Let the Festivities begin...and so they did for the Final Wallace Wedding...Ever! Robyn Lynn united with John Akins on October 17, 2010...but the activities were four days in the making!

Friday, October 15 brought Jan and Jim to Della Terra, location of wedding, reception, and housing for "The Givers!" We started the afternoon with a trip through the Rocky Mountain National Park with Kelly (Robyn's twin) and her husband Matt Marlow (photographer extraordinaire of this Wallace wedding!). The sights and elk were so grand to behold, that John and Robyn decided over "pizza by the indoor pool that night" to unite with the four of us and "see the park at sunrise!" We jammed into the Marlow's Motorcoach...and enjoyed the beauty and majesty of Estes Park, Colorado on the official "Morning-of-the-Day-Before!" Then, after walking Estes, the rehearsal luncheon got the entire wedding party together...for food, fun, fellowship, and gifts to one and all...Jim and I especially appreciated our gift this past November...as we travelled to Pensacola, checked into a pre-arranged motel, enjoyed a pre-paid gourmet dinner and wine, and then, headed off to see Mannheim Steamroller and their 25 Celebration before turning in and returning home the next day!) Gifts given...and then all were off to Della Terra to rehearse and commune with the absolute beauty of the outdoors in October. The eyes could not fully chose a pallet for the myriad of colors surrounding us. God's beauty...so magnificent! Then, the PM brought us together for an "Akins Family-Wallace Family"
dinner before joining all participants at an evening of bowling...might not have been the best bowlers of the night, but the comradery and fun was not to be equalled! On the morning of the 17th...girls gathered at Della Terra for primping and sharing "The Day" with "The Bride"...from AM treats set up by a maid and her mom to a luncheon spread for all to enjoy. The groomsmen enjoyed the "theatre" at Della Terra and a luncheon spread of their own. Then, after the Bride and Groom's Special Moment and pictures...the conclave united for pictures prior to the ceremony. Then...the ceremony began..the procession...and the dictates from the dias...where the groom's father and the bride's father shared as wedding officiants for the Scottish rites ceremony that Jim had written for the bride and the groom and their day. I was and am so very proud of his tendered expertise...a first for him, to be sure, but one that I am sure John and Robyn will treasure. The Binding of the Hands with the Clan colors...the Golden Horseshoe of Prosperity...the clanging of the anvil...all made so meaningful by Jim's words and actions.
With the presentation of Mr. and Mrs. Akins, the ceremony ended...as their lives began, two as one united. The reception was enjoyed by one and all with dinner, dancing, Bride and Groom's dance, Bride and Father of the Bride sharing their dance to a special rendition of "Angel in my Arms"...and wine flowing! But, all good thing must come to an end...and so when JOhn and Robyn departed, the reception calmed and closed. However, the morning brought many of the friends and family back together again at a brunch-before-flights....and an opportunity for our "Fifth Daughter," Ethylea Griffitt, to present the ceremonial bride and groom hats that she has designed for all our girls...in fun and merriment.

Four days of flavor, fun and merriment shared by many...May those of you watching enjoy the times as did we...and may your prayers and wishes be for the future of "Mr. and Mrs. John Akins"...two now as one united.

Well, it is clear to me that we did NOT retire from life...rather we jumped into living and hit the ground with feet running!

Returned from Robyn's wedding (the next blog of note!)...only to re-pack and leave for Barcelona, Spain, first class flyin'...enjoying complimentary beverages, two appetizers, pumpkin bisque and a mixed green salad...followed by beef tenderloin and shrimp scampi..topped off with a vanilla ice cream sundae "over the Atlantic! Then laying back with your own personal headphones and TV...geeze...talk about "dacadence and lovin' it"... Wow...well, we are not in Kansas anymore! DeGaulle airport in Paris and then on to Barcelona for four days. The Hotel Arts afforded us an incredible room with a view of a marina on the Med...pinch me please!

