City isn't considered an exotic location in Georgia; but to us Kansans, it's exciting to be on the beach...no matter which one!

It was cool on the beach...too cool and windy for this gal to get down to only a bathing suit. We had a great time flying the kite, picking shells, avoiding the freezing water and visiting Tiffani. Oddly, despite the chill, Mason and I managed to get terribly sunburned. Ouch!

I'm saddened that Tiffani is no longer a mere 4 hours away, but grateful she has received the opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a doctor. Now, if only she could come up with a cure for sunburns!

My Friend's Dog...

Mackenzie is an amazing dog! She does more tricks than any other dog I know and recognizes as many commands as my 7-year old – only she actually follows the commands. Amazing! She wasn't sure about the camera...

...but warmed up to the idea with a little help from a squeaky toy and a command from Mack, her owner. Mack, will you take Callie and train her? Amazing dog. Amazing.

Birthday Wishes...

Another year has come, and gone, and my baby is no longer a baby. We celebrated his 7th birthday a little more low-key than his 6th. I did something I thought I would never do – I purchased his birthday cake. The days leading up to his birthday were quite hectic and this little guy called out to me in the bakery section of Publix. Too cute!

Brian had the honor of creating the fire hazard...

...and Mason anxiously waited to blow out the candles.

He wouldn't tell us what he wished for. I suppose tradition dictates that he not tell us what he wished for anyway. I hope it came true.

Brian wanted the cake all for himself, but Mason fought him off!

Mason raked in the loot this year. Grandma and Grandpa sent a Nintendo DSi and a game. He LOVES it! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Each year that passes, I find it more difficult to imagine Mason growing up, but every year his birthday is a hard reminder that childhood is a precious thing. Although we celebrate occasions with cake and presents, we try to celebrate each day as it comes and goes. Happy birthday, baby!