While we were all figuring out how to spend our morning, Ross started a 'who-can-pick-the-best-flower-for-mom?' contest.
You can see Cole & Cali in the background looking for a better flower.
That's Ross punching his baby brother for picking a bigger bunch of hydrangeas.
I didn't tell the boys, but Courtney Lee actually put together quite an arrangement of flowers; winning the contest. Not sure why I can't find the picture of it though...
And this one of my Uncle Brad chasing Coley is blurry, but I love it just the same.
Of course, our plan for the day involved the beach.
We had to find a good beach for skim-boarding.
Ladies in class, don't I actually preach NOT to tilt your horizon like this? (It was a mistake...I make my fair share of those.)
There's a nice, straight horizon for you.
My Mom even tried to skim-board. (Mind you, I was scolding her since it's only been a year since she had back surgery.)
Ross adores his Grandma.
I gave it a try too - ended up with a mouth full of sand. (That's my Mom on the camera.)
And my Uncle Donnie gave it a try too.
Courtney Lee was all about kite flying.
We really didn't plan for them all to wear orange...it just happened that way.
My cousin Jesse going out to fish.
And when we went up to the car to make lunch, we found a bunch of hungry squirrels.
We stuck a chip inside my lens hood to get that shot.
Ross striking a King of the Mountain pose.
Back at the beach. (My cousin Jesse.)
And then everyone buried Coley.
And though it may look like he found this as amusing as Courtney Lee did...he did not.
Another round of amazing photos and I love your writting as well! hugs from Conroe TX!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | September 02, 2009 at 08:35 PM
I love all of the pictures, but the one with the squirrel is just too cute!
Posted by: Dina | September 02, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Of all the things a woman could do to leave a great legacy, I don't think they compare to leaving a family that wants to spend their time together- in her honor-years after she has gone.
Posted by: nancy in ks | September 03, 2009 at 12:53 AM
I am so envious of all of the members of your family gathered together to laugh, play, and just be with one another. How wonderful.
Posted by: Kimberly | September 03, 2009 at 03:47 AM
What fabulous pictures- and you looked like quite the skim-boarder!!
Posted by: Abigayl | September 03, 2009 at 04:36 AM
Beautiful photos! Even if the horizon is at a slant in that one, it's still great.
Posted by: Jennifer M. | September 03, 2009 at 05:34 AM
These are great...Talk about fun these sure did tell the story of a fun day.
Posted by: Regina | September 03, 2009 at 05:46 AM
What a beautiful tribute to her, the photos and the story make me tear up :) LOVE the squirell
Posted by: Jennifer S | September 03, 2009 at 06:22 AM
The picture of Ross and your mom may very well be my favorite picture ever.
Posted by: shaina | September 03, 2009 at 06:26 AM
i can't believe those squirrels were sitting on peoples LAPS!! ohmydog!! you guys have a great life. i just wanna hang out with ya'll all the time. many blessings to you and your family Karen!!
Posted by: karla | September 03, 2009 at 06:56 AM
I just want to join your family. Will you adopt me? I mean seriously, I can't imagine seeing a family that has more fun together, laughs more together, loves more together. You are blessed! Thank you for letting us peek in!
Posted by: Ally | September 03, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Your family is so FUN!
reminds me of when I was little and we always
got together with aunts, uncles and cousins. it's different now that
we all have our own families and are too big to get together!LOVE THESE!
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | September 03, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Loved, loved, loved them all!
Posted by: Addie | September 03, 2009 at 08:42 AM
i loved your pics, Karen! I can't believe how how much Kellys girls look like her. Very cute. I miss your gramma too. I get tears in my eyes when I think of her. She was a beautiful, inside and out.
Posted by: Glendy | September 03, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Beautiful as always, Karen! Thanks for sharing! :o)
Posted by: Tracy | September 03, 2009 at 10:06 AM
The squirrel shot was something else! Hey, you have a Seahawk fan in the bunch, that football thing is ramping up soon I here, must be Autunm. Thanks for sharing the beach and a bit of summer with us.
Posted by: Kimberly | September 03, 2009 at 10:12 AM
And apparently I haven't had enough coffee yet to type "hear" not "here"!
Posted by: Kimberly | September 03, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Just a question -- can you tell those of us who aren't in your classes why you preach to not tilt your horizon? Is it just a personal preference?
I've always kind of liked the wonky angles when the camera is tilted a little bit, so I was just curious why you say not to.
Thanks!
Posted by: Angie | September 03, 2009 at 12:41 PM
beach pics are my absolute favorite. keep 'em coming. I would never ever tire of these beautiful pics!
Posted by: angi b | September 03, 2009 at 01:00 PM
oh, yeah, and that squirrel pic was killer! OMG, you even make small animals into works of art. LOL!
Posted by: angi b | September 03, 2009 at 01:01 PM
And Grandma is smiling down and couldn't be more proud. Perfection!
Posted by: janel | September 03, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Looks like a great time! Love the squirel!
Posted by: Kelli | September 03, 2009 at 03:51 PM
What a wonderful way to remember your Grandma. I'm sure she was right there with you.
Posted by: Tracy | September 03, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Beautiful! Love your photos and the stories behind them.
Posted by: Cheryl | September 04, 2009 at 09:27 PM
What a loving tribute to your Grandma!! Love the squirrel shot!! Hubby & I love Gold Beach...it's so beautiful....in fact I think we've stayed at the cottage that's behind Ross in the first pic!! :)
Posted by: Debbie | September 05, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Beautiful pictures to go along with what I'm sure will always be beautiful memories!!
Posted by: ali | September 05, 2009 at 07:57 PM
Karen...how do u protect ur camera from getting sand??
Posted by: Felicia Nguyen | September 24, 2009 at 09:35 PM