Take a kid fishing

This is the second year in a row that Tucker has participated in the Take a Kid Fishing Day, and Sailor's first. She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to go, but with a little encouragement she finally agreed. She had such a good time that I'm pretty sure she will want to go again next year if she gets the opportunity.  Hank was fortunate enough that he was able to chaperone and take a few pictures for me. The boys weren't as lucky as Sailor with their fishing on this day and sadly Hank didn't manage to get any pictures of Tucker. A huge thanks to Harbor Docks for sponsoring such a wonderful program that gives kids the opportunity to try their hand at a little offshore fishing.

The boat they went out on, Miller Time.

It was a freezing cold morning when they left, thankfully it warmed up pretty quickly.

I'm not only impressed that she caught it, but that she was willing to hold it too!

Trick or Treat 2013

Halloween was a very busy day around here and I wish so much it had fallen on a weekend. We have such a great time with friends and neighbors that it's hard to make the kids go to bed on time and get up early the next day. Mrs. Leann invited the kids over to decorate cookies prior to trick or treat time, which was a perfect project for Sailor, she put a lot of effort into getting hers just right.

Cutter didn't care so much about decorating, he enjoyed sampling all the supplies.

Intense concentration.

  Morgan's jack-o-lantern.

   Even Izzy gets into the Halloween spirit.

The whole gang.

SMSgt Reynolds

On October 31, Hank was promoted to the rank of SMSgt. He has worked very hard for this promotion, and although we found out about it back in the spring, it took until now for him to finally be able to put it on. I checked the kids out of school so they could attend as it could quite possibly be the last promotion of his military career and it's a pretty big deal.

Being recognized by the Colonel.

 Normally the new stripes are "tacked" on by punching them, Hank's boss decided to make it a little more fun for the kids. Cutter could not have been more excited.

I think they got just a little carried away. I'm pretty sure Hank won't forget the day he added those stripes to his uniform.

  They even had stripes made for the kids.

 And just so Hank knows who is really in charge, I now have my very own stripe as well!

Florida Oranges

Since we moved here we've wanted to have a fruit tree and this summer we finally broke down and bought one. It may not be the regular Florida oranges, but close enough. We chose to go with mandarin oranges instead because the kids typically like the smaller size better and can peel them themselves. The tree we choose already had quite a few small oranges and lots of flowers still blooming when we got it. They continue to grow and aren't ready for picking until the end of October-early November. Our tree isn't very big but still managed to produce quite a lot of fruit this year, I can't hardly wait to see what it does next year!

Still quite green but starting to change colors.

Getting closer.

Finally ready for picking.

We ended up with two good size bowls full once they were all ripe. That is my kind of gardening, plant it and wait for it to be picked, no labor involved!

Sammy the sea turtle

This year we got to witness one of the most amazing events I've ever been a part of, the hatching of a baby sea turtle. Although our beaches had several nests this year, it wasn't until later in the season that we were able to have a little free time to go each evening and wait for the hatching, in fact, it was the very last nest of the year. We went every single night for an entire week and tried to patiently wait. Although they were hearing sounds from the nest, they were beginning to think it was a ghost crab and that the nest wouldn't have any live turtles. They finally decided to dig the nest up on day 70 of the incubation period and we are so fortunate they did. Of the 80 eggs layed, there was only one live turtle. He would not have survived had they not dug the nest up to assess it.

She is slowly locating each turtle egg as to not cause any damage. 

They remove each egg and once the entire nest has been assessed, the eggs will be placed back in the nest and covered back up.

The tiny tracks left by the baby turtle as it made its way to the water.

I know it's a little hard to see but this is the baby sea turtle that emerged from the nest. Truly a miracle to witness.

 

This video is as it is making its way to the water. Again, I know it's a little difficult to see but we were only allowed red lights and I was taking video with my phone.

Red Ribbon Week

Each year for Red Ribbon Week, the kids are allowed the opportunity to dress up for a different theme each day of the week. In my opinion, the middle school wasn't as creative this year as they have been in the past, but Tucker and Morgan still participated every day.

Vacation Day. 

Sadly, Tucker looks like lots of old men we see during the tourist season here.

Twin Day.

Red Day.

Cowboy Day.

Sports Day. 

 Sailor's school also participated and had slightly different themes.
 80's day.
I'm pretty sure I was more excited about this one than she was. 

Tie dye day.

Hawaiian day.

On Thursday they were allowed to wear their Halloween costumes.

  Tacky day.

Fair fun

When fall rolls around, the number of things to do around here greatly increases. I only wish the amount of money I had did too. The kids were anxious to go to the fair this year and although we had a difficult time finding a day to squeeze it in, we finally managed. I'm so glad we did, they had a blast!

At the top of the ferris wheel. For those that know me, this is a major accomplishment. I absolutely hate ferris wheels. I will ride just about any roller coaster on the planet but ferris wheels are a whole different story.

 

This year they had a petting zoo which the kids enjoyed.

This was one of the most unusual animals I've ever seen, a sheep with dreadlocks. Hank was checking to make sure it really had eyes under there.

Okay, so he wasn't so much for petting as for shock factor I think. And I complain about headaches!

As you can see, Hank and Tucker weren't exactly thrilled about the carousel.

My families hands down, absolute favorite, the bumper cars. I rode with Tucker so of course I don't have a single picture of him but the looks on Sailor and Cutter's faces are priceless.

That is pure delight on that little girls face!

Have you ever seen two happier little boys?!

  We got lucky and planned our trip on one of the concert nights. Although the kids hated it, they said the music was too loud, Hank and I were thrilled to see Travis Tritt perform. I was immediately taken back about 20 years to my high school days with friends at the state fair and Travis Tritt on the radio, you can't get much better than that.

Now throw your hands in the air...

And because one time isn't enough and they honestly love it that much, another round with the bumper cars.

I let Tucker have his own car this time and I rode with Cutter which isn't an easy task. You have to hang on to him or he will go flying out of the car.

Exhausted after a fun filled afternoon and evening.