USMC Retirement

Sorry to insert another later post but we had to get this in! A week or so ago we traveled to Ft. Worth to witness my Dad's retirement from the Marines after 30 years of service. It was quite a ceremony with a performance by the USMC band and plenty of pomp. We were proud to be in attendance and all really enjoyed the day. Congratulations Dad!

Welcome Mercedes

We're almost a week late but here we are! Mercedes Noel Hopkins was born on Wednesday, July 22nd at 9:58 pm. She came in at 8 lbs, 7 oz and 22 inches long (exactly like her cousin Morgan!). We think she looks like a Hopkins, but of course they do change so quickly in those first few months. Congratulations to Ryan & Kate and the whole Griffin/Hopkins family.

New Baby Sonogram

Due to all the recent drama surrounding this pregnancy, I had my first official ultrasound last week at 13 weeks along. It showed that everything is fine and in proper position. The "nugget" was very active and just a bit ahead of the game as far as growth is concerned...not a surprise considering that I grow 'em big! I didn't get a chance to post the pictures before we left town for the funeral/wedding trip, so here they are now.

the right arm is resting by the head

here you can see the face and ribcage

you can see the right foot facing the "camera"

profile shot

the nugget is trying to suck his/her thumb

A Wedding and a Funeral

Our trip to the Texas hill country this weekend held quite a range of emotions for our family. On Thursday we attended my grandfather, Henry Lee Griffin's funeral. My grandfather was a lifelong minister in the United Methodist Church and his life was one of great service and ministry. I am honored to be the descendant and beneficiary of his great love for Christ and his faithfulness to family. I know that many of the traditions I carry on in my on household are a result of his own leadership in his household many years ago. We will miss him but will always remember him as we carry on his legacy of faith. Now, I'll turn it over to Ashleigh to describe our time at her brother's wedding.



It so happened that Nathan's wedding was scheduled for Saturday in nearby Comfort, TX. So we stayed at the Roost, enjoyed some outlet shopping on Friday, then met up with everyone for the rehearsal. On Saturday we prepared for the main event. Of course it was a stylish marriage even without a carriage...gorgeous hilltop setting complete with breathtaking sunset view, impressive reception (with make-your-own sundaes served alongside the cake!), and a rockin' dance floor. The bride and groom were stunning and appeared pretty much tickled pink the whole time. All the kids threw themselves wholeheartedly into the dancing. I don't know who was a greater slave to the rhythm...Haleigh or Morgan. By the end of the night he was out amongst the psychedelic lights, hair askew, throwing his limbs about in sweaty exuberance...and Emma wasn't far behind him. It was a great night night for everyone.


The sibs.









Morgan watching the ceremony.





Morgan and Emma watching the couple's first dance.

"To Da Beach!"

This phrase became the rallying cry of our vacation since Emma said it at least a dozen times a day. Our epic journey began in Midland on Wednesday morning...we drove through the rest of Texas and to the edge of New Mexico that day (to the now-infamous "Lordsburg"). Thursday we made it from Lordsburg through Arizona and all the way into San Diego, where we stayed at the Miramar Marine base. Friday we finally made it "to da beach" and to the Coronado Hotel, site of filming for Marilyn Monroe's Some Like it Hot, a family favorite. Saturday was spent at Laguna Beach in unbelievably rough waters. The guys couldn't get enough body surfing. Sunday was mostly spent on memory lane, visiting my parents' old friends and favorite sites. We went to Hollywood on Monday and ventured into Beverly Hills a bit before having to be escorted out by the police. The kids' wildest dreams came true on Tuesday when we all went to Disneyland. They got to see the castle, hug the princesses, and ride lots of rides. Wednesday we drove up into the mountains to view the Sequoia trees, and we barely made it in time to see them for about an hour before sunset! On Thursday we drove through the desert to Las Vegas. We stayed at the Excalibur and tried to see it all in just a few hours...the Bellagio and Caesar's Palace were impressive. And a good, solid miscarriage scare put the cherry on top of that evening! Friday's drive was filled with every imaginable obstacle and we rolled back into Lordsburg past 1:00 am. Finally on Saturday we made it safely home, without losing anyone or saying anything we can't take back!



In case you can't see it, the famous NM mountain tunnel is in the background here.

In Arizona, at the oddly named "Texas Canyon".

We had to get a shot of the unusual Arizona cactus.

This is at the base in San Diego where they do boot camp.

At the bay in San Diego.



Morgan was right on the edge between being thrilled and terrified.

Coronado Island was a real paradise.

The first time the kids saw "da beach"...Emma wasn't as impressed as she thought she'd be.

But Morgan loved it!

The famous hotel.



Inside the lobby at the hotel, just before Morgan pulled his pants down and watered their flower garden.

The whole crew at Laguna Beach, including Candace & family.

This was Morgan's favorite spot.

Emma screamed anytime we got her near the water, so we sunbathed instead.

Morgan and Madison played together.

Dad and Matt spent hours in the waves...

...while we girls did a lot of posing.



Yes, we are having a picnic in a parking garage, and no, we never homeschooled. Why do you ask?



Matt poses with Jimmy Stewart

Me with Julie Andrews



The castle!

Morgan was enthralled, especially when he found out he could go into the castle.



Getting ready to enter "Small World"



The hour long wait was worth it, even though we missed Sleeping Beauty.



Morgan hugged them all.



He said Jasmine was his favorite.



Just before leaving our beach house.

General Sherman in the background.







We stopped to give the kids a look at the orange groves.

Our hotel, the Excalibur, is in the background.

We are in front of the Bellagio, across from "Paris".