Our Second Chance

Well, we are sad to say that before we left on our Spring Break trip we returned Chilula to the Rescue where we got her.  Her mental health issues ran way too deep for the Ford's to handle.  We gave it a valiant effort for three months but came to realize we were not the right family for this crazy dog.  We thought long and hard over Spring Break about whether or not we were a family that needed a dog with our crazy schedule and busy life style.  We all decided we were ready and had the "Dog Bug" but maybe with a breed we were more familiar with.  We went back to the Rescue when we got back and came home with "Ruger" a 10 week old lab mutt.  He will hopefully only get to about 40 pounds but we will see.  He is very sweet and hopefully growing up in our crazy life, he will adapt quite well.  He was quiet his first night and loves to play outside but as any puppy he loves to sleep best (when Laine will let him).  Hopefully this is it and Ruger is home to stay.  Wish us luck.

Spring Break/Easter 1

The first stop on our Spring Break Road trip was to one of our favorite places Waverly, GA.  We enjoyed the usual ATVs, turkey hunts but Saturday we all decided to have the kids make their own natural Easter baskets for a big egg hunt.  It was a challenge but the kids did great using grape vine and palms to make 3 very different baskets.    They collected tons of well hidden eggs :) and after we had a great Easter dinner.  Sunday the Easter Bunny visited our van on our 7 hour trek to Virginia for the night.

Spring Break 2

On our way north from Virginia we stopped for lunch to see Grandma Sally and Dave.  Grandma and Dave were visiting Greg, Gretchen and their sons in the DC area for Easter.  It was a short stop but nice to see everyone.

Spring Break 3

Our furthest stop north was to see Grammy in Pennsylvania.  We arrived Monday afternoon and stayed until Wednesday morning.  Grammy made the kids all of their favorite foods and we all gained 10 pounds but it was worth it.  It was great to see Grammy and we can't wait to see her again soon.

Spring Break 4

After visiting Grammy we headed South and wanted to stop in DC to see the highlights and break up our drive. Well as you can see the weather did not cooperate.  It was in the 40s and rained the whole day.  We were troopers and saw what we came to see see (rather quickly), took pictures and left.  We were so wet when we got back to the van after 4 hours in the rain.  We had the kids slip off their pants and ride the next 3 hours to Virginia in their underwear.  They thought that was so funny and one of the memories of the trip they love to tell.

Spring Break 5

The final stop on our Spring Break Road Trip was Athens, GA. We enjoyed the hospitality of our good friends the Wiley's.  They took us on a tour around the University and we had dogs and rings at the Varisty.  We had a great visit and a great Spring Break!!

Walker's 11th Birthday

Sunday afternoon we had some friends over and celebrated Walker's birthday. The kids swam and we cooked Walker's favorite dinner, Flank Steak, and enjoyed a big Cookie for dessert. He had a great day. I can't believe my big boy is 11 and heading off to middle school next year too. CRAZY !!

Walker's New Room

For Walker's birthday Mom and Dad decided to surprise him and re-do his room.  The other kids had their rooms painted but we had just not gotten to Walker's.  He also needed a door so we did not have to be asked again to "turn that down" as we watched TV after he went to bed.  So we planned to get him out of the house and we were going to do all the work ourselves.  Well our ideas got too big so we hired some help. The door guys had to come on Friday so Walker was conveniently invited to spend Friday night with his friends.  Saturday all 3 kids spent the night with Grandma and Papa.  The painter finished up on Saturday and Mom and Dad spent until midnight putting it all back together.  We had the big reveal after church on Sunday.  He was very surprised!  New door, new paint, new shelves and new speakers.  What more could an 11 year old want for his birthday ??

Field Day

Garrett really enjoyed "Field Day"  It is one of the highlights of elementary school.  He competed in several events but did not place though he was on the winning relay team.   His class won the most blue ribbons for the 4th grade.

Field Trip to Publix

Laine had a great time on her field trip to Publix.  The cookie and juice were the best part.  These Florida kids thought the freezer was was "Crazy Cold" Brrrrrrr!!!