Back from the beach

We are back from the beach and had a wonderful time. The water was clear, sand was soft, temperature was pleasant, accommodations were perfect and everyone got along. I could not ask for anything more out of a vacation. Chad and I were able to play and be with the kids and it was fabulous. Here is one of my favorite pictures of the kids, an attempt at a family picture. At least all four kids are looking at the camera and have some sort of fun expression. In fact, I absolutely love this one because you can really tell a lot about each of their personalities by looking at this photo.
Have a look.....

Time for the Blinker

I would like to say that we are about to turn the corner on potty training in this house. I would NOT say that we are turning the corner, BUT the corner is in sight and I think I feel the need to at least turn the Blinker on, we may be THAT close. He is beginning to tell us and try and take care of thing himself, so we will see. We are headed to the beach next week and things may go horribly awry. In fact, that alarm might start sounding, you know the one that lets you know the blinker is still on but you haven't turned? We will see!
I am looking forward to seeing what is around the corner for my little guy........

going, going, not quite gone

going, going, going, not quite gone.....diapers that is. Potty training is still an adventure here in the Gill abode. Parker is trying but things are not looking promising for being a diaper free household anytime soon. Keep your fingers crossed! Gotta run to the potty, AGAIN!!!

4th of July

This year we decided to participate in the Brandermill 4th of July parade by building a float with two sets of neighbors. We planned and talked and shopped and came up with a great idea for a float. We spent Friday afternoon and evening decorating and hanging out with our friends and then bright and early saturday morning we took off on our homemade float to drive down Brandermill parkway tossing candy to the onlookers. We had a such a fantastic time and in fact won an award for Best Neighborhood Float. Unfortunately, because I was on the float, I was not able to get a picture of it. I told my friends that I was now worried about next year, because we certainly set the bar very high.
After the parade we came back and had a neighborhood potluck picnic and headed out for some fabulous fireworks. All in all, it was a wonderful holiday and it made me appreciate where we live and how amazing our neighborhood and community is.
Our Fourth was certainly filled with good friends, food , and fellowship.........I could not ask for anything more!

Daddy days of Summer

Last year Chad was less than excited about our church situation so he began what we starting calling Daddy Days Of Summer. Each Sunday, Chad would pick a location or outing for the family to go on and we would spend the day together doing things we might not normally do. It was a huge success and the children were jumping up and down excited when summer began again because so would the Daddy Days. Last week, we started slow and went to Putt Putt, Bumper Boats, Go Karts, and the park. We had lunch out and had a wonderful time playing with the kids. This week we went out for our favorite lunch then headed off to the Science Museum for the Shark exhibit. The kids had so much fun and I had a hard time pulling Chad away as well. We then scooted home and had milkshakes and movie night. Everyone spent the day chatting and playing and amazingly there was very little fighting. We are looking forward to next week and where it will take us next.