Family Vacation 2009!

So, I haven't posted in like three weeks. For good reason, we have been enjoying time with family on vacation in North Carolina. It is a family tradition that my family, my mom's sister's families and my grandparents get together in North Carolina at the beach for a week every other summer. We have done this now since I was in 8th grade I think. I am having my 10 year reunion this year, so you do the math. It is the best vacation ever!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure you can see how much fun we had by the pictures above.

Mom, this is for you:

Murphy Top Highlights from Vacation

1. Going on long walks and talking
2. Watching Nana and Grandpa with Clayton in the pool, on the beach, etc.
3. Sitting down to dinner with 14 people and being thankful for all those dinners Anna, mom, dad and I had together
4. Clayton having slumber parties with Nana and Grandpa
5. Taking Clayton to the pool for the first time with Grandpa
6. Hearing my grandma and grandpa tell stories
7. Eating yummy food
8. Justin's Nascar sun glasses
9. Going to Bullocks
10. Clayton taking his first plane ride
11. Playing Euker and Pitch
12. Bonita and Romero's hospitality at their house in Chapel Hill
13. Hanging out with my sister
14. Going to a Durham Bulls game
15. Dad's stained clothes (Sorry dad, maybe mom can learn how to do laundry now that she is retired. :
16. My mom, and aunts losing the shopping cart at the grocery store
17. Watching my grandparents celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary
18. Justin and David hanging out in the hot tub :)
19. TOP HIGHLIGHT-BEING WITH FAMILY

So many days we go through the motions of the day and don't take time to enjoy the little moments. I am sooooooo guilty of this. I look at the pictures in this slide show and see everyone I love. We have so much to be thankful for. How many families can have everyone in the same place at the same time and have so much fun. I have wonderful aunts and uncles that have always been there for me. I have cousins that while we might be separated by age, we always have a good time together. I have grandparents that are truly my heros in so many ways. I have parents that have always put my sister and I first and who have given me such wonderful experiences like these vacations. I have a sister who is and will always be my best friend. I have a life partner-in-law who I love because of the way he makes my sister smile and has become a huge part of our family. I now have a husband and child who I love to share these moments and my family with. So, take time, take time to watch your kids, to see family members, to relax! The summer isn't over!

Thanks for the great vacation everyone! Can't wait till next time!

Clayton's big Adventure with Nana and Aunt Ellie

Over Memorial weekend Grandpa and Nana took Clayton on many wagon rides. This is one of the "nature" rides that Nana took Clayton on, through their forest. Clayton loves being in the wagon. Oh, and Aunt Ellie tagged along as an extra guide.

Memorial Day Weekend in the Burg

We had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend. We went to Gburg on Friday, then headed to Rockford for my Cousin Christine's high school graduation and party. Congrats Chris!!!!!!!!!!!We had tons of fun seeing the Malones, Aunt Anna, Uncle David and Great Grandma and Grandpa. We headed back to Galesburg on Sunday and Grandpa grilled some yummy ribs and we hung out by the fire pit. We headed home on Monday, but not without having had tons of fun with Nana and Grandpa! See below.

Grandpa and Clayton by the fire pit

Clayton takes a bath in the big tub

Nana and Clayton checking out the garden

Nana takes Clayton on a wagon ride through the "woods"

Clayton in the wagon that mommy and Aunt Anna rode in

Messy Food Time

Clayton eating a spaghetti type food. What a mess!

Clayton and Keely Share!

I wish I would have used the video camera, but here is a short clip of what happens when Keely has a bone these days. Good protien!

Clayton's First Cardinals Game! Thanks Ali!

Clayton is such a lucky boy. His favorite nurse from SLCH got him tickets to a baseball game for his birthday! Ali, you are the best. We went to the Brewers vs. Cards game today. It was PERFECT weather. Clayton had tons of fun and was such a good boy. Not a good game for the Cards, but oh so fun!

Clayton at the baseball game. He even wore his hat most of the game!

Daddy and Clayton, We are so glad Daddy is home!

Mommy, Daddy and Clayton. I think he was checking out a girl. :)