The worst family vacation with the best family

This year our annual family vacation was a little challenging.  I think that we are al feeling pretty lucky to have gotten out of Wilmington, North Carolina alive.  The night that we arrived poor Mayson Elizabeth came down with a double ear infection and ran a high fever for several days.  My poor angel couldn't sleep, eat or do anything but cry.  Finally the medicine kicked in and she began feeling better just in time for me to get an abscess on my sinus cavity that caused one whole side of my face to swell and horrible pain.  After that Lily got urinary tract infection and just to throw a little spice into our lives my dad got into an accident.  

While you will not see any pictures of me (think big lopsided face) you will see a few pictures that I managed to capture between visits Urgent Care.  Mom, Dad, John, Tiffany, Will, Finn, Lily and Mayson Elizabeth their was no better group of people to have spent a miserable week with.  I love you all.

                       

                            Pop and Mayson Elizabeth really enjoyed the fireworks over the River!  

                                          

                       Finn is riding high on his daddy's shoulders after getting a light saber from Uncle Will

Mimi and Pop

                                             The always lovely Lily is a kite flying expert

                                            Finn on the other hand like running much better

                         Mimi and Finn were able to have several "portant" discussions regarding super hero's

          

        My girl was such a little trooper she loved the beach and all the extra attention the week provided

                   It was wonderful spending time with everyone especially my handsome husband

                                                             And my favorite sister

John Grimes State Farm

John's dream of being a State Farm Agent is becoming more of a reality every day.  We are pleased to announce that we have found a building here in Roanoke Rapids, NC that will house John Grimes State Farm and that we begin construction later in the month.  

Here is a look at the before and I will make sure to post pictures of the after as well.

Wish us luck on the latest exciting adventure for the Grimes Family!

Halloween, O' what a night!

Holidays are challenging in the Grimes household.  I have a real problem with building up events, it can never be just a night in my head it has to be the night they remember forever and of course the kids are never cooperative with anything that I plan.  This Halloween was no exception, Finn refused to eat his dinner in a normal time frame (think 2 hours for 5 chicken nuggets and 4 apple slices) and Mayson Elizabeth's Halloween garb was not warm enough for the weather so I had to make her a costume in the span of a few minutes!  By the time that we actually left the house Mayson Elizabeth was not pleased to say the least and Finn had shed enough tears to cause dehydration.  Here are a few shots from tonight, while they are not good, I feel pleased that we made it out the door and both of my children are still alive, at least for now.

Leaving the house a mere 2 hours after Finn sat down for dinner

A slightly sinister Buzz Lightyear and an adorable Ghost! 

Buzz's first stop

Loving that strangers are giving him chocolate which is his favorite food

This is right before Finn told the lady that made homemade popcorn balls that he doesn't like that kind of popcorn. Wow, I could have killed him and to make matters worse she lives 2 houses down from ours.  While Finn may not like that kind of popcorn, John loved every last bit.  

My tired little Ghost 

The big kids down the street that Finn claims are "the coolest"!

Mayson waving good bye.

Fall 2010

 This past month has taken us to a few new parts of Oregon and we have been amazed at every turn.  The beauty that this state holds is breathtaking and I am so thankful that we have gotten to see parts that were previously uncharted by the Grimes Family.  Fall has always been my favorite season and it is so nice to actually be able to know that it is fall (without a Starbucks menu reminding you-no slight to the pumpkin spice latte) by watching the trees change and the weather cool.  Here are a few pictures of our journey!

Right above the Clackamas River

Me and my silly boy

Finn making his silly face! 

Oregon

My little model

He looks so sweet here, this is about 2 seconds before he had a major breakdown and refused to take any more pictures!

Mayson Elizabeth is finally awake!

I love this school

Mayson Elizabeth not feeling the photo shoot!

This feels like the Yellow Brick Road but I don't really know why

Weekend Update

This weekend the Grimes Family set out for a little Oregon exploration, as a kid my parents used to take us for long drives on the weekend.  We would drive all over the place just to check it all out.  While I don't know if I enjoyed it at the time, especially in high school, I now think that it was so nice to be able to take a few hours away from it all and just be together.  So this weekend my family continued this tradition and we are hoping to make this a regular thing, just maybe a little shorter-we were in the car for 10 hours yesterday!

This is a local Tv repair shop

Finn climbing at the playground in Estacada

Mayson Elizabeth wondering why she has been in a car seat all day

Finn rock climbing

Almost to the top

He made it.  This was about 7 feet tall and I was worried to death!

John and Mayson Elizabeth, can you tell she is teething with those fingers in her mouth?

Back on the Rock!

Trying to figure out how to get down

Middle School in Estacada

Elementary School in Estacada

The big city!

I love that View.  Such beautiful mountains!