Misc. Photos from our Mississippi Summer Vacation- 2024

This will be my last post from our 2024 Mississippi summer vacation.  These are random photos that I took throughout our month-long visit.

 

We went to see Inside Out 2 with some of David's family.

 

 

 

enjoying the movie and those comfy reclining seats!!

 

We drove to Pocahontas, MS  and met David's aunt and cousin for a delicious catfish lunch.

 

 

We made a visit to the Bass Pro Shop in Pearl, MS.  It is a must for the boys on a trip home.

 

We enjoyed Sunday worship and Wednesday night prayer meetings.  Before leaving the church on this particular Wednesday night, we walked over to the cemetery to visit my brother's grave.  Isn't that sunset just beautiful!!

 

The continued sunset view on our drive back into town.

 

 

I also visited my dad's grave on the eve of the 4th of July and left an American flag.  He loved the flag and would have been proud.

 

 

We had a fun evening with the Johnson family.  Our kids are all growing up fast! 

 

 

Our family after a Sunday family lunch at David's sister's house.

 

 

 

visiting with family on a Sunday afternoon

 

 

We made a few trips to the library while home.  As we walked out one day, I snapped this photo of a butterfly on these brightly colored flowers.

 

 

We saw the Browns several times but did not always take a photo.  On this night we were at their house for supper and games. 

 

 

the boys with Sara Madalin

 

Here we are playing a puzzle game that Reagan had.  The boys had beaten Sara Madalin so she said she wanted to play me so that she could win.  She did.  I took it well.  I promise.

 

 

We walked the Chautauqua Trail from our house in town all the way to the playground at the park.  I love doing this!!   Ben rode his electric scooter.

 

A tomato at the park welcome center.

 

Crepe Myrtle trees are probably my favorite of all!!  I enjoyed seeing them everywhere this summer.

 

 

And here we are back at the Jackson, MS airport waiting to board our flight back home to Guatemala.  We were happy and sad all at the same time.  It had been an amazing visit back home.  It was fun, restful, relaxing, and all around enjoyable.  It was just what we needed!   

 

 And, in just ten short months, we'll do it all over again!  🎉

 

Spending Time with Family Summer 2024

 Here are some random photos taken with my family during our summer 2024 vacation trip home.

 

Every time we go home my family always gives the boys a birthday party at the local Mexican restaurant.  It is always a fun time of fellowship and seeing everyone. In addition to the meal, we have a cookie "birthday" cake and everyone gives the boys cards with money.  We usually do this soon after we arrive because it gives the boys some spending money to have during our time at home.  It is a fun tradition and one they really love and appreciate.  When our family can't see the boys on their original birthdays, it's nice for them to still celebrate it whenever we are home. 

 

The boys with their cousin, Ryder.

 

 

The boys with Mr. Thurman.  He is like a grandfather to them.

 

me with my mom and cousin Trish

 

me and the boys with my mom and Aunt Joyce

 

the boys with my Uncle Mike

 (he is my mom's twin brother)

 

the boys with my Aunt Nita

 

 

the boys with my cousin Trish

She drove from Texas to see us for a few days.

 

Ryder, Uncle Mike, Ben, and Cruz

 

They love visiting my uncle and driving his 4x4 out in the pasture.

 

 

 

Cruz driving my mom.

 

 

Cruz got to have his first driving experience this summer.  My mom took him on a country road and let him drive her car.  It was the same country road that I learned to drive on. I love that!

 

My mom giving Cruz a driving lesson.

 

Trish and Ben

 

Mimi and the boys after church one Sunday.

 

me and the boys

We also got to spend some time with my dad's family.  Every July and December they have a reunion. We always try to attend when we are home.  We went in July 2023 while home on vacation, and I had no idea at the time that it would be my last without my dad there.  Going this year was a little hard, but I am glad we went.  It was comforting to be with everyone.

 

 

My dad was one of ten kids.  Here are his remaining siblings- Linda, Lisa, Neal, Gerald, and Ronnie.

 

 

me with some of my cousins

 

 

the grandkids

 

 

Miranda, me, Aunt Lisa, and Aleshia

 

 

After a delicious potluck meal, several spent the afternoon in the pool.

 

 

 

 

swimming with cousins 

Having lost a dad, a brother, and an aunt this past year made me extra thankful for the time at home with family this summer.

Visiting Family in Oxford

During our time home in Mississippi this past summer, we made a trip to Oxford to spend a few days with David's dad and stepmom.  We always enjoy our visits with them.  Jody is a warm hostess and cooks the most delicious meals!  

 

David and the boys with his dad and stepmom at their home in Oxford, MS.

 

 

Three generations of Whites.

 

 

David's sister, Robin, was also there.

 

 

David with his dad and sister

 

David and his dad

 

 

David and Robin

 

While in town, we took Cruz to Sport Clips to get his hair cut.  Here is a before and after. He likes the messy look these days.

 

They can't leave town without new shirts (and some new hair products too).