Summer Nights

I love our fair city.  During the summer months, we have Movies on the Square.  They have a huge inflatable screen that they set up right in front of the city hall/library.  Back in June, we headed out to see Grease - The Singalong.  I was so excited to spend my Friday night singing along to one of my favorite movies.  Our friends, Abie and Stacey joined us.

I was really excited for Jonathan to watch the movie.  I thought for sure that he would love it.  However, in true Jonathan fashion, he fell asleep before the opening credits were over! 

Jess didn't go with us.  Her reason for staying at home on a Friday night?  "I don't watch movies from YOUR era!"  I would be offended, but I know that without a doubt that I deserve it.  You can ask my parents!  I always asked my dad to tell me about the "olden days."  So, you see, I now have to pay for my earlier crimes.  One day, Jessie will want to take her daughter to a High School Musical Singalong.  And, my granddaughter will make fun of Jessie.  And, she too will have to pay for her teenage crimes.  Sweet justice!

I would like to state for the record that this movie is not really from my era.  I was just a little girl when it was released in movie theaters.

Sweet Little Lainey

Just before we left for Arkansas, we got to see this precious little girl (and her parents).  She is so sweet and wonderful, and is growing so fast.  She is already demonstrating that she is going to have a cute personality.

First Dance

At our church, you have to be fourteen to attend the youth dances.  As luck would have it, there was a dance just a few days after Jessie's 14th birthday!  At first, she didn't want to go.  I am so happy that she ended up going, and taking a friend along with her.

I hear that she danced mostly with the 5th Ward boys.  She did report that she danced 5 times with one particular boy. 

Jessie and her friend, Bethany

Not Forgotten

On the way home, we stopped at Bethlehem Cemetery.  This cemetery is in Gurdon, Arkansas and is where most of my dad's family is buried.  This place is near and dear to my heart. 

My Granny died just four days after my 16th birthday.  I remember being devestated.  For a long time, I didn't want to visit her grave.  Once I got over that sadness, it became a special place to me.

Granny's only daughter died at the age of 12.  As you can imagine, that experience effected her deeply.  Being her only granddaughter, I was royally spoiled.  Side note:  I have no idea why they spelled her name Forthmon.

Baby Forthman

I have asked my parents where they want to be buried.  They can't seem to agree.  I think Dad wants to be buried here with his family.  One problem... there is no room for Mom!  There is only one spot left in the family plot!

You might have noticed that my grandmother's name is Jessie Belle.  Yes, my daughter is named after her.  I never thought we would call her Jessie, though.  I thought she would only be known as Jessica.  The Jessie thing just evolved when she was a baby, but seems very fitting.

My grandfather's name is John Henry, but he went by Henry.  Jonathan wasn't officially named after him.  Fred just picked the name, because he liked it.  However, I think that it is still a nice tribute to him.

Three Boys and a Young Lady

Jessie and Matthew

While we were in Arkansas, Jessica turned 14 years old.  For her birthday dinner, she chose Mexican food.  They were kind enough (at her Daddy's request) to embarrass her by making her wear a sombrero.

Jonathan, Cody, Jessie and Matthew

It was a rare opportunity for her to spend her birthday with her Arkansas grandparents, cousins and aunt.  After dinner, we made sure that she had a birthday cake.

The Walmart in Ash Flat, Arkansas didn't have a big cake selection.  In fact, they didn't even have a bakery.  This poor little cake was covered in candles!

Lovin' the Lake

As you can tell, we spent lots of time on Crown Lake while we were visiting Grandma and PawPaw Larry.

Mom and Jess

Fred

Jess and her friend Kate

Cody and Jonathan

Fred

Big Bertha

During our trip, we spent a lot of time with Big Bertha.  Who is Bertha?  She is a 4 man tube.  And, when they say 4 men, they really mean 4 small children!

PawPaw Larry and Jonathan

Jessica showing off

Jonathan and I... ALL feet!  We thought this method would be relaxing.

Cody and Jessie

Kate, Jonathan, Matthew and Cody

Aunt Donna and Matthew