Labor Day in Seagrove Beach

We decided that the Dyster Family needed a good family vacation at the beach. So, we rented a beautiful house in Seagrove Beach, just east of Seaside - like you ride your bike ten minutes and you're there - and spent four wonderful days relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Mom and Brother Jon came on Thursday, followed by Amy & Chris from Atlanta and Brian, me and Ellie. Brother David came late Friday night (and had to leave Sunday Morning) and Dad arrived Saturday morning. I don't think the location could have been any more perfect. We had plenty of room to spread out and do our own thing: go to the pool, beach, fish, ride bikes, kayak, etc. Ellie even got to ride on the back of Daddy's bike - she loved it! We'll have to get one for home. We definitely plan to make this an annual trip. Click here for pics from our camera (which mainly center on Ellie!) or Click here for pics from Amy's camera (which do a much better job of catching the scenery!)

We're Potty Trained!

We (and when I say 'we', I mean 'I' with Brian's full support!) wanted to have Ellie trained by the time she started school on September 4th. I took the week off to do it and she responded quite well. We had and continue to have accidents here and there; but not that much. Her teachers work with her too and we are very proud. Honestly, we just think her little tushie is sooo cute in those panties! You go, girl!

So Proud of Lil' Brother Jon

Gorgeous Kitchen

Wainscoting in Stairs

Dark Wood Finish Kitchen

Ultra Contemporary Bathroom - the 4 panels of the door were cut through one sheet of bamboo and then stained different finishes! Not our taste; but beautiful nonetheless.

I want this bathroom! The floors are either marble or travertine.

After seeing these, we are commissioning him to make us some!

Beautiful craftsmanship on the side of a drawer and an unstained mahogany wardrobe!

Here are some pics of Jon's amazing work that I referenced in a previous post. If anyone knows of work needed in Pensacola, I'll pass on the word! I yanked these of his myspace so hopefully they still look good when you click on them.

Dear Goawd...

Okay, I had to post one more for the night. We've been praying with Ellie at dinner and bedtime for quite some time now. For the past two or three months, we say a prayer and have her repeat it line by line. It almost brings us to tears because it is so cute and so neat to hear her praying to her creator, protector, Father and friend. We've got to get the video before she gets any older. Here's a sample script, though. You have to make all the things Ellie says go up on the end!

Dear God (Dear Goawd)
Thank you (tank u)
For my family (famiwy)
and my friends (fwiends)
and my blessings (bwessings).
Give me a good night's sleep (sweep).
I love you (wuv u)
Thank you (tank u)
for loving me (wuving me).
Amen (Amen - excitedly).

This just melts your heart!