Preaching to myself!

Hold on to them. Tight. I first meant this message for anyone with a tween/teen that will be graduating in the blink of an eye. I am expanding that, though, and reminding myself that this thought relates to everyone: moms, dads, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends you see everyday and friends you see once a year. Cherish every moment you are blessed to spend with them because these precious moments are fleeting. Put down your phone, squeeze them, listen to them, laugh with them and love them….and catch a sunset while you are at it. I spent two wonderful months in the states this summer. I felt lucky to have so much time there, yet I didn’t feel like I had enough time anywhere, with anyone. I am thankful for the talks, laughs and memories made with those I love…whether it was 30 minutes or several hours. For those I missed, I look forward to our next visit. You all make me happy and make me a better person. Love to all…

Creek Ratz: A Sunday night tradition

Cape San Blas with the Rutland side of the family

The High School Graduates

Nightly sunset watching

Tony and his sister

Cornhole Champions

Hannah Grace with her Aunt Lynn

Greatest beach find

Roasting marshmallows on the beach: Gotta love it!

From one beach to the next: Ellis family time

Love from the King boys

Thankful that Tony is just as close to my family!

Papa with his sisters

We always have a crowd on the Fourth of July! It is chaos, but so much fun!

Cousin Night Out: It never disappoints!

Bruno's: A family favorite!

Usually see these two college buds in Garden City. Thrilled we got to change it up this year!

Great friends!

This crew could be found in this same circle every night!

The whole crew at The Hub

Lovin' on the Cottrell's new puppy

Tonk Championship: Tony FINALLY lost to Papa

I always take time for a sunset!

A great visit with a childhood friend that happens to have an office in Milledgeville. He is already looking after my baby girl!

We may go years without seeing each other, but we pick right back up where we left off!

This Child! Love him so!

I said, "Put down your phones." Sometimes, though, you have to pick them up to connect with those you love on the other side of the world!

This boy loves "his" dogs!

My BFF...love her!

Triple the trouble!

It isn't summer without some time out on the tube!

Just like riding a bike!

Sweet John helping Hannah Grace get settled into her apartment

Kim and John were lifesavers!

After a day of work, it was time to play!

Jason and Dad...no telling what stories they are sharing!

Birthday celebration for these three

Hannah Grace and Aunt Kristy

And then there were just two on the flight back to the Philippines 

So glad I had this crew to look forward to seeing back in the Philippines! An extra surprise visit from Kristen, too! The icing on the cake: my girl, Rachel, made a hole in one on this day!