4th of July

Finally! I’m not exaggerating when I say that this post has been five days in the making. We’ve been adding pictures to it slowly. Sorry it’s taken so long! Our family had a blast at the beach in Galveston. It was just the girls from Wednesday through Friday and then the boys joined us for the rest of the weekend. It was everything we hoped it would be. We relaxed, swam, built sand castles, played with hermit crabs, walked along the beach, shopped, laughed, ate Dad’s famous gumbo, watched fireworks from the top deck of the beach house, played games, and enjoyed each others’ company very much. It was a very happy 4th of July!

Our quiet time spot.

Our view from the beach house.

Girls lunch at Willie G’s.

My boys in the waves. We meant to take a lot more beach pictures but it never happened!

Annabeth’s new jammies. They say “Berry Berry Sleepy.”

Baby Girl was very taken with her Auntie.

Mom, Lis and I played a gamed called Whoonu while we were waiting for the boys to arrive. When Melissa excused herself to answer a phone call, Mom and I rigged it so that she would get these cards. We picked 4 things we thought she hated and she had to rate them in order of how much she liked them. We thought we were hilarious. Turns out the joke was on us because apparently my sister loves her some four square. Whoonu? But, having been the second born daughter, she does despise hand-me-downs.

Mom and Dad at the pool.

Jackson has been learning how to swim this summer.

We’ve finally found something that tires him out!

Apparently it tires Annabeth out, too.

Aunt Melissa got Jackson a treat from the ice cream truck and simultaneously became his best friend.

A visit to Galveston is not complete without a meal at Gaido’s. Mom and Dad have been going there since before they got married. We took the opportunity to celebrate Dad’s birthday, which is actually today! Happy birthday, Daddy!

Some fun in our backyard after we got home.

We all missed Colin so much! His presence was the only thing missing from a perfect weekend. But as you can see, he was having no shortage of fun on his getaway with some college buddies. You can probably tell by his fleece jacket that he was nowhere near Texas! 

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Comments:

  1. 101
    village sister says:

    Moores: You are all are so generous – thank you for doing life with us as much as you can.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEITH!

    Blessings & love…..

    *Prayers and deepest sympathy to Fred & Charity Fisher…..they are enduring the greatest sorrow there is.

  2. 102
    purefire says:

    Awesome pics! Thanks for sharing. I especially love the porch; what a great place to do some reading.

    And the first time I ever played Whoonu was when a group of us ladies went to the LPM event in Columbia, SC back in 2006. We had a blast playing. And we still play it just as often as we can.

  3. 103
    Leah says:

    Souds like a great time was had by all.

    Seeing Beth in the pool reminds me of her story of going with you, Amanda, to the pool and how her rub on tan washed off in the pool. She must have had the real deal tan this trip.

    Leah

  4. 104
    Stephenie says:

    I love all the pictures. Thanks for sharing with us. I have to ask if Colin was in Roaming Shores, OH? I recognized the houses in the photos. July temps have been below normal around here. I actually wore jeans and a hoodie to the fireworks! I hope Colin had fun and was able to see the fireworks. It was quite a show.

  5. 105
    Amber says:

    Oh, how fun! Gotta love a beach vacation!

  6. 106
    Anonymous says:

    I second going on a Siesta cruise! Let's plan it! We could probably fill up a ship! Seriously, I think this is a GREAT idea!

  7. 107
    janet601 says:

    What wonderful pics! Thank you for sharing them with us. I loved seeing all of them … but, my favorite is Annabeth sleeping in the pool! What a precious baby!

  8. 108
    Jean Johnson says:

    Thanks for sharing your vacation with us. We moved from Galveston last fall in the midst of Hurricane Ike. What I miss the most from Galveston is my great Beth Moore Bible Study group. When I saw you all were in G-town, I was hoping you might run into some of the wonderful ladies in that group.
    Jean J, now in Mustang, OK
    P.S. Please tell me you went to The Spot and had onion rings!

  9. 109
    Unreasonable Grace says:

    Thanks so much for sharing all the pix. Makes me feel like we are such close buddies!

    I love how REAL and TRANSPARENT you all are.

    kim

  10. 110
    Esabelle says:

    So glad that all of you had such a wonderful, well deserved time together. Those children are absolutely beautiful and I'm sure with all of you around that they will grow up to be beautiful on the inside, too.