A first night of Flamenco dancing and dinner at Botafumeiro...now all the plaudits of that restaurant are true, and then some.
Three days of a private guide gave allowed us to experience parts of Barcelona to the fullest...and the Happy Pills helped us keep up the pace! The Church of the Sangrada Familia, still "in the process" of construction since 1882...offered us not only the two facades dedicated to the Birth of Christ and the Passion of Christ and the incredible innards of light and elevated sights...but who knows, at its proposed completion in 2030, the 18 towers and two additional facades will truly be a Gaudi testiment and even more of a Barcelona landmark...and a gorgeous cathedral. Gaudi lives on in Park Guell (green space before the monicur was even invented!)...La Pedrera and Casa Batllo.Barcelona...land of the motos...Mediterranean, Land of the "Smart" car.

Fourth Day...we boarded the Royal Caribbean Radiance....and started our Tour of Other Lands...St. Tropez might be a monied place, but have to say, when it rains, without adequate run-off, it is a flooding place too! Umbrellas out for Tropez, Tuscany, and The Field of Miracles in Pisa...an architect's fiasco-a tourist unperpendicular photo-op! Then on to sun in Rome...and the histories of time. An 11 hour tour tried to focus on the majestic Roman highlights of old, the Colosseum, the Pope' Vatican City's museums and grounds, and the unbelievable Michelangelo's magnificent masterpiece in the Sistene Chapel. Naples offerd us a taste of Limencello (tasting to the toes!) and also its acute need for waste removal services (striking at the time). Around Italy's boot and on to Venice...water, water everywhere (and a bit stinky too!) No singing from the hired gondolier, only that of "my" gondolier (romantic...even if he is tone deaf!). Heading south to Croatia...rebuilt, reenergized yet celebrating the historic walled-city, moat and all. Last stop, Corfu, Greece...where we enjoyed the sights, foods, homemade wines, and carvings of olive wood in Paleokastritsa... ate and witnessed more olives than I ever thought could fall from trees!

And then, exhausted, educated, fulfilled, pleased...all the decsriptive adjectives affordable...and we headed back to Barcelona..and then home again. Traveling, touring, cruising is FANTASTIC...we are so very blessed..but coming home again has its plusses too...you better believe it! Now off to sailing the Caribbean with Captain Jim and his First Mate Jan...welcome to 2011!

Well, it is true...we haven't gone on any major trips (other than to Saint Louis for an outing with the Phillips and a look-see at the Marlows new place!)...but never let it be said that the Wandering Wallaces are not "on the move!"

This time it was a "RETRO-MOVE" back to the 80's....and lovin' it!

We have taken our dancing to partying levels...and enjoyed the festivities with the Fred Astaire "groupies" at one of their phenomenal parties...and just had to share the "musical sights" with you!

WELL, WE MAY NOT UPDATE MONTHLY...BUT WHEN WE DO....

JUNE FOUND THE WANDERING WALLACES CHECKING OUT OUR 49TH STATE, ALASKA, ON A LAND-CRUISE EXTRAVAGANZA PRODUCED BY ROYAL CARIBBEAN...AND WHAT AN EXCURSION!

JUNE 20...FLIGHT FROM ATLANTA TO FAIRBANKS...SIGNING INTO THE PINE WATERFRONT LODGE WE FOUND WE WERE TIMELY FOR THE MIDNIGHT SUN FESTIVAL (summer solstice...longest day of the year) IN FAIRBANKS. DID WE GO? YOU BETCHA! THE CITY FESTIVAL GAVE JIM A CHANCE TO "FISH" FAIRBANKS STYLE (for all of nine minutes!), CHECK OUT GAS PRICES UP NEAR THE NORTH POLE (thank God for Floridian favors!), AND REALIZING THE SUN WAS NOT GOING TO SET...THE ENTIRE NIGHT...AND, OF COURSE, WE TOO HAD TO KEEP GOING, AND GOING, AND GOING (harbinger of our 14 days to come which kept us constantly on the the go)!

