New Baby Boy!

So exciting to share in the birth of #7 grand baby! And my youngest always makes it look soooo easy!?? (click to enlarge)

What a joy to welcome Baby Boy!!
Such a proud Daddy!

And Big Sissy is sooooo SWEET!

A birthday celebration!

And soooo much lovin'!

The happy little family!

Nonnie couldn't be happier!!

So sweet....

Balloons Over Bristol...

The Bristol International Balloon Festival last summer was SPECTACULAR! Around 100 balloons were launched and I enjoyed about 75 of them before sunset. 2008 will be the 30th anniversary of the Fiesta, hosted by the "Discovery Channel" and it's sure to be better than ever. Over 100,000 people attend each day and with acres and acres of land, there was plenty of room for us all! As you can see, I couldn't have asked for nicer weather... a real treat in the UK. (click to enlarge photos)

It was definitely a "family affair", and I had wished I had mine with me to enjoy the games, food, fun and BALLOONS, of course!

This balloon sponsored by Jaguar just happened to be right in front of where I was standing and allowed me a great opportunity to watch the process from start, to finish, to FLIGHT! I never realized how much work went into getting one of these beautiful rides off the ground!

Wishing I could catch a ride in one of these!

There were even a few balloons with unique shapes... how about this house? Good advertising!

The setting for the Fiesta is "Ashton Court"... originally built during the 15th century. The main family that owned it through the years (the Smyths) started expanding it as far back as 1545. In 1949 (over 400 years later!), with no Smyths left, the property became derelict. The city of Bristol took it over in 1959 and began restoration. It covers 850 acres, and is filled with endless recreational activities, is available for weddings and conferences and also houses a great variety of wildlife. A truly breathtaking setting.

Beautiful Bristol

What a lovely spring day here in Bristol. It was a pleasure to walk and take in the beauty of the historic churches and Oh My! The Bristol River! How lovely! But to be honest?? My main goal was shopping! And I found the best of it at the city center with these beautiful sites along the way... enjoy! (click on photos to enlarge)


Wouldn't you love to dine here? Right on the river? At sunset?

I would love to know who lives in these classy Condos? And what do they cost? What a charming area, nestled among rustic bridges, cobblestone sidewalks and historic churches.

Hot air balloons... keep an eye out for more photos on Bristol... a highlight of my travels was the International Hot Air Balloon festival here last summer... and I also toured the Roman Baths in where else? Bath! (just a 15 minute train ride from Bristol) But those are for another blog! I hope this finds all of you well and blessed! Jackie

Olives... Eggs... Bubbles & Alleluja!!... HAPPY EASTER!

WE LOVE OLIVES!! What else can I say???

Happy Easter!! I hope that YOU had an EASTER filled with FAMILY... JOY... and JESUS! Oh... and BUBBLES!! I had forgotten what FUN bubbles could be!! We blew bubbles over and over again!! And we colored eggs... hid them... and looked for them like buried treasure... oh my! What FUN! And of course Easter cards and Easter dollars $ from Aunt June... for three generations now!! Thanks Aunt Junie!! (click photos to enlarge)

























So much fun with Mama & Dada!
Mama played the piano (Christ the Lord is Risen Today) while the girls danced around....
and more egg hunting!











I rejoice that we share the joy of a Risen Lord!... Matt. 28:6

Little Wooden Shoes, Bicycles, Canals, Van Gogh... Amazing Amsterdam

Little Wooden Shoes... the grandbabies love them! I wish I had bought a pair for my house too! Maybe next time! (click photo to enlarge)

I had heard about the bicycles... but until I saw it, I couldn't really imagine how many there are! EVERYWHERE!! And EVERYONE gets around on them!! There are bike lanes all around the city... maybe WE should try it here in the States as an alternative to our outrageous gas prices?? And a good cardio workout as well! ha!

I always love the old city/new traditions! This is a skate park in front of history...

The Van Gogh Museum... what a wonderful opportunity to see Rembrandt as well! It was all INCREDIBLE!! I bought a Van Gogh reproduction canvas of his work "Almond Blossoms"... he painted it for the birth of his brother's baby... so pretty. Such talent, so troubled, and not to be famous until after his death... a true tragedy.

Lovely canals... another way to get around this beautiful city.

If you know me, you know that I love a good pizza... so I had to try it here! Pretty good... and the "ambiance" of the location made it all worthwhile!

My hotel... such a great location... views of the canals and close to everything!

My friend Evelyn... she has been flying around the world for many years, and I always enjoy flying with her.

So glad to be part of the Continental Crew!