  11. 111
    Luv2Praise says:

    Love the family photos! What beautiful girls you all have and that Jackson is the cutest little guy! I think it is great that you are breaking in Annabeth early for the "girls weekends".

    Beth, I just love the beach hat! They never quite look as cute on me however!

    Colin looked like he was probably in the Northeast. We have not had a hot sunny day! We have had cool, rainy weather! Where did summer go? No bump-its needed here. I feel like we are in Seattle. We don't tan here anymore we rust!

    Love you all, glad to see you had a great vacation!

    Lori

  12. 112
    Stacy says:

    That looks like SO much fun!

    I have to let you know that the past couple of weeks have been extremely difficult in my life. My husband has been battling depression due to some difficulties at work…we are awaiting some serious medical test results…our oven caught fire…from minor things to serious things…and I'm 14 weeks pregnant with our third child.

    Honestly, I have had a hard time seeing or hearing God recently.

    However, I tape Life Today every day and watch it when I get home from work. Last night I watched you teach on Jacob wrestling with God and when you were pleading with the viewers to "not let go"…my heart just melted. It was the encouragement my husband and I needed. We watched that brief 20 minute segment three times. We just laughed at how it felt like you were in our living room speaking directly to us.

    Thank you for putting yourself out there. Thank you for all that you do for Him.

    I am not letting go until I get my blessing…Gen. 32:26

  13. 113
    zsjmom says:

    Looks like you had a great time. I am not going to the beach this year and am definitely missing it.

    I wanted to share this with you although it has nothing to do with your post today -okay it does involve freedom to worship Christ for my daughter.

    Several years ago, I took the Believing God study at my church. At that time my husband and I were finishing up the paperchase for a baby girl from China. I needed to believe God at that time (ironically when paperchasing just a couple of years ago for my son from China, I took a Priscilla Shirer study where some of the same themes popped up again). Anyway, I loved wearing the blue cord around my wrist and knew I would miss it when the study ended. So, I had a bracelet made to wear through my adoption journey with the following charms: a silver disk that simply said "Trust God", a mustard seed for the amount of faith I felt I could muster at times, and a silver heart with the Chinese symbol for love in it. I wore the bracelet throughout the process to remind me to pray for this child on the other side of the world. It is now tucked away in my jewelrey box, and I may pull it out and wear it over the years when I know she needs extra prayer. Ultimately, I plan to give it to her as a gotcha day gift when she is a young adult.
    I have thought many times about sharing this inspiration with you.

  14. 114
    Carla says:

    Thanks for the pictures! Just knew they would be adorable. It looks like you guys had loads of fun and and made some beautiful memories that you'll cherish forever. Beth, from one grammy to another, aren't grandbabies the coolest? It doesn't matter how old they get either- babies or 10 years old, they rock!!! Thanks for sharing. Carla Lee

  15. 115
    jenmom says:

    What a sweet blessing when families can get together and have great fun as it seems you guys had.

  16. 116
    Andrea R says:

    WOW it looks you guys had a great time. I love Beth and Lis in the pool with their stylin' earrings!
    And the grandbabies are just TOO CUTE! Thanks for sharing with us again. And, Happy Birthday Keith!

  17. 117
    Heiress of God says:

    WOW!!!!!!

    Thanks for sharing your pictures with us girls… truly looks like you all had a blast!

    And those babies are so adorable that I bet Bibby just couldn't get enough hugging and kissing time..

    You all are truly blessed …
    Lichelle

  18. 118
    drea says:

    Way too much fun!!! The pictures are wonderful!! And Annabeth has got to be the cutest thing.

    I am glad that you all had a blast!!

    Thanks for all the pictures, keep them coming.

  19. 119
    Anonymous says:

    Great pics Amanda….thanks for all your hard work in including us in your fun, even after the fact. I'll bet Colin was near MI because we are COLD!!!!! One of the coldest summers in 25 yrs. No, I don't need any cheese with me "whine". I just want warmth!! To soon we will be seeing "white stuff" horror of horrors……
    Blessings to all at LPM
    Bible Bunny in NO MI

  20. 120
    Becca says:

    Great pictures!! LOVED the one of Annabeth sleeping in her floatie!! So precious. And Jackson is such a cutie!

  21. 121
    Melissa says:

    Bible Bunny,

    Colin was indeed in Michigan! Fun that you guessed.

