Hello friends,
We spent the weekend in Orlando with family and friends and had a fabulous time! The weather was BEAUTIFUL - with highs in the 80's - so we were able to enjoy the pool at the hotel. Here's baby girl modeling her swimsuit attire out on the balcony. She travels so well - and she just LOVES to go! She is so much fun!
The boys loved being able to swim and they had a blast!
Kyle & Josh
Brandon
Allie just loved the baby pool!
The Crew of Kids
My mom, George & Allie
We celebrated my mom's birthday while we were there.
Here she is surrounded by all the kids!
Here she is surrounded by all the kids!
My guys before going to dinner.
Allie, Brandon & Devin
Kyle with the shark at the hotel
On Sunday, my brother drove a race car at the Richard Petty Driving School at Disney. Here is Uncle Steve with all the boys. They were all so excited to watch him!
The boys also got a special treat! They were all chosen to ride in the van that started the races! Here's Kyle getting in. The van FLEW around that track and the boys were thrilled to be "racing." You could hear them screaming all around the track. What an experience for them! Of course I was a nervous wreck because I didn't realize the van was going to go quite so fast!
Here's the gang after their exciting ride!
And here's my brother after he finished racing around the track. I'm not sure who was more excited . . .
him or the boys???
him or the boys???
Sweet Allie
The crew again . . .
7 handsome boys and one pretty princess
7 handsome boys and one pretty princess
Of course the princess was trying to walk away!
Daddy was flying Allie around and she was loving it!
After the race, we went to Old Town for some fun! Here is Daddy and Devin getting ready to ride the go-carts - and that's Grandpa in the background.
Allie has definitely mastered the straw and now she thinks that she must drink out of everyone else's! Here she is LOVING Daddy's root beer float!
Playing in the grass!
We ended the day with ice cream for the boys and a nap for Allie.
Devin & Brandon loving some ice cream! :)
I am so thankful for these special times with family. What a great weekend!
I have been TAGGED . . . which I have come to realize is just a part of the blogging world! I don't usually get into these things - simply because I don't have the time. I am always racing to post while Allie is napping and the boys are at school! :) But since I have been asked - and as of right now Allie is still sleeping - then I guess I will do it this time! I was tagged by Marianne. Here are the rules:
*The rules are to link the person who sent this and leave a comment on their blog.
*Post the rules on your blog
*Share 7 strange/weird facts about yourself
*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and link their blog
*Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Okay - here are 7 strange facts about me . . .
1. I lived in Iceland when I was in the 5th & 6th grades. My dad was military.
2. I don't like feet - AT ALL - and cutting the kids toenails makes me gag!
3. I can't sing. I'm terrible. In fact I often joke that I can't even clap to the beat. I have no rhythm!
4. I'm not materialistic at all. I could really care less about having new shoes, new purses, new clothes, new cars, new furniture, new jewelry. Not the normal female at all! :) I am very content with what I have. On the other hand - I LOVE VACATIONS! So my husband knows that flowers and jewelry don't win me over - but a trip somewhere melts my heart!
5. I could easily have a dozen kids. I love being a mom!
6. I don't like big parties at all and am more comfortable one-on-one or in small groups. And I don't like being the center of attention. My wedding day was pure torture for me! :)
7. I have known my husband since I was 6 months old. In fact here is a picture of our 1st kiss . . .
We were 2 yrs. old and I think it is safe to say that I kissed him first! :)
I'm breaking the rules by not tagging anyone . . . However - if you have a blog and would like to play along - then feel free! Okay, now that you all think I'm weird, let me end with a scripture! ;)
"May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ."
2 Thessalonians 3:5
Letting the Lord lead,
23 comments:
I don't like feet either ... baby feet are awesome, toddler feet are ok, little kid feet are tolerable, but big kid and grown-up feet are icky!!
Glad you had a great vacation. Allie's pink outfit is adorable!
