On the Move

After spending last month in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, we have moved a little farther west to the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL. Same weather as in the Panhandle so still tolerable w/highs this week in the upper 50s and lows in the upper 30s. We're hoping next week and the rest of the month will be a tad bit warmer so we can ride our bicycles around the cg like we did when we stayed here last year. While in FL, we had a really grand time w/Val, Scott, Sophia and baby Naomi. Actually, we spent lots of time w/Sophia at various playgrounds (some indoors and some outdoors) . She loves to go outside, even when we'd put her in her wagon and just walk around the big block (a nice 20 minute walk).

We were all blessed w/a nice, low-key Thanksgiving. It was the smallest gathering we've had in a really long time. Usually filled w/family and friends, this year w/Naomi coming early and Val certainly not ready for a full house, and Chase arriving the 1st part of Nov. so no long travel time for him yet, it was just us 4 adults and the 2 little ones. Valerie, Tom and I (and now Kimmie when we're all together) usually head out around 9:00 a.m. on Black FR. This year, Val and I headed to Destin (east of FWB) at 9:00 TH evening as some of the stores at the outlet mall were opening at 9, 10 and midnight. Got some good bargains then went to the Destin Target and got some good bargains there too. Tom is usually our "spotter" and patiently waits in line for us while we run to gather up some clothes for the kids and any other bargains we come across. I'm sure he would NOT have liked the line at Kohl's, our last stop of the night/early morning. Not thinking about such a long line, Val and I grabbed a few more clothes for the 4 grands, went and stood in line for about 25 minutes, moved only 15 feet and left. With Val in control, we went back upstairs to Customer Service and she politely advised the mgr that he could either check us out or put the clothes back. He granted her request. Yeaaa! Now the countdown begins to go see our new grandson...in 2 more weeks!!! Can't wait to get some snuggle time w/him and, of course, our cuddley Kenley. In the meantime, I'm sure we'll enjoy our stay here in AL.

3 Darlins and a Dude!

I know it's been over a month since the last blog, when SVC went to Myrtle Beach, but October was a crazy month and here we are into the middle of November already. Time sure flies when you're having fun...or are staying very busy. The first part of October was spent in doctors and dentists offices for annual check-ups before we head south for the winter. We also had a meeting w/our financial advisor and feel comforted that, so far, we don't have to get parttime jobs. Yeaaa!

The rest of October was mainly "baby alert". Baby Brockman's due date was Nov. 7. Clay & Kim asked us to spend as much time w/them as possible, especially at night, in case BB decided to pop out in the wee hours of the morning. That way, they wouldn't have to wake Kenley up and juggle her around. So, we spent several days/nights in Bloomington but BB decided to wait and just hang around and chill out for a few more days. All the while, poor mommy was really hurting as it seems baby decided to rest on a nerve near her hip. I felt sorry for Kim as you could tell by the slooow move that she was dealing w/some excruciating pain.

On Oct. 21, Valerie called and was quite concerned as she had already started dilating and Little Lokker's due date wasn't until Dec. 1. Long story short, since we were to head down to FL on Oct. 27th, her inlaws were able to fly down to help her out in case LL came early and the Red Cross was sending Scott back so he could, hopefully, be here in time for the arrival of their second child.

Well...happy days are here again! Scott got home on Oct. 24th and Naomi Marie Lokker arrived on Oct. 28th checking in at 4 lbs, 11 oz. Naomi is a healthy little thing and doing well.

Then...when Kim went to her doctor appt, the doc suggested inducement since BB was considered full term and Kim was in so much pain. So, on Nov. 3rd, Chase Thomas Brockman was welcomed by all weighing in at 8 lbs, 14 oz. He sure is a handsome little guy and we can't wait to hold him when we go back to IL mid-December.

Tom and I feel so blessed w/our 3 little darlins (Sophia, Kenley and Naomi) and our little dude (Chase). This grandparenting stuff is TERRIFIC and we feel very fortunate that we were able to retire last year and "be there" for our children and grandchildren this year.

We've been at the Emerald Beach RV Park in Navarre, FL (about 10 miles from Scott & Val) this month. We will move a little west in December and stay at the Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL until the end of the year. After that, we'll be staying at the Winter Ranch RV Resort in Alamo, TX the rest of the winter. Life is good!