Little fisherman

Hank and Tucker were up and gone before 6 this morning, hoping to get in some early morning fishing. Apparently their decision paid off as they brought home about 5 nice size fish. Tucker was quite proud of the fact that he caught the biggest, and made sure we were all aware of this. He even made sure he got the correct piece while we were eating them for supper. Obviously he has more of Claud and JT in him than we all thought!

Deployment time again

Once again it is deployment time for Hank. I know it seems like he spends as much time gone as he does home, but it comes with the job I suppose. His bags are packed and I guess we are as ready as can be possible. Tucker seems to be handling things well, Cutter is still to small to realize what is going on, and Sailor seems to be the one having a hard time this go around. Of course we know that time will help make things better and before we know it he will be back home again. We are hoping for a spring return but it is the military so nothing is ever set in stone. We don't know how much access he will have this go around so I will do my best to keep everyone posted of what he is up to. Hoping to find the camera before he leaves so he'll be able to take pictures, we all love seeing what he's doing and where he's been. Please keep him in your prayers and we will all be seeing him sometime next year!

4th grader

Yesterday was Tucker's first day of school. Hard to believe he is now in the 4th grade, he is getting so old (as am I). Hank and I had really worried about how he would handle the move and starting a new school since he has gone to the same one since kindergarten but he seems to have done great! Luckily Hank got off work early yesterday so we were both able to be here to greet him when he got off the bus. He told us lots of things about the day and seemed eager to go again this morning. We are so thankful he seems to be adjusting well and are looking forward to a great school year.

Panama City Beach

Yesterday we decided to take the kids over to Panama City Beach to spend the day. We had a late start but got there in time to eat lunch at Margaritaville and the kids absolutely loved it. They thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and all that there was to look at in the restaurant. From there we did a little shopping at Pier Park and then went to Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. I think we all enjoyed that, quite interesting and a little freaky at the same time. We slowly made our way back home with a few stops in Destin and supper at Fudpucker's. All in all, a wonderful family day!

The Zoo of Northwest Florida

The kids have been wanting to go to the zoo since we moved here and yesterday we got the chance to take them for Tucker's birthday. Although it is not the largest zoo I've been to, I was quite surprised by the large number of animals they had and the various kinds. Throughout the grounds there were numerous birds roaming the walkways which Sailor enjoyed, and even chased a few.

Tucker turns 9!

Today is Tucker's 9th birthday. Since it was on a weekday and Hank had to work we took the kids to the zoo yesterday for his birthday. The kids loved all the animals and seemed to have a really good time. While we were at the zoo, Mom and Dad went and picked up the cake I had ordered and had the cake and presents on the table when we got back. Tucker was quite surprised as he did not know he would be having a cake and had not seen any of the presents. Although he was unable to have a party with all his friends this year, I think he still enjoyed his special day.

5 months

Cutter is now 5 months old! It is so hard to believe how quickly the past 5 months have passed and how much he has learned and changed during that time. He now rolls over the minute his back hits the floor, he is reaching and grabbing at things (including earrings) and has learned to make several different noises. During the past couple of days he has really found his voice and mastered the art of squealing. Now if only he would learn how to sleep all night long!

Beach Trip

For the first time during my parents trip, the entire family was able to load up and head to the beach. The boys did a little fishing while the girls walked along the beach and the kids searched for shells. We couldn't have asked for better weather and the sunset was perfection.

Surf fishing

After many weeks of fishing, we finally got to eat fresh fish for supper last night. Hank, Dad and Tucker got up before the sun yesterday and headed out to the beach for some early morning fishing. Hank called about 7:30 and said the weather was perfect, the fish were biting and the dolphins were playing, for us to get ready and head that way, so off we went. The guys had a nice cooler full of blue's and they made for a fabulous supper last night. Tucker was very proud!

2nd tooth

Cutter has another tooth! This is the one that I thought would have cut through first but I guess it wanted to take it's own time. He now has two little teeth shining through on the bottom just as cute as they can be. Not long now and he'll be ready for some real food to chew on.

Saturday night fishing

Since moving here my entire family has taken to fishing. Come the weekend, Tucker is waiting for Hank to get home so they can head out to the local pier for a little night fishing. This past Saturday night I decided to go out with them and see exactly what it is they do since they have yet to bring home any fish. The weather was perfect, but once again, the fish weren't biting. I think from now on I will do better to stay home, Sailor makes me a nervous wreck hanging over the sides of the pier!

Water play

We are still learning the areas around us here, including all the military bases. We decided to venture out yesterday and check out Eglin AFB. Hank had heard there was a nice park with a water play area. We packed the kids bathing suits just in case the weather cooperated and they were able to play. As you can see, they had a blast!