I Always feel such Joy for your family after I read your blog, you Duckworth's sure do know how to spend time and make the Most of it. What an Amazing family...and Beautiful I might add. So very Thankful for the Joy He filling your heart with. The boys are growing up so fast and getting cuter by the day, and Allie is just precious, what a Blessed little girl to have had the most special angel pick her for your family. I so happy for the Joy in your lives.
Much Love
Audra
Hi Heather,
This is Maureen. I had written to you from Jacob's page a long time ago (you were just letting people know about the adoption). My cousin Laura passed away the same day sweet Jacob did. Just wanted you to know I'm still following your family. I don't usually leave a comment, but I'm going to try to better about that. I love reading everything you write, your children are absolute adorable, and your faith astounds me. You are quite an inspiration. I just started my own blog yesterday. I figured I should start my own since I spend so much time reading others. Again, thank you for sharing your life with others, it is truly a precious gift.
Your post was great! It's always fun to read interesting facts about someone else. The foot thing had me laughing because my family was just joking around about my sister's foot fetish. It's opposite of how you feel because she takes pictures of feet all the time. Everywhere she goes there are pictures of feet. It's kind of strange. So there are those that love them and those that don't love them so much. I love the picture of your first kiss! It's very cute. Blessings to you and your family.
Heather~
I have followed your family's story for over 2 years and have prayed and prayed and prayed for your family's peace, love, and healing. Your family's strength is absolutely amazing...as well as your Jacob. He has touched more lives than you could ever possibly imagine.
Unfortunately, our family has faced some challenges as well, and my husband and I are at the beginning stages of adoption. You seemed to have a wonderful experience with the agency that you used, and I was hoping that you would share the name of the agency with us. As you can imagine, we would like to utilize an organization/agency that has been recommended; however, none of our personal friends, family, and/or acquaintances have adopted.
Thank you for your understanding and compassion.
Jen Bittner
Looks like a fun weekend. Only hating you a little for the beautfiful weather!!
Don't feel strange--or I will have to as well. My family says I can't caryy a tune in a bucket. Oh Dear, it is awful.BUT, my kids think I can sing! I also do not like feet. The kids are ok,but if JOe needs his feet looked at for any reason--ask someone else. Not big on center of attention either.
Love all the pics. Allie is really growing up. The princess in amongst all of those boys.
I want to race like your brother, that looked like so much fun. I can't believe how cute Allie is and how perfect she is for your family. It brings great joy to me.
I really was hoping to attend the Breakfast of Hope but I won't be able to. My husband is out of town and I have the boys to get to school.
Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Everybody looked like they had a wonderful time! Grandmom looks happy too with all her grandchildren around her....and of course our little miss Allie is soooooo precious. Im glad the weather was perfect too!
Love and Hugs..
Great vacation pictures! Also, I enjoyed reading your seven items. I could relate -- I hate feet and I hate being the center of attention. In fact, I wanted to elope but ended up having a real wedding for my husband and his big Catholic family!
Oh how sweet is that photo of you and your hubby???
I enjoyed your 7 facts also, it's funny for those of us who don't know you but have been following your websites for years. Your family has become like good friends you don't see often (or at all LOL!)
Love the pix of the kids!
Hi! I have been reading for quite some time now and this is my first comment. Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. My name is Colleen and I have two little girls, ages 7 and 5. We live in Philadelphia. I love reading your blogs and enjoy your pictures as well. You guys look like you had a great time in Orlando! We are actually leaving in 3 weeks to go to Disney. It will be the girls first time. Needless to say, they are so excited! I have to tell you....I love Allie's clothes and the matching bows! Soo Cute!
Wow....such very Cute pictures of all those sweet kiddos...I just love to read the things you write..I am like you in the material stuff..I would Rather be laying around on a beach or sitting under a Tiki Hut in Mexico than have a nice watch lol...My Husband got to Race on the Calif Raceway and said it was a blast so I can see that your Brother and the boys enjoyed that Racing stuff too..we are Huge nascar fans around this house so that made it even more special to him..Take care and I cant wait for the next update!
ps...Gosh the boys are getting so Big..I have been Following you now sence even Befor Sweet Jacob Passed.You are a Real Blessing to Me and so many others..All of your Children will always know what a wonderful Mother and Father you and Donnie are!
