Hammer time.

Hank took Cutter to Lowe's this past Saturday for a little one on one time. They offer their workshops for the kids on Saturday mornings and it is a wonderful learning experience for them, not to mention FREE. This past weekend they happened to be building race cars and with the start of the Nascar season this was the perfect thing for Cutter to build. He happens to love watching the races with Hank.

 Hammering his car together.

Not sure I would have been as brave to have my fingers in the way of the hammer!

Working on the stickers.

The finished product, he is some kind of proud.

 His car also turns into a robot, he was really impressed with that.

Oh how I love that rotten boy!

He has toted this car everywhere he has been for the past few days and had to have it with him while watching the races.

Jeff Dunham

For Hanks birthday (back in November) I got him tickets to see Jeff Dunham. I hated that he had to wait so long to enjoy his present, but in my opinion it was well worth it. That evening made twice in less than two months that Hank and I had been out without kids, a trend I wouldn't mind continuing. There are times that the language isn't the best, which is why we didn't take kids, but I'm already hoping he makes another stop in this area next year. If you ever have the opportunity to see one of his shows, I highly recommend it. There is nothing much better than spending several hours laughing until you hurt!

Cape Hatteras, 1954

While cleaning out a few things, I recently ran across this photo. I'm so thankful that we now have the ability to easily copy old photos so that they can be shared. I also found this picture very fitting with all the controversy going on right now on the Outer Banks with the new laws about driving on the beach.

Blake Shelton

Hank and I don't often go out without the kids so we were both pretty excited for a night out to see Blake Shelton. This was also our first visit to the Pensacola Civic Center. It isn't a very large venue which made it that much better in my opinion, I don't think there is a bad seat anywhere.

 Justin Moore opened for Blake Shelton and although I was familiar with several of his songs, I was introduced to a few others that I really enjoyed.

Blake Shelton!

I loved the two of them performing together.

This song is by far one of my absolute favorite's right now. I recorded with my phone so it isn't the best quality. I also have yet to figure out how to enlarge the size of the video so it's easier to view, sorry.

Fort Pickens, part III

After we left the largest part of Fort Pickens, we stopped at a few others sights on our way home.

Throughout the Fort there are a few "newer" weapons that were placed during World Wars I and II. I was amazed to see this huge gun sitting in the middle of the beach!

Apparently we wore them completely out!

Fort Pickens, part II

After we finished exploring the actual fort, we had a nice little beach walk.

The kids were amazed at this boat washed up on the beach. Are you hearing the theme to Jaws in your head?!

Fort Barrancus located across the Bay at the Naval Base.

I love this silly little monkey!

Another picture of the USS Independence.

Can you tell she really wanted her picture taken?

A few jets from the Naval Base were getting in a little flying time.

Hank just being Hank.

Fort Pickens, part I

Since the beginning of the year we have had warmer than normal weather. Trying to take advantage of the gorgeous weekends and also save a little money, we recently went over to Pensacola Beach to check out Fort Pickens. I'm so glad we did. It's hard to believe we have been here for 2 1/2 years and this was our first time there. The military history here is quite amazing. Fort Pickens was completed in 1834 and was one of four major forts used to protect the pass leading into Pensacola Bay and the naval ship yards. At one time Geronimo was also imprisoned here.

The kids loved all the tunnels.

 This picture is looking across the pass. The lighthouse is located on the naval base and in close proximity to Fort Barrancus.

  

Each of these semi circular areas once held a cannon. The water in the distance is the Gulf of Mexico.

I can't begin to imagine how much work and time was put into building this place.

The USS Independence currently docked at the naval base.