Happy 60th Birthday, Dad!!

Today is my Dad's 60th Birthday! We had his party 10 days ago in order to actually surprise him. It was a great time with lots of old friends and family.
I think he's shocked!
I always knew he had a lot of hot air!
He was a trooper; he read all his funny cards (and sappy cards) aloud for all of us to enjoy!
The big surprise...a flat screen for his bedroom!

I would like to take this opportunity to say how blessed I am to have Keever Grate for my Dad. He's amazing! He is a man of God who has been a wonderful role model in my life. He has a great sense of humor, he's gentle, kind, he's a do it all kind of man. He takes care of me even still and far away, he listens and offers sound advice. I've watched him be a wonderful, faithful husband to my mom. I think sometimes that I can't find Mr. Right because I compare all men against the "Keever" standard which is about impossible to measure up to. You know what else I love about my Dad? I love his hands. They are rough, calloused, hammer holding hands. They have always been tough, yet gentle hands. They remind me of Grandpa Grate's hands. Hands that have worked hard to take care of their family.
I love you, Dad!

Kenny Chesney ~ Flip Flop Summer Tour 2007

It's that time of year again. The time of year where we go to see that beautiful man named Kenny. Some might say that we have a slight obsession...they might be right.
Sugarland opened for Kenny and they were wonderful. They are another of my favorite groups and they were a great opening act.
This year we partied like pirates...a little Pirates of the Carribean theme going on.

Awe...there he is!

Hilton Head, SC...Here Come the Grates!

Our family vacation to Hilton Head, South Carolina was wonderful! We don't get to vacation all together as a family very often. This was a special treat. We rented a beautiful home on the island that had 5 bedrooms, 51/2 baths, and a huge living and kitchen area. We all enjoyed it immensly. We spent days on the beach jumping and playing in the HUGE waves! We all enjoyed that, even me who doesn't usually swim in the ocean. I have phobias about swimming where I can't see what's swimming around me. But, I put my fears aside and enjoyed the waves. We also took a day and went to Savannah, Georgia where we took a historical trolley ride. I loved that. It was a great way to see a beautiful city. We also ate at Paula Dean's restaurant, The Lady and Sons. It was a fun, special treat. Mom, Andrea and I are big Paula fans, so we were really excited. The food was delicious! I've included a slide show of my favorite pics. Enjoy! v