Market Days

We loved the french markets - a great place to people watch and shop and just take in all the colors, sights, and sounds. Oh yeah, we shopped like crazy at them too.

The french markets are so much better than ours - look how they display the fruits and vegetables, olives, etc - it was like art . . .

The markets had everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meats, paella, clothing, linens, soaps, flowers. purses, pastries, cheeses, flowers, etc. So much fun!

The Patissiere's

I have a sweet tooth and there is nothing like French

pastries and the abundant Patisserie's. They are

incredible!!!!!!!!!

Towards the end of the trip Jan said she has never seen anyone put down desserts like me . . .

and let me tell you I don't regret a single one of them. They are a little slice of heaven!

I also realized I have a special talent. Even though I have no sense of direction I have the ability to spot and find EVERY single Patissiere in our radius no matter where we are. If I actually lived there it could become a problem :)

My Dad's 80th Birthday Celebration

I have the best Dad ever,

and we just celebrated his 80th birthday.

Our family is geographically challenged - so there were 7 of us here

and letters, photos, videos, etc. from the 20 others in the family that couldn't be here -

my brother and his family in Florida

my brother and his family in England

my 3 daughters and their families across the country

We played a "How well do you know Grandpa" game - John and Tanner got pretty competitive - and we got to hear Dad tell us about some things that not too many people knew about. He's had an interesting life and seen a lot of changes in 80 years.

Time to sing Happy Birthday -( I did a candle for each decade)

Looks like my Dad will get his wish . . .

I certainly got mine - I couldn't have a better and more thoughtful and wonderful Dad. I have so many happy memories and he continues to be there to support me and my family in all that we do - whether it is tutor the kids in math (cause I hate math), help with an Eagle Project, design something that keeps me from hunching over the table when I scrapbook, or keep the political discussion at the dinner table interesting - my Dad can do it all.

I love you Dad. Happy 80th!!! You're the best.

A few random photos from the "Happy Place"

Entering the "Happy Place".

(if you're a Hunt you may have a funny memory about the last time we were in the "Happy Place" - remember?)

Don't they look happy?

More smiles -

Being silly . . .

Doesn't get much better that being here with your family :) I was sure happy!

Blizzard Beach -

Blizzard Beach shots . . .

isn't she adorable?

Boston loved the water . . .

So did Avery . . . we all did. I especially loved how the water was actually warm - no shock to the system when you went down a waterslide - just pure fun.

Of course eventually the kids wore out -

Naomi completely crashed - but not until we had all had a lot of fun!

Disney World

John and I just got back from a fun packed trip that consisted of - 72 hours, 3 Disney World parks, 5 grandkids and their parents and lots and lots of fun!

Taking pictures was not a big priority on this fast paced trip. I did get this one of Michele's family in the Magic Kingdom.

And this one of Summer's family at Epcot.

My usual method of take several and one will be good of everyone didn't apply here - Noah hates to have his picture taken - especially when he's facing the sun and it's HOT. (Come to think of it who does?) He was a good sport but I had to laugh when I looked at how he was NOT liking it.

(check out the progression as I try to snap a better shot)

So this was the last "Kodak Moment" I requested and we just focused on having fun. No problem there - the trip was a blast. Lots of fun memories - I'm so glad we were there for those priceless moments of watching the kids on the rides, scream, giggle, or have their eyes get BIG . . . it was so much fun. Next best thing (maybe even better) to being a kid again :)

Boogie Boarding

Remember how much fun you all had boogie boarding in the ocean?

Noah would find the best waves to ride in . . .

He was out there in the big stuff . . .

He even gave surfing a try . . .

You rock Noah!!!

Alex was out there too . . .

riding in on the waves

I couldn't believe how brave she was . . .

They both could keep at it for hours.

So sweet to see Noah helping his little sister so she didn't miss out on any of the boogie boarding fun . . .

She likes it too!

Isn't she a cutie?

You guys were all awesome in the waves. I'd say that boogie board had to be one of the best investments of the summer.