Summer Vacation 2017

Another vacation has come and gone and we enjoyed our much needed getaway.  Our trip started with a visit to our 12the state, Kentucky, and ended on the beautiful beach of Gulf Shores, Alabama. 

Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system.  We chose a short guided tour, but will definitely consider a longer tour next time.  The parts of the cave that we saw only touched on all there is to explore underground.

 

Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace and Boyhood Home
We always love to visit historical sites.  I discovered a piece of history was not too far from Louisville so we made a quick stop to check it out.  The actual home is encased in a building similar looking to the Lincoln Memorial.  It is a very tiny house.  We had to drive down the road a few miles and there stood Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home.  It is just a small as the other house.

Kentucky Derby Museum
We were excited to take a quick guided tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.  Again we learned to take a longer tour next time.  There was so much we wanted to see!!!  After taking the tour and seeing a 20 minute video, Craig and I quickly decided seeing the Kentucky Derby live was going on our Bucket List.  Since Kroger hand sews the rose garland given to the winner, I wonder if we could get some discounted tickets?  Hmmm....

 

 

 

The Ark Encounter
Yes, that Ark.  Well, it's not the exact same Ark from the days of Noah, but it's an exact replica.  It was built according to the same dimensions listed in the Bible.  Some creative license was taken for the inside of the boat, but it was really cool to get a general idea of what it may have actually looked like.

There were 3 levels inside the boat, full of information and exhibits.  Any possible question you could have about the Ark was addressed and answered.  There were lots of comparison between what scientists believe and what creationists believe.  One of our favorite things at the end was the depiction of real life scenarios and the struggles people currently have.  Then at the end, the Salvation message is explained and there are pamphlets on the Salvation prayer.  It was a great ending to the museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Louisville Slugger Museum
So the whole reason we wanted to visit Louisville specifically was to come to this museum.  Every baseball loving boy needs to visit this place.  We took the factory tour and loved all the insights into making the famous wooden bats.  The tour ended with everyone receiving a mini bat. Of course, we couldn't leave there without Preston getting his own custom bat (orange) with his name and number embossed on it.

A new city visit would not be complete without checking out some local restaurants.  And if there is a Hard Rock Café nearby, we are stopping there.

Troll Pub Under the Bridge

Hard Rock Café Louisville

After a few days in Kentucky, it was time to head south to our very favorite spot, Gulf Shores, Alabama.  We rented a condo in our favorite place and just took in the sights and sounds of the ocean every chance we got.  My parents and brother even stopped by for a couple nights. 

The jellyfish were very prominent this year and Craig and Preston got plenty of stings.  Thankfully, the stings weren't too bad and didn't really hurt them.  We also noticed lots of dead fish would wash up on the shore every morning.  One gigantic dead fish was found also.  However, I read an article that there is currently a dead zone in the gulf causing lots of marine life to die.  We also had lots of rain this time which we never experienced before.  It was a different trip to the beach this year, but still wonderful.  Kaitlyn enjoyed collecting shells and playing volleyball, Preston and Craig enjoyed the water and building sand castles, and I enjoyed some reading and staying in the shade.

 

 

 

I'm always so sad to leave such a beautiful place and can't wait to go back again.  Overall, it was a fabulous vacation and we were very happy to get away for a little bit.  Now time to plan next year's trips! 

Embrace These Days

I'm sitting in my family room, enjoying the quietness that surrounds me.  Craig has a late night at work and the kids are already in bed, anticipating an early alarm for tomorrow's big day.  It gives me time to reflect on all that has happened in recent months.

This summer has flown by, yet, it was one of the best summers we've had.  For the first time in years, I did not have to work or worry about school and was able to just enjoy my time with some of my favorite people. 

We had a steadily busy, but relaxing summer.  We had lots of games and sports camps to attend.  We participated in an exciting week of Vacation Bible School.  We celebrated holidays, birthdays, weddings, Father's Day, and the impending arrival of a new addition to the family.  We eagerly marked things off our Summer Fun List, enjoyed a few playdates, and went on an incredible vacation to parts of the country we have never seen.  We created many, many memories and enjoyed our time spent together.

