On the Boat

Well, we finally had our first successful solo family outing on our boat! We went out on Saturday morning, July 19 with sunny skies and calm water. We didn't have any problems getting the boat in the water, starting the engines, or getting the boat back on the trailer. The kids are really beginning to enjoy being out on the water more and more. Caleb was clinging to my arm at the beginning, but by the end he was moving around the boat from seat to seat. Isabelle sat in my lap the whole time, but she eventually stopped burying her head in my chest and enjoyed some of the view. We brought our lunch with us and took a break to eat and swim. It was great to play in the clear water and see an occasional fish or hermit crab go by. We had a wonderful morning and even got back with plenty of time to get Isabelle down for her afternoon nap.

Fourth of July

Barrett's parents and uncle Tim came to visit us the weekend of July 4. We grilled hamburgers and sat out on our patio to eat as we enjoyed a nice breeze off the bay. We had a great view of the fireworks behind our house. You could see about 2-3 different shows going on over the water, as well as some really great fireworks being shot off by nearby celabrators . On Saturday we enjoyed going out on our boat (we finally got everything working!) for a nice ride around the bay as well as some inlets and bayous. We all even got out of the boat and went for a swim in some shallow water. It was great to finally get to enjoy our boat! Later that evening we all went to see Wall-E, the new Pixar movie. We ended up seeing a later show than we had planned, so the kids were pretty tired, but they enjoyed it. Isabelle was content to eat popcorn and drink coke for the first half without a word of complaint!

Getting started

Well, we have finally joined the 21st century and started a blog! I am hoping this will help us stay connected with family and friends a little bit better. This will also be a good way for our family to write about what is going on in our lives; a kind of online journal for us to look back at and remember what we've done. I am looking forward to catching up with some old friends and adding some new ones along this journey.

We have had a fun and busy summer so far...it is crazy how fast paced it can be when you don't have as many regular activities planned. Caleb had swimming lessons last month, and it is amazing how far he has come since last year. He actually enjoys getting in the water and is even going under water some too! Isabelle is much more of a water girl and her favorite thing to do is jumping into the pool. At the end of May we took a trip to Bryanne's parents for Memorial Day weekend and went to Busch Gardens, where we enjoyed free park admission for military members. Isabelle was a little timid even to try the kiddie rides, but Caleb went on his first real roller coaster! He rode the Scorpion with Barrett, and I think I was more scared than he was to watch. However, once it was over, Caleb had a big grin on his face and said he had fun. (Although I am not too sure he would jump right back on it again soon:) Barrett and I and my dad even got to ride the Montu roller coaster, and it was so fun! It had been several years since I rode a really good one, and I took advantage of screaming the whole time!

We have also enjoyed visiting with several of our friends who have come to the Destin area for vacations. It's fun to live in a place where everyone comes to see us! We've been able to see the Fowlers, the Allens, Arthur Wadsworth, the Haverdinks, the Williams, the Howies, the Schultes, and the Tiltons, and Caleb's best friend Wes was even able to come stay with us for a few days. We enjoyed our time with all of you!!! There is always an open invitation for anyone to come see us when you are in the area. We hope you do.