Girls Trip

February 18th.... brought on one of my favorite events each year...Beads, Bags Brings it all Back was the theme this year.  It was the 10th year for this event and I am so glad to head up a committee of women who want to see the Kids' college program do well.  This year we brought several things back from years' past like a lip reader, a BUTT Sketch artist and it was cool and not at all realistic to size), the Harley where everyone posed, the Hot dogs from New York year, the Pecan pies from bayou year, the genie from the Moroccan year, and the piano man from the Bogart year.  It really was a lot of fun!  Here is a pic of the girls doing their best to climb the biggest magnolia tree in the US...i really think this is true.  It is out at Old Washington and worth the drive to just see!

Brit and the hot dog cart!

Me and my girls showing our speed!

The entire committee of ladies that are a huge help to me!

Here are a few pics from the night.... our lady each year changes themes and this year it was a little mix and match of it all

 A few of the awesome auction items we have each year.

 the piano man

 the gypsy

And that weekend the girls spent the night at nana and pops and the next day we made what might be our last trip out to the farm.  Pop has decided retirement shouldn't mean working all day and night and missing out on vacations with the family like last year so he is going to sale the equipment and try to life live a little less stressed.  I am sure he will keep some of his toys for his sanity and OURS!  But I have many memories on the farms at Friendship, AR where i was raised.  My grandparents, parents and I have spent so much time in Friendship so it is sort of bitter sweet for us all.  But as farming changes so must we...but i will never and can never replace the memories that this land my families have owned for years will carry with me and now my children!

Blue dog has always been the girls favorite part of the farm...luckily he is living the high life now on someone's couch!  So he got the best end of the deal for sure!

So farewell to an era and hello to grandpa...so glad to have him back with us!

and now to a little different scenery!  The BEACH!!!  I have waited for so long and the time has finally come Girl's trip 2016.  Ten girls loaded up and headed for the shores of 30A for a long weekend of fun at the Thomason place.  I loved every second of it, the long walks on the beach (uninterrupted) sleep (also uninterrupted) and coffee on the patio.  Just makes me want to do it all over again!

Toes in the sand...

and friends in tow!

We took a trip down 30a to see all the sights.  We did some sightseeing in Rosemary Beach and a little shopping too!

and then the silliness ensued and we just giggled and giggled the rest of the night.  I had to include these so one day I could say "see kids moms know how to have fun too!"

You have been warned!

and then dinner with friends at my favorite Great Southern!

I am not really sure what Allision and I were doing here but it made for some hilarious photos!!

and then back to bed for some girl time in pjs!

and I even manged to get a little makeover by Allison

an awesome lunch on the patio!

and then the race...a half like no other.  The scenery was good but the route didn't seem to get any shorter the further i ran!  I did get my best time that i know of which was a little under a 10 minute mile pace.  For me slow poke that is actually good.  I did it in 2 hours and a 8 or so minutes.

thanks to my friends i got some finish line photos too!

Last day on the beach...we went to watch the sunset.

It was a great get away with some great ladies..unfortuantely we aren't girls anymore...but some memories that will last forever.  I can't wait to go back again!

And to finish a few photos from my week back.  I got to go to biscuits and gravy for mom...thank goodness they got rid of those muffins!  This is more my style.  Love these two cutie pies!

and then we had our fundraiser in Hot Springs for David Adams that weekend.  I just had to take a picture by the sign..i think it says it all Jill Bobo Fundraiser!  I mean it really is all about me...I knew it!

The next weekend we had movie night to see one of the cutest movies Zootopia with friends.

And on Sunday afternoon we enjoyed a little round of golf with dad.  The weather was great for the first of March so we took advantage!

Now on to spring Break!!

February fun!

What better way to kick off February than a little ice cream with cousins.  Mason and Max spent the day with us in Hot Springs and we took him to all our favorite spots.

These two love each other...big love!

My girls...Such a proud mom moment when both your girls get awards.

AB all A's and the Gentleness award..all too appropriate!  I mean i love that others see her kind heart...I know this girl has many wonderful opportunities ahead of her.

B got most improved...she has made such huge strides in her learning this year.  She came to class not knowing many of the sounds the letters make and how to write all her letters and she has amazed me at all she can do now.  I am so proud of her desire to learn and her eagerness to go to school each day.

Scary photo alert and i am not referring to the dog....but this is the best selfie Zoe and i got on our mother/ daughter spa day.  I had the privilege of getting to bath her myself and let me tell you it was a real treat.  Sadly, I used to do these things with her all the time but on our morning together in the spa city that day this ole girl was treated like a queen.  I can't believe she will be 13 next month...and on 3 legs that is a challenge!

That afternoon the weather was amazing and dad was at the horse races so the girls and I did some exploring.  We ran into an old friend Brady Baker at the alligator farm.  He was bringing in a little something he had found and let the girls get their hands on it.

The alligator farm has a little bit for everyone so the girls started with the more tame animals first to warm up.

and then before long AB moved on to the big guy!  As you can tell by little sis's face in the background she wasn't quite as excited.

Freak out moment that we had for a sec...

Then back to all smiles while sis was warming up to him.

We think went on to explore the hot springs in Hot Springs!  I explained the best I knew how of the history of these magical and healing waters and they listened intently  as they dipped their fingers in the hot waters.

A little hike on top of the world!

and back to the bathhouses for some relaxation.

The next day we took dad along and the girls completed a 4 mile hike through the mountain with us.

Little B got a bit of assistance along the way.

The next weekend we were off to Little Rock for the big #5 for Lila!

She had her party at River city gymnastics and these girls had the time of their lives playing in this foam.

The precious birthday girl!

Birthday girl selfie!  We even got to celebrate Pop while we were there...as he and Lila share the same bday!

and then before you knew here comes Valentine's day.  The girls and I pinterest'd all week until we found this and they had to have it for their classes.  I tried to make the labels myself and they turned out better than I would have expected with my skills.

And the best part is always getting to hand them out to the class.

B really racked up this year on Valentines.  She was having a horrible cold at the time but was so excited to get all her gifts from friends that she made it through.

B, Emerie and Zoe

and of course one of our favorites Mrs. Nations

AB and her treats ready for the class

The girls even got a little present from mom and dad at school.

Another one of our all time favorite teachers, Mrs. Adams.  She has been a blessing to my child this year and we are so thankful for her in AB's life.  She has grown so much this year in her educational level but also in her faith.  Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Nations are both wonderful role models for these girls of Godly woman and for that I am blessed!

That weekend we had a spa day in the spa city and the girls and i enjoyed a nice afternoon together for Valentines

followed by a Valentines' day dinner with friends.

and another with the fam that Sunday when the girls treated us to dinner!

Pop even stopped by with some goodies from the great grandparents too.

dinner a la candlelight...

and gifts from the kids.

and they even designed their own desserts!

I am so thankful for the love I receive not just on Valentines Day but everyday because of the children and husband I am blessed to call mine!!  Happy Valentines Day 2016!!  Can't wait til next year I am sure dad has something very special in store...hehehhe!!