June 21...WE "MUSH" LUNCHED AT SOAPY SMITH'S PLACE ( the Alaskan King of Con from the gold rush days)...THEN ON TO OFFICIALLY FREEZING OUR BIBBIES OFF AT THE ICE PALACE (how do those Eskimoes "igloo do it?")...THEN DIVA FRAN AND "GIT HER DONE" STEVE JOINED US FOR AN EVENING OF BASEBALL (one that went 15 innings,ended at 3AM and nary a light was lit for the game!)

JUNE 22...AND WE ARE ON THE MOVE...RIVERBOATING ON THE CHENA RIVER WITH OUR SIGHTS ON THE SEAPLANE TAKE-OFF AND LANDING, SLED DOGS WORKING OUT SUMMER STYLE (pulling the engineless four-wheeler around the compound), AND VISITING ANATHABASCAN (Alaskan Indian) FISH CAMP (where sodden roofs were the norm and adorned coats of animal skins the warmth). BUSSING IT TO McKINLEY VILLAGE LODGE, WE HAD A CHANCE TO VIEW THE PIPELINE ABOVE GROUND (a warming "line" for animals in the winter chills). A CABIN NIGHT FAMILY STYLE DINNER ALLOWED STEVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO "ENJOY" THE SURROUNDINGS...AND "KITTY" CAME THROUGH PLANTING TWO COLORFUL KISSES ON STEVE, ONE PER EACH FACIAL CHEEK!

JUNE 23...WE WERE UP AND BUS-LOADED...DENALI (Mount McKinley) HERE WE COME...WHAT A SIGHT TO SEE...NO PEOPLE OR PLACES TO BLOCK THE "WONDER OF THE WILDERNESS"...FROM MOUNTAINS TO ANIMALS TO MEMORIAL TREASURES!
LAND BY DAY...GLACIER "WILD-RAFTIN" IN THE PM...A FIRST FOR WE FOUR! WHAT A RIDE!

JUNE 24/25...FOUND US AT THE MARRIOTT IN ANCHORAGE FOR THE NIGHT...UP AT THE CRACK OF DAWN TO MOTORCOACH BY RAIL TO SEWARD...THE OBSERVATION UPSTAIRS/BREAKFAST DOWNSTAIRS TRAIN TOOK US THROUGH THE ALASKAN SIGHTS IN STYLE...WINDING AROUND ALL THE MANY MOUNTAINS ND GLACIERS AND WATERFALLS.

JUNE 25...THE RADIANCE OF THE SEAS WELCOMED US ABOARD

JUNE 26... ENROUTE TO THE HUBBARD GLACIER (largest of its kind) THE SEA LIONS BY THE HUNDREDS WATCHED OUR PATHWAY...AND THEN...HUBBARD IN ITS BLUE GLORY (blue because the sun cannot reflect the color blue so that is what we see)

JUNE 27...IN PORT IN JUNEAU...THE CAPITAL...A SIGHTSEEING DRIVE, A CAPITOL VIEW, A "RUN-IN" WITH TH NATIVES...AND OF COURSE, LUNCH AT THE RED ONION (brothel of reknown that survived the Gold Rush...but now just serves up the burgers!)

JUNE 28...SKAGWAY, THE DESTINATION...BUT "THE BRIDGE" THE IDEAL...AS WE TOURED IT IN STYLE..EVEN TAKING OVER THE CAPTAIN'S PERCH

JUNE 29...ICY STRAIT POINT...A CANNING STOP THAT JIM AND I MANAGED TO SLEEP THROUGH...GOD BLESS THOSE RCL BEDS AND THE DARKENING CURTAINS! THE PACE WON, FOR NOW...WE HAD TO REST UP FOR THE FUTURE STOPS!

JUNE 30...KETCHIKAN....AND THE TOTEMS ABOUND! THE STORIES THEY TELL...THE BLESSINGS THEY GIVE...SO VERY INTERESTING (I do believe we will be seeing one of them in our own backyard before the year is up!)