However, don't be fooled.  It wasn't always rainbows and roses at our house (although we did see a few).  There was some sibling pestering and consequences handed out.  There were days of boredom and complaints of chores or household tasks that needed to be done. 

But those tough days came and went.  Much like the summer days filled with fun activities.  Much like the days when your children are learning to walk and now they are on the brink of learning to drive. 

Those days came and went.

These days will continue to come and go.

I embraced every day of this summer, even the tough ones.  I embraced the time spent with my kids, even when they didn't want to listen to me.  I embraced the days Craig did not have to work and I did not have to rush off anywhere either.  I embraced these summer days.

First day of school clothes are laid out, ready for pictures by the front door tomorrow morning.  Backpacks are packed and ready to be loaded with books and assignments.  I also start my classes in just two short weeks.  Our calendar will start filling up and the busyness and chaos of life will return once again. 

But I will continue to embrace these days, even the tough ones.  For these days will continue to come and go and I will enjoy every fleeting moment of it.

Spikes and Strikes

It has been a very busy sports season for us.  We just ended baseball two weeks ago and had tryouts the following week.  This time we had volleyball to add to our schedule and it was so fun to see Kaitlyn try something new.

Kaitlyn joined a local rec team.  There were some things we did not like about the organization and some things that were good.  Overall, it was a nice experience for her.

Blurry action pic

Her team made it to the semi-finals, which was pretty cool.  I must say, I know nothing about sports (except baseball, duh), so I was having to learn a bunch of new rules.

Kaitlyn recently went to volleyball camp at the local high school and practiced lots of drills.  Hopefully, it will help prepare her for volleyball tryouts in a few weeks. 

 

Preston's baseball season was a little different this year.  First, he joined a new team.  The coaches, parents, and kids are fabulous.  They are such great people and welcomed us with open arms.  The coaches were incredibly encouraging and believed in developing the player and not just going after the wins.  Preston had a lot of fun on this team and quickly made new friends.

 

 

Those faces!!!

 

Preston also went to baseball camp at the high school and had a great time.

 

 

At the end of the season with his regular team, Preston was asked to fill in for another team during the AAYBA World Series!!!!  He was so excited to be given this chance.  It was a week long event that started with a full day of exhibitions, pin trading, and tailgating.  This team was just as fabulous and we knew many of the families.  Preston played in every game (6 games in 5 days) and even got to pitch during the championship game (I was pacing the entire time!).  It was an amazing week and ended with an amazing 1st place finish in our bracket. 

 





Not only did Preston start the season with a new team and end the season with another team, he did a great job at tryouts and will be joining another Select team next season.  We know we will be with them for a whole year so no more transitioning for awhile.

It's been a great season of sports and we are so proud of our kids for wanting to be involved in a team activity, build new friendships, and better themselves as a person.  We can't wait for the fall!

The Year of Growth: We Have Bloomed and Now Rest In the Son

It has been full speed ahead since the beginning of the year.  So much has been going on at all times and I just tried my best to put a leash on the hurricane that became our lives.

Finally, things are slowing down for a little bit.  School's out for the summer (que music). The bulk of baseball season is over.  Volleyball season is over.  My big volunteer commitments have ended.  The excitement surrounding Craig's store has died down and it's business as usual. 

We have been pruned.  We have been planted.  We have bloomed.

Now it is time to rest.  It's time to enjoy continued growth and warmth from the sun.

We still need the Son.

We, as a family, are going to take some much needed time away from the hustle and bustle of activities that kept us busy throughout most of the year.  We have some fun activities planned and we also are looking forward to some time to get away. 

My Facebook presence may decrease some, but you can certainly find me on Instagram (@desireelkelley).  I'll be capturing photos of our day to day, our home life, and the ability to just stop and enjoy the little things.

We are also taking this time to really pray about direction in our lives.  We want to go where God leads us.  The path may not be easy, but we are willing to take the journey.

We still need the Son.