Camp 'o the Pines

As soon as we got back from our staycation, we immediately had to deliver Sailor to camp. This was her first time attending a week long, stay away from you parents, type of camp. She was excited, especially knowing she would be bunking with her best friend, but I was a nervous wreck. The camp itself has been around for many years in this area and has such a great reputation. The kids spend the week with no technology and get to swim, canoe, fish, zipline, learn archery, shuffleboard, and tetherball. All while having bible studies and staying in air conditioned cabins.

 The cabins.

 Getting her bunk and drawer all set up for the week.

 I seriously did not want to leave these girls.

The zipline tower, the thing Sailor was most excited about.

 

The entire group of girls for Cabin J.

 Pick up night!

 We had a meal with our camper and then an awards ceremony for the last night.

 2nd place shuffleboard for all the girls at camp! She had such a great time and is already looking forward to being able to go again next year. 

Florida State DU Convention

Back in June, and yes I'm that far behind again, we were able to attend the Florida State DU convention with Hank. Although it was local, we still got a room for the event and took advantage of a little staycation. Hank and Tucker spent most of the weekend working the convention and attending meetings, so myself and the other two enjoyed the hotel. We had a Gulf front room which made for beautiful views. I enjoyed getting to just sit and relax. The kids loved the pool with a swim in grotto.

Not such a bad view for the weekend.

The kids loved the pool.

Wild game cookout.

My kids managed to get in a little dog sitting time.

Cutter was thrilled to win a prize.

 

They finally got to get something from the grotto bar.

Big Banquet and a sweet gentleman gave each of my kids raffle tickets.

A little token of appreciation for his hard work.

 

He wanted that duck from the minute we got there.

Sailor even got a little win.

Innerlight Surf Competition

Last summer Sailor attended a surf camp and loved every minute of it. At the end of the summer there was suppose to be a surf competition but due to weather and surf issues it was postponed until this spring. The competition itself was just for kids and really just for fun but Sailor wanted to give it a try. They were finally able to get the event scheduled for May and Hank's parents were in town the weekend it took place. Hank took Sailor first thing that morning and his mom and myself got there just in time to see Sailor take to the water. The kids were given colored shirts to wear for judging and a set amount of time to surf. Due to it being for kids and beginners, parents were allowed in the water to help them.

That's Sailor in the yellow shirt.

Happy girl.

For her age group there were about six girls that participated, Sailor came in 2nd place!

Zoo Trip

In May when Hanks parents were visiting, his mom said one of the things she wanted to do was go to the zoo. In all her visits here, she had never been and wanted to check it out. So off to the zoo we went. We got there first thing before the crowds and before the heat of the day because the zoo on a hot day is miserable. We had a great visit and all the animals were up and moving about.

Everyone loves feeding the giraffes, except me. I think they are nice to look at but that's about it.

Cutters first time feeding them, I was quite surprised.

This picture cracked me up, both of them were looking at the camera for me!

Another place I can't stand, the bird house. I can handle snakes over the birds. And they are all flying at you, it's terrifying! I had an entire group come towards me and I was the only adult trying to hide.

 

Sailor would get a group of birds and then give her sticks to smaller kids to hold, so sweet.

 

Baby peacocks roaming the areas.

  The baby gorilla busy at play while his mom naps in the shade.

New (to us) boat

From the day we moved here Hank started talking about buying a boat. Obviously we have lots of water around here but his main concern at the time was fishing in the Gulf. Thankfully his ideas of what kind of boat would best fit his needs changed over the years, especially since we've yet to win the lottery and couldn't afford what he really wanted. He then decided a smaller boat for fishing in the sound and rivers would work and then could also be used for duck hunting. This spring we came upon a nice boat, exactly what he was looking for according to Hank, at a very good price. Only problem was it didn't have a motor. Little more looking and research and we were able to get a brand new motor and his dream is now complete (for the time being).

Cutter could hardly wait to get out in it for a little fishing.

They might not catch a thing but they do a great job of killing time.