JULY 1/2 INSIDE PASSAGE AND VOILA, VANCOUVER...THE TRIP ENDED, BUT THE MEMORIES AND THRILL LIVE ON!

AND SO, WE PUT FAMILY TO REST WHEN WE DEPARTED SANDESTIN 6/19 (leaving Robyn/John in our home and KImberly, Jeff, Logan and Carter in our condo), BUT ARRIVED BACK HOME 7/3 TO A FAMILY GREETING (Kelly, Matt and Molly awaited us to celebrate our country's birth on the 4th!)

WE CERTAINLY HAD A "RUN FOR OUR MONEY" WITH SIGHTS, MEMORIES AND FAMILY SURROUNDING THE EXPERIENCE..WHO COULD HAVE ASKED FOR MORE! AND SO THE WANDERING WALLACES UNPACK FROM ALASKA..BUT...THE WIDE WORLD BECKONS AND I AM SURE WE WILL LISTEN AND FOLLOW!

It's official....we are dancers! Not because we paid the money...not because we took the lessons...not because we dressed the part...BUT because we were in our FIRST DANCE COMPETITION...The Newcomers Competition at Fred Astaire Studios in Fort Walton Beach, Forida, April 9, 2010. Competitors came from Panama City, Crestview and Fort Walton...we were form the last locale.
That's right....Jim danced eight dances with Katie Guillen (our instructor and pro competitor with her husband)..and I danced eight with Jesse Benedetti (national champion with his partner in dramatic dance). From the rhythms of the rhumba, cha-cha and Eastern swing to the slow dances of the waltz, fox trot and tango...we had our work cut out for us...or shall I say, fun!
Then Jim and I rounded out our evening with eight dances of our own together...four fox trots and four rhumbas! Talk about a night! (Course, it didn't help that I almost broke a toe four days before competition and had to dance in stocking feet! Not the most graceful, to be sure!) What was a bit of an apprehensive start at 7PM....ended as a wonderful experience and "a whole lotta fun" time by midnight! Never in Jim's born days did he think he would be wearing dancing shoes and in competition...and I too never expected that Jim and I could dance so gracefully and energetically together! What fun!

So..the Wandering Wallaces have wandered to places...now they set their sights wandering around the dance floor! What next!

My Heavens...Has it already been a month since last posting? Well, one of two things...either we have done nothing to account for the days...or...we have been so darn busy it is hard to not only keep track of what happens but also relate it! Our life as Wandering Wallaces definitely fits in the latter. March was Madness for us too! After our Caribbean sailing...we headed for St. Louis to watch our Logan (6) and Carter ('bout 4) for a week...and that we did...starting with an evening out to "Disney Live!"...then it was playing, cooking, Olympian mimicking (from games to t-shirt making to Seuss story-listening!), swimming lessons, school visitations (of course, each one!), and Dirt Track building ( a "Boy's Project" that redesigned the Phillips' family room...with water, dirt, tunnels, a curvy spiral, and of course, monster trucks...Blue Thunder (Logan's) and Shark Wreck (Carter's)...Jim had to "play" with the others! Safe to say....Phillips' family room will never be the same! Once "Mom and Dad" (KImberly and Jeff) Phillips returned home...we headed home...to the calm of Sandestin, for a short time, at least. Then, Princess Abby (3) and Mommie (6 months PG with twins!) came for a few days of playing and togetherness..Abby enjoyed a new scooter form neighbors, a "Harry-T's" night with s'mores at the table with Mommie, and a restful read before bedtime with Gramercy. When they left the Sandestin homefront...we were back to dancing in full regalia for Saint Patrick's Day!

