Beach Outing

 We got together with our Keesler friends for one last outing on the beach. It was such a fun and relaxing night. It made us take a break from all the cleaning and preparations we have been doing for the move. We just sat and talked and watched the sun go down as the kids ran and played until they were covered with sand from head to toe.

 They found hermit crabs galore!

 "Look Mom, a pizza rock!"

 Such a fun group of kids! (We were missing the Willison family)

I never thought I would be so sad to leave Mississippi. One year is just not long enough for all of the wonderful people we met and the beautiful scenery we get to see every day.

The Mecham's

 We had a quick visit from the Mecham family. It was so fun to get together again before our big move. It's weird to say goodbye to people, not knowing when you will see them next. These guys have been such good friends and we will miss them!!

 You gotta love trying to get five little kids to sit and smile for a picture!

Cutie pies

4th of July

 I love the 4th of July! It is one of my most favorite holidays. I love how laid back it is. We had a fun BBQ with friends. This year I tried cutting out the watermelon with cookie cutters. It turned out so cute! And not to mention, it was one of the best watermelons ever. Justin and I ate a TON of watermelon.

 The boys did a little swimming, and then we headed to the beach. It had been cloudy that day, which kept the temperature down, and made for the perfect evening. The kids played, and played. They were loving life.

 Little Luke was a champ! He stayed awake the whole time just watching the fireworks. He is so cute!

 Anderson and Oliver were prepping themselves for the fireworks.

It was so pretty to watch the fireworks over the water. We kept telling each other how great of a night it was. Next year we will be in Japan. I'm guessing it will give a little different feel to the 4th of July.

Swim Lessons

 Jack just finished up his first round of swimming lessons. He did awesome for his first time. We only shed a few tears, and made great progress by the end.

 What are we going to do without our friend Katy?

 Off he goes! He can now jump in, swim all the way to his teacher, and back over to the ladder. I was so proud of him! He is already gearing up for round two, which of course won't be until we get to Japan, but I was glad that he had a positive experience with it and wants to do it again. Of course Anderson was dying for his turn in the water. His age group wasn't until a later date and it's just too busy and too close to the move to add one more thing in on our "to-do" list. So Anderson is now looking forward to swimming lessons in Japan.

 What? You want me to swim how far? I don't know about this...

I did it!! Check out these guns!

The boy next to Jack is his friend Lincoln. He is a total fish. It was good to have a little peer pressure in the class!

Keesler Crew

 Justin had the chance to work with some really nice people in his residency program. We have been so lucky to come out of this with some great friends, and a lot of fun memories. As we are wrapping up our time here in Mississippi, we have talked about what a good experience it has been for us. We have learned a lot. There have been some hard times, but mostly good times. 

 When we moved here, Justin was quickly initiated into the scooter club.
Don't they look like tough?

I'm glad Justin will still be required to wear his blue's on Monday's in Japan, because I will admit... I'm rather fond of them!