May God Bless you and your Family,Tamara
You are so funny. Thanks again for sharing your family with us. I wish we lived in a warmer climate. We are in the Midwest and have snow right now and I always can't wait for summer.
The picture of your first kiss is the SWEETEST thing I have ever seen! Awesome. Looks like you guys had fun, and that you were outnumbered. But like you said, you love being a mom and could handle a fwe more kids... Hmmm... Does that mean that you're considering adopting again... Hmmm...
Peace and Huags,
Becca
PS - Iceland? Brrr.
Allie is just the cutest thing ever! I love looking at her pics.
Love the boys' pics as well!
Jen (thebittnerboys),
Could you leave me an e-mail address so I can get in touch with you about the adoption info? Thanks!
~Heather
I love the pictures. What a fun trip! All of your children are beautiful...I had to laugh on your "tagged" comments. Especially the singing. My mom made me promise once to NEVER sing in front of others. I am bad. However, I teach kindergarten, so I have to do it. Thankfully they are forgiving. :) Thank you for all of the encouragement...you inspire me to be a better mom and wife.
Reba
Heather,
Hi! Allie is so beautiful! My baby Tyler is just a few weeks younger so I love to see her milestones. I haven't checked in a little over a week but wanted to comment on your Aug.8th,2005 journal entry. I remember like it was yesterday. I cried then just like today when I read it. I can't even imagine how hard it is to write the book. I remember praying so hard for Jacob to be healed. He is now just not the way we wanted. Thank you for all you do to find a cure!! We have too! It's too hard to have these precious children and families suffer. Sorry to write so much just wanted you to know I remember that day so well.
Love,
Amy
Hey Heather
I've followed your story for years now. I cried tears with you through Jacobs story and I still can't stay away! I'm a safe "stalker".
Anyway, getting to know a few funny things about you was nice. And by the way, I hate, hate feet too! Ack!
I've never linked my blog to you as my blog is a lot different then yours. I came here most when my faith needs a jumpstart again. You have brought me so closer to God that it's like your my angel. Hope that doesn't scare you!
Pics were adorable as ever!!!!
When I visit your site I always have a smile on my face :) Thanks for sharing the pictures and shareing your lives with us all.
Heather, you are too cute ! I loathe feet also, they might not have been so bad with out toes, just nice and smooth maybe, to fit nicely in cute shoes.
Today was not a great day, but as usual, your photos are a rainbow to me ! I think you all need to do a reality show . . . do you think we would get our fill THEN ?!
Thank you again and have a happy week end.
Love,
Sandy D
Atlanta
Heather,
We are even more alike than I thought! Facts 4, 5, and 6 are facts about me, too! The one about the feet cracks me up! Do you need me to cut the kids toenails? :) A good friend of our family feels the same way about feet! You have to agree with Leah, though, baby feet are AWESOME right? ;) You guys really know how to do a weekend up right! You are so blessed to all be so close to one another and to be able to spend so much time together! I like to think Jacob has something to do with that! :) Tuesday and Wednesday were rough days for me, I should have just come here and my cares would have flown out the window! Thank you and God Bless you all! I Love you guys!!
Okay, now I have to admit... I was LITERALLY LAUGHING OUT LOUD when you confessed to gagging when you cut the kids toenails. (Sounds like a job for Dad, eh?) Hehehe... Sorry I'm so late commenting on this... it's a LONG story, but to make is short I can tell you that we've had a TERRIBLY SLOW internet connection.
I ALWAYS LOVE the pictures and am so happy for your family as you were gifted with a new life to love and celebrate. Allie just GORGEOUS... PLAIN AND SIMPLE!
Take care...
LOVE,
Tonya
Post a Comment