Then...off again...this time for points northwest...namely, Colorado...specifically, Thornton.
We went to town to "share the snowfall" with the Bride-to-Be, Robyn; the Maid-of-Honor, Kelly; and the Groom, John Akins. Kelly planned a Dave and Buster's engagement party...and we were there for the merriment...along with about 30 other friends. Then it was a week of wedding planning...with "MIssion: Possible" the staging that Kelly set for the bride, the MOB, the FOB, two maids and herself to "Find the Dress" for one day...then on to tour the site, choose the flowers and taste-test the food during the rest of the week...best of all the MOB and FOB got to share a fantastic week with the future Bride and Groom...fun, fun, fun!

AFter that, we headed southwest to Las Vegas for our "First Visit" to the City That Never Sleeps...the Bellagio will never be the same after our stay...and the shows, one grander than the next from "The Phantom" to "Jersey Boys"...and "Love" (a cirque presentation about the Beatles....talk about energy!)..and David Copperfield, who even eluded our sighted-keeness from stageside! We throughly enjoyed meeting with our dear friends, the Thietjes (John and Jan) who treated us to dinner in the stratosphere, high above the city...and to sights of the city and the surrounding gorgeous Red Rocks. What a sight to behold!

But, all good travels must come to an end, and ours did with April's arrival. By April 3 we were Back to Sandestin...with all its springtime beauty and color...and yes....the traveling was FANTASTIC...but..it is good to be home again!

Time is always on the march for us...and February was no different. The Wandering Wallaces took first to the open skies and then to the open seas. On February 7...we were St. Thomas-bound...First Class (a first!)...to begin our Adventure on the Seas! No, not a cruise....Jim was CAPTAIN and I, his FIRST MATE and balance of "The Crew", on board a 35 foot Island Packet Yacht...a week's adventure that not only will we not soon forget, but also hope to renegotiate in January 2011!

We started it all at the Secret Harbor Resort on St. Thomas...with a day of relaxing, sightseeing and sunning. Our nights were moonlit ones in the Blue Moon Cafe...5 start service and food at a 2 start price! What a find! Talk about a "secret" in a harbor!
By the 10th of February we had relocated life at Red HOok, St. Thomas and lodging onto SKYE, our home-away-from-home for the week. Jim was Captain extraordinaire as we rounded Great St. James (anchoring in Christmas Cove for two nights), Little Saint James, and Dog 1 (yep..that was the island's name!). Then on to St. John and mooring at Francis Bay. It was at Frances Bay that our "Debacle with the Dingy" played out....a tale told and retold of our seaworthiness??!! It is, however, "another story...." Travelled up to Moho Bay Campgrounds...and checked out the lands of St. John and gorgeous view of the Caribbean waters, every shade of blue imaginable. The US Virgin Islands were all ours, and we managed to touch base with most of them....sailing in, out, around and about. What a week! By the 17th we were at the end of our sailing days, headed back to the dock at Red Hook...and back home on the plane. Our adventure was superb, by all standards. My Captain was diligent and learned; his First Mate was acceptable, though sometimes quite laughable! It was UNFORGETTABLE to be sure.

Though our February titilations were far from over...it is here that our SKYE sojourn ended, and so shall I...until we meet again in the continuing saga of the Wandering Wallaces...as they fly-high into Eureka, MO...for 10 days with The Phillips "Boys"...the saga will continue...we are blessed!

Well, it's a new year...2010 is upon us! Fact is, it is speeding on its way faster than we can keep track! After a super, duper New Year's Eve...we just know the year will be fantastic! Though a new year, the "Lovin' Family" remains the same...except for a "slight" upgrade in the Wade family....In July/August their numbers will rise from three to five, God willing! Barbara and Eric are expecting twins....Abby is anxiously anticipating being a Big Sister (Course, I am not sure yet whether she knows the total ramifications of that name change!) We are so excited for them...and of course for us, as we add two more grandchildren to the "Papa Doc and Gramercy count!"

Jim and I are soooo pleased, that we are "dancing" for joy! You got it! Jim bought his very first pair of "dancing shoes"..and twinkle toes he is! We are now students at Fred Astaire and lovin' it! We have been a challenge for our instructor Katie, but I have to admit...she has not only accepted the challenge , but also managed to turn us into fairly talented beginners, now on the bronze level! Just watch us rhumba, waltz, or tango when we appear next on the floor!

