I just remembered I never shared these photos and I thought they were too cute not to share. This was Cole's Halloween outfit from this past year that he WOULDN'T wear. He likes to put it on every now and then and pretend.

Does he look strong? Like he can protect you?

Graham Family Beach Trip

Let me preface this by saying we haven't been on a full family vacation in probably 5 years and a lot can change in 4 years. We have added husbands, graduated from high school and college and added 5 grandkids in the past 4 years. With 17 of us and counting it is obviously difficult to get us all together, especially for a vacation but with Alex graduating from CHHS the end of May we decided to get it together and make a quick trip to the beach with everyone for Memorial Day. We had a great time as always and got to do lots. The kids got to hang out at Pier Park, bungee, rock climb, ride trains, eat ice cream and just have fun together. We enjoyed great weather, great food and even snuck in family photos take by candacenelsonphotography.com

She and David did an amazing job as usual and we will cherish the photos for years to come.

Nana, Addison and Hope waiting for dinner.

Graham showing his skills.
Aliee loved this. She did it twice during the weekend.Of course, Cole loved the train so we all jumped on for a quick ride. This was the first of probably 5 or 6 rides during the weekend for Cole. He can't get enough of it.

Aunt Alex shared her candy apple with Owen who loved it if you can't tell. He also loved Aunt Hope.

Having fun in the sand with Daddy. He spent most of his time doing this. I am so glad the boys don't mind the sand.

Owen showing off in the pool. He loves to swim and is fearless. He wouldn't put his swimmies on one time so Dax just let him swim because Owen wouldn't have it any other way. So proud of himself.

This one right here...he won't swim at all. But this won't be the case for long. He is taking swimming lessons this week and is doing a great job!


You see this picture is no different than most; Cole isn't really in it. That is how he is 99% of the time. And Owen wouldn't get out of the water so we told him to just float in front :)

Uncle Larry and Aunt Cheryl's

For the past 3 years we have gone to visit Dax's aunt and uncle in South Carolina. They live on Lake Keowee and are so hospitable every time we come. We love our time with them and our time away. We finally figured out a good traveling schedule to be able to enjoy our time fully. We left Thursday after work a couple of weeks ago and drove straight there. That allowed us to have 2 full days with them relaxing and catching up and then traveled home early Sunday morning. Aunt Cheryl relaxing while we all froze our tails off at the waterfalls.Uncle Larry just happened to not have his swimsuit on at the time. He must have known how cold the water was. Clint had already jumped in to head to the rocks.

I can't even begin to tell you how cold this rushing water was and how slippery those rocks were.Clint and Brittany - they did so good - this was the first time to sleep sweet baby Shep.If you don't know or can't tell from the photo - baby number 3 is due on my birthday - Dec. 31st.We missed you Tyson! It just isn't the same without you.

The boys perfected their skiing skills and Clint worked on gliding into the dock.

It was a great weekend and as usual we can't thank them enough for allowing us to visit each year. I only wish we could do it more often! Thanks Larry and Cheryl.

Geogia Aquarium

We recently ventured to Atlanta, Georgia with the boys in tow to visit the Georgia Aquarium. It was a long day, leaving at 5:30 and coming home that afternoon but well worth it for the experience. Cole is the perfect age to go and he enjoyed it the most out of everyone. Owen, poor thing, was so tired from getting up early that he just wanted his Daddy to hold him. He liked seeing the fish too just not near as much as Cole Man. We met Brooke, John and Will around 10:30 and explored the exhibits for a couple of hours until we had made our way through everything. We then headed to the Varsity for lunch and then home. It was a great day with the family and our friends!It is impossible to get a picture of them both looking.

"Bruce" as Cole likes to say.

Will is telling Cole all about it.

I didn't take many photos of the fish, or I should say many didn't really turn out, but this is a turkey zebra fish - or something like that.

This wasn't long after being there but you can see how tired Owen is. They both fell asleep right when we got to Atlanta and had a short nap until we parked and got out.

Cole couldn't decide if he wanted to touch the stingrays or not. He, of course, did much better with Dax. I don't know what it is but he just gets so scared when I have him.

The scuba divers were in one of the tanks when we first got there and Cole thought it was the coolest thing ever.
Time to go!

One more AGD

After having 4 daughters pledge Alpha Gam and one that hopefully will in the fall it is only right to be one yourself. My mom has assisted with whatever we needed her to do with Alpha Gam. When I was at Alabama and Rush Chair she came to my rescue, when I was President and needed her again she came through. Not that I expect anything different, because she always comes through. I have gotten involved with the Troy Chapter and an alumnae initiation was mentioned for 3 women. Susan Peirce did a wonderful job getting it all together and a special thanks to the chapter for taking part in initiation. We were honored to initiate mom into Alpha Gam this past Sunday at Troy which is where she graduate from. All four of us were able to be there and it was a special time for mom.

Meggan (Psi '06), Me (Psi '01), Mom (Gamma Sigma '10), Hope (Psi '95), Joy (Gamma Sigma ' 99)

Candace Nelson and Mindy Carter's mom, Deborah Carter was initiated and Jessica Rowell was initiated. Each initiate had a tie to Alpha Gam in some way.

Easter Day

The Easter Bunny was good to the boys. Cole received a couple of Veggie Tale movies, some books; Jonah and Joseph 's Coat of Many Colors, a hoe, a rake and work gloves. Owen got crayons, a floor coloring mat, Flinstone vitamins and a Wheels on the Bus book. Dax and I had signed up for breakfast for Sunday School this past Sunday so I was in the kitchen trying to prepare when Cole walked around the corner carrying his work gloves. He was so proud of them! I asked him what he had and he said Diego Work Gloves! The bunny brought them but I didn't see him. For those that don't know; Cole cares nothing for Santa, The Easter Bunny and I am sure will cry at the thought of the Tooth Fairy.

Owen was saying CHEEEEEESE
He looks so grown with his hair cut.

Cole practicing for Mama

We have to hold Owen back to snap any picture these days. They are good only when he is in the mood.

Two of my sisters; Alex the baby and Meggan

Cole, Addison, Graham, Aliee and Owen

A Fishing We Will Go

Fishing photos below from this past Saturday. Both the boys had a great time watching everyone else fish. I know soon they will want to do it themselves. We enjoyed having our cousins in town to spend this time with us. We love some Chance. This is my baby sister's boyfriend who we adore...every single one of us.
Aliee is so good with Owen. She watches over him constantly! She reminds me of her Mama :)