    Love,
    Melissa.

  22. 122
    Anonymous says:

    Great fun! We love Gaido's, too – were you at Pirate's Beach? looked in good shape- on our last trip back to Galveston, all looked up and running with a return of tourists- Blessings and thanks for sharing

  23. 123
    bgrannaboo says:

    All the pictures are great . My favorite is Annabeth in the float, asleep and sucking her thumb. That is a one in a million shot!

  24. 124
    hisfivefooter says:

    Those pictures are great! I hope you all got some much needed rest! Your children are darling, Amanda! Annabeth and Bibby pictures are just precious. Love to all your sweet family!
    Lisa in Kirkland, WA

  25. 125
    Emily says:

    Thank you so much for being real and sharing your life with us. We love you and your family.

  26. 126
    valerie says:

    What fun!
    I'm so glad you were all able to spend several days together.

    Beth, you look like a movie star in those pictures with your hat on. 🙂

  27. 127
    kimberly says:

    thanks for the post! i loved the pictures and missed you guys during that long stint without a post.

    have a fantastic weekend in albuquerque, beth!

  28. 128
    Becky says:

    Now, that was some fun photos
    showing a fun weekend. Thanks ya'll

    Cool.

    Becky

  29. 129
    AbbyLane says:

    amanda, your second born is so adorable that i have spent the day correcting myself from calling the 4 week old in my arms 'annabeth' when in fact her name is haven 🙂

    and i thought no child's eyes could rival your sons…and then you had a daughter. what in the world-stunningly beautiful.

  30. 130
    Amanda says:

    Amanda-

    You are really getting good with your photography! I really like some the angels and cropping and especially love the close up shot an Annabells face… your clarity is amazing!! That picture of her sleeping is priceless… should go on a magazine of some sort!…

    Have you ever considered doing more with photography? I think you have some really raw talent. Some people, no matter how expensive a camera they have, just can't take a picture to save their lives, but you have a real eye for it.

    Plus…its an awesome way to document the kids growing up as you know!!!

    Great job-
    God bless-
    Amanda

  31. 131
    Anonymous says:

    Thanks for the great picturs. I could feel the heat, the splash of the water and I could taste the Nija turle ice cream, YUM!!! So glad you had some great R&R as a family and Happy Belated Bithday Keith! In Jesus' Love Kathy Knoblock

  32. 132
    Georgia Jan says:

    Amanda – What a beautiful family! The pictures are wonderful.

    I pray you enjoyed your family vacation and I want to thank you for sharing with all of us.

    Happy Birthay to your Dad!

    Your children are so precious. Annabeth just looks like you could squeeze her!

    My grandson just left, he is not quite 11 months old and is a handful. Right now, he prefers Gran Jan (me) over his G-Daddy (my husband). I told my hubs to just let me enjoy this first year or two because the time will soon be here when he discovers 4-wheelers, the hunting lease, the fishing poles, dove hunting, etc. and hanging with Gran Jan will not have the same appeal…

    One day I'm going to get a grandgirl! I've been in "Testosterone Town" since I got married…

    Much Love,
    Georgia Jan

  33. 133
    Tammy says:

    Love the pics! You are a very good photographer Amanda! We are having some family time at the Black Hills in SD this weekend : )

    God Bless !
    Tammy in SD

  34. 134
    Three Fold Cord says:

    After the hilarious story your mom told on herself about the tanner coming off in the pool, you know this siesta was looking to see the real color of Bethie in the water. Well, looks like you found something that works this time-hehe.

    So glad you guys were able to get away. We went on vacation that same week and had a blast!

    other thoughts looking through the pics
    -Love the hat!
    -Lis' hair curly is so Summery!
    -Boys and their toys, the board was a hit at the beach for us as well
    -berry berry Cute!!
    -don't we momma's love to hide behind the camera?
    Ok! can we just pick up the phone and chat?/ So many things we are both doing right now because of the life stage we are in. Didn't you just LOVE the sand in everything? and the lotion that had to be applied every time we went out?
    Anyway, love you ladies so much, the boys too!