Did take some time off from the dancing schedule to welcome Jan Thietje...friend of Jan's from '64...that came down from Minnesota....you better believe she was enjoying a bit of the heat-wave-winter days/nights she enjoyed here! She managed to get us going in so many directions even we can't remember them all. I do know that her presence did a bit of havoc to our new year's diets and exercise routines...of course, Jim and I graciously allowed the changes! Now she is on her way to Las Vegas to "winter" in warmth for a few months...before heading back to MN for the cold and Kai's (son) wedding 9/25. Now there is a gal with her fingers in so many pots, I am not sure even she knows which is where!

After Jan took her leave...we were off to Enterprise, AL...to celebrate with family and adult friends the early birthday party for our Princess Abby. Officially, 2/2 she turns 3...but we got in an early take on the weekend. I believe...first of three parties...for the Princess! It officially shocked the cupcake maker who "created" a John Deere tractor of cupcakes only to find out the party was for a GIRL! The John Deer Party was loads of fun..and she raked in the loot! Her Gramercy and Papa Doc came through with a Princess Jeep for her to enjoy outside..2 speeds forward, one back, and a battery op radio to boot! Times have changed, guys...times have changed. Can't remember what I got at 3, but I am absolutely positive it was not a riding Jeep!

So...home sweet home...but not for long...CARTER's painting tells it all...we are sail-bound in the Caribbean...from St. Thomas ports and around St. John ports. We leave 2/7, get on the ship (37' sailboat) 2/9...and won't be back in Sandestin until 2/17!
This is a first for us...Jim/Papa Doc will be the Captain and Jan/Gramercy the First Mate...and that, my friends, is the crew entotal! I just know we are going to have a wonderful time...and certainly a warm one...as you can see the sun shining in Carter's portrayal! (Course, the "black shark" will be food for us, I hope..not the other way around!)

So, on that upbeat note....Full Sails Ahead for these Wandering Wallaces...Enjoy each moment to th fullest!

And the heat was on....Friday night, January 8, 2010...Pensacola, Florida... freezing temperatures... yet inside the coliseum was "smokin' hot" when the PENSACOLA ICE FLYERS of the Southern Hockey League took on the Ice Bears from Knoxville.... The Wandering Wallaces had trekked the 50 miles west to the site, braving the chill outside for the intensity of degrees inside.
First period looked great, with the Ice Flyers raring to claim an easy victory; then the Ice Bears attacked! Much like Bama had to overcome the Texas stampede at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Ice Flyers had to fend off the chillin' attacks of the Bears during the end of the second and first half of the third periods. But...the Flyers flew...and at the sound of the final blare... a 6 to 3 victory was theirs and a fun evening belonged to the Wallaces.

What a cache of memories opened for us...from the sights of the ice, skating, fighting, body-slammin'...to the sounds of the chicken dance, YMCA and even the Macarena! The Birmingham Bulls may not be alive and well...but the ice hockey spirit of the Wallaces still flourishes...and the season has just begun......

New Year's Eve 2010

Well, the New Year is now upon us...but not before the "Wandering Wallaces" ushered it in with a grand Tommy Bahama's beginning! So many years...private parties...many, many years...celebrating with daughters at home...now, A FIRST! Jim and Jan joined about 100 others ushering in the New Year with a four course, five-star dinner, unending bubbly, dancing under the stars, and...just a wonderful time! Truly a "grand" way to have 2010 become "Our Year!" (Course, Jan did then sleep away most of 1/1/2010...ahhh...happpiness!)SUrely do hope that each and every one of you enjoyed celebrating the start of 2010...a clean-slated year on which we all will undoubtedly paint wonderous memories...may your pallet be full of hues to paint extraordinary moments disguised as ordinary days..and may we graciously realize that "people are the treasures in life and happiness is the real wealth!"

HAPPY NEW YEAR, ONE AND ALL....