Eli's Jungle Book

Eli loves the movie Jungle Book so when we decided to vacation at Myrtle Beach, Burt and Christy suggested (insisted) that we go to Preservation Station (they had been there before).
It was a great suggestion. Eli was fasinated with the animals and we were anxious to see how he would react to having them next to him. Here are the results.

Of course we all had to get into the act.

This was another great memory for our family vacation.

CONGRATS!!!!

My sister and brother-in-law have just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. From all of us we wish you health, and much continued happiness for the next 25 years.

Finley Family Vacation 2008

We just got back from our family vacation with the kids. We all left for Myrtle Beach on Saturday, June 7. This was the view from our condo and the view was this beautiful all week.
Nikki has posted the pictures she made and I'm sure Christy will post her pictures also. But for now, these are the ones that I managed to take while we were having an enjoyable week together. Some may be duplicated from the kids but bear with us, as most of you know we all take a camera when we do anything.

Memorial Day Weekend

O.K. so I'm trying to catch up with all my blogs at one time.
Anyway, we spent Memorial Day weekend with Nikki, Josh, Eli, Burt and Christy in Buford. On Saturday, we had a picnic lunch at Mulberry Park and just as we arrived, it started raining. But that didn't put a damper on our fun. We ate and then spent time at the playground and walking around the park. Here are some pics from our picnic. As you can see, a little water didn't stop Eli from enjoying the slide.

A little water didn't stop Nikki from enjoying the playground either!






Josh has been having more than his share of "problems" with his jeep and it was about time for him to get another vehicle. So...on Sunday he bought a Mazda 3. A great gas saver and as Eli said, " it's cute".




On Monday, we spent the day relaxing and working around the house. I helped Nikki plant some new flowers and the guys cleaned gutters and the house (lots of fun and mess). After lunch we walked up to the center of town and watched part of the Georgia Cup bicycle race. It was a great afternoon.




I look forward to spending more days like this.

Olivia Rose

Just a short blog about a long awaited baby. We've known Caren for 30 years and seen her grow from a tomboy into a lovely young woman. On March 26, she had her first baby. This was the first time I got to see them and I have to say, SHE IS BEAUTIFUL. Proud parents are Tony and Caren Schepisi and proud Grandman, Bonnie.


Congrats to everyone.

My How Time Flies

I know most of you realize as you get older that time goes by so fast but it's really obvious when Graduation time comes around. I just can't believe that I have had so many "kids" graduate this year...and 3 of them from College. Wow! How did they get to be so grown and I didn't get any older???

Well, I'm so proud of each of these Graduates and I just wanted to include them in my blog for posterity.

First...Sara Doyle..Graduated from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is planning to go to UT in Knoxville for Graduate work. Here she is with big brother Josh.

Next we have Kelly Simons. She has graduated from GEORGIA. As you can see, I'm a little partial to that school. I'm not sure of her plans but I think they have something to do with San Francisco and photography. Whatever it is, I'm sure there will be lots of traveling and lots of wonderful pictures and stories. She is pictured here with proud mom and dad.

The next college graduate is Ann Callaham. She is the daughter of my first cousin Myron. I don't have any recent pictures as yet but after this blog, I'm sure I'll get one. She graduated Summa Cum Laude (not shabby) from Cambellsville University in Cambellsville, Kentucky. As for her future plans, she will be leaving in September for East Africa to teach. I know she will be a great blessing for those children and they will also be a great blessing to her.

Next we have the High School Graduates. First, Paul Daniel Grant. As most of you know, Ron and I have another family...The Grants...all 10 of them. Paul is number 3 and the first boy. He graduated from Ringgold High School with honors. He's come a long way from that premature baby boy. His plans right now are to attend Dalton College. Here is a picture of all the Kids.

Next is our niece, Courtney Marie Ideker. She graduated from Alpharetta High School while attending Valdosta State College. Talk about multitasking... Her plans are to attend University of GEORGIA in accounting(I think). Right now her dad (UTK Graduate) is having a hard time changing colors but I think he'll adjust. Mom and Dad are on the left and Grandad is on the right.

Next is another cousin. David Crabtree. His dad is my first cousin (Kenny). We don't get to see that much of them but we still want to acknowledge his achievement. He graduated from East Coweta High School in Sharpsburg, Geogia (close to Newnan). I'm not sure of his future plans as yet but hope to get pictures and more info very soon.

And last but not least is my great nephew Patrick Graham. He graduated from Chattanooga Christian Middle school. It doesn't seem possible that he's 14. He will continue at CCS and I'm sure I'll be blogging about his future college plans before you know it.