Dog Days of Summer

As Darin says "our South Florida summer weather pattern has begun." Our mornings are filled with lots of beautiful sunshine which is perfect for floating in the pool.

And our afternoons are filled with thunderstorms, rain, rain, and more rain.

High Seas Expedition

We just finished a fantastic week of the High Seas Expedition at Vacation Bible School. Once again, I was a crew leader and Mackenzie was my Jr. crew leader. Over 200 children attended VBS at St. John this year. Mack and I had the sweetest crew of Kinder, 1st and 2nd graders.

How hot is it?

While we were on vacation in the cool mountain air, our Naples friends kept posting about how hot it was in Florida. So now that we are back, how hot is it?
Hot enough for Mason to shave his hair.

Youtube

With Mackenzie's help, Mason created a short video of his Lego creation. Using her account, Mackenzie uploaded his video to youtube. Mason is now checking daily to see how many people have viewed his video. Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0XTY2KAd7M

Mason's Lego House

Mason built his first lego house. He watched around 7 or 8 youtube videos which taught him how to build things like a coffee machine, soda machine, chair, desktop, microphone, camera and a television. I took a digital picture and using MS Word, Mason labeled the items. Next, Mason will attempt to upload his own lego video to youtube.

Happy Father's Day

Best Father's Day wishes go to the three best dads that we know.

To my own dad, Kim Guske

To my father-in-law, Jim Morgan

And to the father of my children, Darin Morgan.

We're home!

Eight tanks of gas, seven nights, six different states (Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina) and we are finally home. Can you tell who missed us the most?

Stone Mountain

On our final evening in Georgia, we decided to make a quick trip over to Stone Mountain. We rode the skyride up to the top of the granite mountain.
From the summit, you can see downtown Atlanta.
Along with other families, we gathered on the lawn and enjoyed dinner and music before the laser light show began.
At night, Stone Mountain projects a "Laser Spectacular" on the side of the mountain. The show includes lasers, music, and fireworks. The three Confederate Generals (Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis) carved into the mountain become animated during the laser show. I told the kids, our vacation ended with a "bang"!

The Guske's Lakehouse

Spent most of the day hanging at the Guske's lakehouse in Waleska, Georgia. The kids swam in the pool and the lake, rode the pontoon boats and even caught a few fish. Grandpa and Nana love having their grandchildren visit.

Cool River Tubing

Today we made it to Helen, Georgia where we enjoyed a 1 1/2 hour tube adventure down the Chattahoochee River in the North Georgia Mountains. Our family loves floating down the river enjoying the peace and serenity of the north Georgia mountains in beautiful Alpine Helen. This is one of our favorite places to visit, if you are ever in North Georgia, we highly recommend Helen.

The Dillard House

We had a caravan today with two minivans making their way through the Smokey Mountains. We stopped at overlooks and hiking trails on our way to The Dillard House in Georgia.
The Dillard House is a well-known inn with a restaurant and stables. The Dillard House has something for every member of the family.

A petting farm for the kids.

An over-sized room including a porch with a view for mom.

Lastly, a country dinner served family style for Dad. Wait, why did everyone leave me to finish the leftovers, clean the dishes and pay the bill?

The Tennessee Guskes

We made it to Kingsport, TN and wanted to share some pictures of the Guske's home. Above, is a photo taken from their backyard which backs up to a horse farm. Just beautiful!

And here is a picture of their front yard, just kidding!

Historic Downtown Paducah

Before leaving Paducah, we headed to the historic downtown which included the Wall-to-Wall. Paducah's rich history comes to life with murals painted on the downtown floodwall. The kids also got a chance to dip their feet into the Ohio River.

The Kentucky Wedding

Today's wedding was at Patti's 1880 Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. The wedding ceremony was held in the wedding gazebo followed by a reception on the porch. Rather than throwing rice or bird seed at the bride and groom, we blew bubbles. We wish Chris and Laura a happy life together.

McCain/Morgan Dinner Rehearsal

The McCain/Morgan Dinner Rehearsal was held at at 1907 restored home. Morgans from as far way as Colorado, Florida, Texas, and Virginia attended the dinner. This was the first time in 8 years that Darin, his two brothers, one sister and his parents were together for an event.

Bridesmaids Luncheon

Today, Mackenzie attended her first Bridesmaids Luncheon at the Country Club of Paducah, KY. We were invited guests because I am the groom's aunt. Luckily, Mackenzie was not the only kid there. She was seated at a table with her cousins, Ashlan and Katie Morgan, from Texas.

The Silly and the Serious

Today, Mason has his end-of-the-year celebration in his 2nd grade classroom. He was awarded two certificates. The first, a silly certificate for his athletic competitiveness.

His serious certificate, Amazing Artist, for all of his book illustrations. Did you know that Mason has written over 50 short books with his own illustrations? It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in the same teacher's classroom (Mrs. Crouse) with Mackenzie as she received the Big Bear Hug and the Golden Pen certificates. I am so thankful for the wonderful teachers at my school.