Zack

I couldn't be more proud of Zack. Today I found out that he was recommended by his Staff Sargent for a Meritorious Corporal Board. This is an amazing achievement. The Staff Sargent recognizing Zack this way really says a lot about his character, his work ethic and his discipline. What makes this even more amazing is that Zack has only been a Lance Corporal for a couple of months. Way to go Zack! You are amazing!

Peaceful

Special moments become special memories that will last forever. On Thursday, Bekah and I spent the afternoon together. Nothing grand was scheduled, just going to lunch somewhere on Park Ave. We hadn't even decided where. It was a gorgeous day outside and we thought it would be nice to stroll through Central Park, Winter Park. I took my camera, I told Bekah she looked so pretty that I may have to snap some pictures while we were there. I love spending time with Bekah. We have great conversations and I thoroughly enjoy her company.
After we enjoyed our lunch at "Spice" one of our favorite places, Bekah took the orchid from her plate and put it behind her ear. We were walking over by the rose garden and I snapped this shot. I love the way it came out, Bekah looks so peaceful. I will always cherish the special moments I spend with her. Capturing as many pictures as possible is "Saving my sunshine" - my children are my sunshine.

I used a Hof3 Sanded Overlay frame.

Moonlight Mystery Prom 2009

Days Like This

After a very emotional Friday and Saturday visiting the family and attending Jakki's viewing and memorial service, it was nice to be able to just "hang out" with Rich and Bekah. The memorial service was very nice, standing room only in the YMCA gym. Jakki touched so many lives and it was apparent at her service. She will be missed by so many. Jakki, the way you lived your life is an inspiration to so many. It was good to see my cousins. The Allen family is such a loving family. So after traveling back and forth to Jacksonville on Friday and Saturday, Sunday was a day to reflect, relax and just be with one another.
We started the day very leisurely, checking email, searching the Internet, checking facebook, listening to music and watching a bit of TV. About 11ish, we mustered the energy to take the dogs to the dog park. Blue and BeeBee love going to the dog park. I am amazed how close they stay to us when not leashed. I think they may be afraid we might trade them in on another dog... :) Blue especially is very jealous. I also took the time to practice different settings on my camera and getting some action shots. It was a beautiful day outside, perfect for being outside. There was at one point when we lost sight of BeeBee. Bekah said "there she is" looking towards the lake. Rich made the comment how did she get over there so fast. (As I said before, they typically stay very close). So we walked down to the lake and marveled at how fast BeeBee was running and playing with other dogs, as this is not typical, until we realized we were taking pictures of a pug that was NOT BeeBee! This pug even had the same collar! It was a little embarrassing to say the least. I got some great shots. See below. You can see that this pug is much younger then BeeBee. We found BeeBee about 2ft from where we originated, she wasn't running around and we realized that's our dog!
During the car ride to the dog park we were contemplating lunch. Do we take it with us? What should we get? We ended up deciding to take the dogs first, then go to lunch. So after the dog park visit we took Blue and BeeBee home.
We settled on the Cuban Cafe in Winter Park, right off of Park Ave. They have the best homemade plantains. We enjoyed our lunch, sitting outside in our beautiful weather. After lunch, it was time for ice cream. Rich headed towards Cold Stone, which apparently according to Bekah is ick... we had to divert and go across the street to Marble Slab. That was a close call! Once again, we sat outside and had our ice cream dessert. As we were sitting outside we looked at our feet and legs, OMG! They were completely filthy from the dog park. So, after the ice cream, we sprinted home, washed our feet and legs and headed to the Mall of Millennium. Wasn't Rich's first choice, or second or third, but Bekah had a mall gift certificate that she had since Christmas and wanted to use it. Rich survived, Bekah spent some money and home we went. It doesn't matter what we are doing, as long as we are together we are having fun. I love my family! Rich, Bekah, Zack and of course BeeBee and Blue! I love days like this.
Not BeeBee
BeeBee

Happy Easter 2009

Happy Easter! Today was a very nice relaxing day. Rich's Mom, Dad, and Uncle came over today for Easter Brunch. It was just the 6 of us, plus the 2 dogs! My Mom and Bill are in Tennessee.
We did it up Southern style with a recipe from Paula Deen for French Toast Casserole with a praline topping, biscuits, chicken and gravy. We sat outside to eat as it was a beautiful day. Rich and Bekah went on a bike ride down to Lake Eola in the afternoon and we ended the day with the three of us watching a movie together. We called Zack and left a message for him wishing him a Happy Easter, we hope he gets a break as he has been very busy working! We hope he had a good day.
Happy Easter.

Rebekah Lauren Mills

Bekah on the Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Spring Break 2009