    Charlotte

  35. 135
    ginny says:

    I am just in awe of how much you folks share with us.I was a well deserved vacation I am sure. Love the pics of the kids they are too cute. Beth,thank you for sharing your family. Mine is somewhat scattered. My sister is in RI,my brother is in CT I am in NY. Thankfully they are close enough to drive to and visit. My son is not so close. He lives in Washington state. I have not seen him since my mom died in 2001 but we talk on the phone and every once in a while I'll get a picture.It's nice to see how close you guys are. Happy Birthday Mr Moore.
    I have a question and I hope you don't mind my asking I have not heard Colin mentioned before how is he related to you folks.

  36. 136
    Cindy- My Life HIS Story says:

    What a fun time!!! So glad you all were able to get away together.

    And Happy Birthday, Keith! We share a birthday. Being the youth minister's wife, I got to spend my (our!) birthday at Six Flags in 104 degree heat. But I did get to hang out with my favorite guy, my baby girl and the world's greatest youth group so not all was lost!! I think I would have preferred the beach, though!

  37. 137
    Fran says:

    These might be my favorite pix yet!
    Looks like y'all had a fabulous time!!!

    We leave for the beach next week and I absolutely CANNOT wait. The white sands of the gulf are calling my name! 🙂

    Happy summer to all of you!
    Hugs,
    Fran

  38. 138
    Sara at Miller Moments: says:

    OK, I think it's TIME for Melissa to do a step-by-step tutorial on how she gets those fabulous eyes! There's some real makeup magic going on there…and I for one would love to know your secrets! 🙂

  39. 139
    Michelle says:

    Looks like a wonderful time! Thanks so much for a little peek into y'alls life. 😀

    Sweet Blessings Siestas,

    Michelle in CA

  40. 140
    Chris in PA says:

    I just got home from a few days at a Delaware beach with my daughter. Looove the beach! Thanks so much for sharing such precious pictures! Its a blessing! and….Happy Birthday Keith!

  41. 141
    Annalou says:

    Thanks for sharing your pics with us! The one of Annabeth asleep in the pool floaty if utterly precious! My heart melts when I look at it. :o) Bless her sleepy little self.

    These are wonderful memories for you all. I'm so thankful for the person who came up with the invention of the camera. (Grin) I'm a photo taking junkie.

    Plus, I love being at the beach. It's one of my most favorite places to just sit and hang out with the Lord. There and the mountains. I don't know why… perhaps it's because they seem timeless and constant. Or perhaps it's because life is slower when I'm there. No ocean or snow capped mountains in Missouri. Sigh

    Thank goodness (and praise his Name) we can meet with GOD where ever we are!

    Big hug to you all!

    Anna

  42. 142
    Missy/Kaye says:

    Thanks for sharing your pics! Annabeth sure is starting to look like Jackson!

  43. 143
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Such a good post:):) I love the photos:) The view of the beach, the pics of all the fam, the pic of Annabeth sleeping in the pool, all soo much fun!

    katiegfromtennessee

  44. 144
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Just remembered, I totally meant to say this before: Happy Birthday to Precious Man Keith! You and Spiritual Mom Beth are the cutest couple, precious things:):)

    katiegfromtennessee

  45. 145
    Ann says:

    Very nice family pictures from the fourth. Aren't grandbabies great!Those last pics of Collin must be in Maine. It's been sooooo cold here this summer. Feels like another fall day here again today. This morning it's only 54 degrees! BRRRRRRR

  46. 146
    KELLT JO says:

    SHE DOESN'T LOOK BERRY BERRY SLEEPY!!!! THOSE PICTURES WERE GREAT 🙂

    KELLY JO
    ALBANY KENTUCKY

  47. 147
    Jennifer says:

    Our family LOVES whonu! We took old decks of cards and made our own cards to add to it. We have cards that say 'Bible Study' and 'Worship Music' and 'Lord of the Rings'. We made cards that were specific to our families with the name of my brother's dog, grandma's homeade soup etc. Although I think you'd have to put Star and Geli's name on one card rather than rating them by preference – lol!

  48. 148
    Rhonda says:

    Thanks for sharing pictures, etc. with us. The kids are really cute! I'd love to get Strawberry jammies like that for my 18 month old granddaughter, Dagny. Whenever I see clothes or something with strawberries on them I get them for Dagny. I love strawberries to eat and I also have strawberry stuff all over my house. My husband bought me a curio cabinet just for my strawberry stuff and I've run out of room in it!

    God bless you all!

    Rhonda in Delmont, PA

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