For Labor Day weekend we were able to take a trip to Atlantic Beach. It was Benton's first time at the ocean, and the first time Adaline could really enjoy it.


We stayed at Atlantis Lodge, an extended family business, where there were plenty of kids and dogs to share in the fun! This was the first time I have seen Adaline sit and play for longer than a few minutes. She had so much fun in the sand, and the tidal pools were perfect for the kids to splash around in. Nana, Pops, and Trixie were there, too, and we all had a great time.




We were all worn out in the end, but cannot wait for a return trip.

Benton has been continuing to work on cereal and has gotten more and more in his tummy. We will start some veggies soon. He has also been able to roll over, and I have included a video below. Adaline can't wait until he can play with her, as you can see from all the kitchen supplies she loaded him down with.

Along our rollercoaster...

Some other ups and downs that we have experienced lately:

Good news: Shane decided in church the other weekend to get baptized. He was baptized as a baby, but did not feel it was very meaningful for him then, as he doesn’t remember it. Therefore, he wanted to go through it as an adult where he would really understand and remember the purpose.

Bad news: Our beautiful niece, Tallison Anamier, was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic. Now we really know there is a family link – Me, Josh (my brother and Talli’s dad), and Tallison. Wow! Josh and I were diagnosed later in life (our 20s) while Talli is not yet 2. It will be difficult for their family while they work to help Talli understand what is happening. Please keep them in your prayers. Hopefully, we can help discover a cure soon!

Finally Home

So, yes, it has been two months since an update on the Brown family. We have been on quite a roller coaster lately. July and August were still mostly spent at camp and staying busy there, but we also ended up traveling to both Colorado and New York. My grandmother (Dot Anamier, “Nanny”), a fabulous woman, passed away, and the trips were both for her. The first, to Colorado, was a trip to take Adaline and Benton out to visit, as we knew Nanny’s health was fading from cancer. It was a great visit, full of family, and I am so happy that we made it out there. The airplane rides were no fun, but all was worth it to spend a little more time with such a wonderful lady. Only a few short weeks later, we would be traveling up to New York for her funeral. Shane unfortunately was only able to make the trip to New York due to camp duties, but we all have great memories of Nanny to hold in our hearts.

A family shot with Nanny


Adaline with uncle Brandon / Chase and Rachel

Nana and Adaline at the aquarium / Adaline and Talli reading books together

When we got back from Colorado, it was time to move back home with the kids. Shane stayed in the mountains for an extra few weeks of camp, but I was back to work, Adaline was back to school, and Benton was beginning school for the first time. The transition was tough on me, but the kids seemed pretty happy. I am working with Kindergarten now, which is a huge change from 3^rd grade, but I am getting used to the craziness, chaos, and potty issues. I guess it is good practice for what is to come.

Adaline enjoying the mirror in her room at camp(she loves a mirror) / first ice pop

Shane did his second annual "Hurt, Pain, and Agony" ride in July and finished with a better time than last year, with added miles! Way to go Shane!