July and August had some really fun events that took us to and fro.
First off, we had a lovely beach vespers with our church - our very own Jennifer B is the Family Ministries Director, and she keeps that group really engaged - it is awesome! This was the first time that the church has had a beach vespers - we went over to Cape Canaveral - it was fun, but it was definitely hot and crowded. We like our Ponce Inlet area a little better, but the parking there is limited so we had to expand our options!
 |
| Kaleb and Evan making a sand castle |
 |
| While Addison was transformed into a mermaid! |
 |
| The whole group - lots of tents there! |
 |
| Right before the jelly fish encounter... |
As the day ended, Addison and some friends were playing in the wave surf near the shore. They were having a great time...and we were about to leave when all of a sudden two of the friends came crying out of the water and ran to their parents. We found out that they had encountered large jelly fish in the water - it was horrible! It was a huge lesson for us - we've been here for 20 years and never encountered jelly fish before. Always take white vinegar to the beach as it will neutralize the sting and make it bearable! We are so sorry for our friends!
Right after that, we headed over to Longboat Key for a physician retreat (and yes, there is no confusion, Amy isn't a physician but she is an executive that is over the medical group so she got to go!). It is always a really informative and inspiring meetings, and the family of course enjoys the vacation! But, we were shocked to find out that there was red tide - another thing that we have lived here for 20 years and never experienced.... a red tide!
 |
| Lots of face painting and temporary tattoos! |
 |
Addison was covered in temp tattoos by the time she was done!
 |
| Lawn checkers |
|
 |
| A beautiful flower and by the time she was done she also was covered in tattoos! |
 |
| The Catalyst sand sculpture - pretty amazing! |
 |
| It was a bit windy and a LOT humid - so our hair was crazy! |
Because of the red tide and the fact that we couldn't get into the water, there ended up being a lot of lawn games - the kids had fun and the parents were thankful!
 |
| Remember Connect 4? |
 |
| Spike Ball became a favorite! |
 |
| Zachary and Cristian |
 |
| Kaleb made a new friend Nate Cochran, nephew of William and Heather! |
 |
| Addison with her friends |
 |
| While the Z parents enjoyed a seat and quiet time to ourselves! |
The next day we were split into groups and had a sand building contest - we were part of the Sharks, so of course we built a shark!
 |
| No shortage of fun stuff to do! |
 |
| It is a tradition....the selfie for Amy and Kaleb |
On Sunday morning we headed home, but stopped at a local restaurant (can't remember the name!? 400 Main or something like that). It was DELICIOUS! We'd go back again for sure!
 |
| the kids table |
 |
| While the adults enjoyed some nice adult conversation! |
 |
| Beautiful sunset, beloved family! |
When we headed back in the car, we raced back to Orlando but the fun wasn't finished - we had tickets that night to Cirque du Soleil, Crystal. It was done on ice, so was an interesting twist. It was really fun - all of us were mesmerized - it was more of a story than acrobatic feats, and it was really well done!!
 |
| Now she thinks that she will be an acrobat! |
 |
| Our group that went that night.. |
With summer vacation, Grandma took the kids to Aquatica several times (getting good use of those annual passes!). They always had fun, and she was good about sharing pictures! Amy has yet to be to Aquatica but it is fun to live through their pictures!
And while we have been busy with outings, the local fun of having a boat hasn't quit yet. We try and go out every week, and one Sunday morning when the lake was empty Amy got brave enough to try driving the boat and let Karis have a turn on the tube! She always tells him to go slower, and wouldn't you know, it is harder to go slow than you'd expect so she went too fast a few times as well!
 |
| Daddy with the gang... |
Random Pictures:
 |
| Elin, Addison and Victoria |
 |
| Being silly, we tried to recreate the picture of the little girls with the Moms, but Yvonne and Kelli should have flipped locations to match their girls! |
When Zachary and Blake were little, they went out at Miss Jennifer's and jumped in the puddles....well Addison and London got their chance to recreate the moment! So fun - loves these pictures!
We have been baking a lot of banana muffins lately - it is quick, easy, and somewhat healthy and Addison loves to cook!
No comments:
Post a Comment