Fins Up!

While Hanks family was visiting, we took them over to Pensacola Beach one morning. We didn't see any oil washing up on the beach, however we did see a few tarballs. After stopping off at the beach, we stopped by the newest hotel on Pensacola Beach, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Beach Hotel. That place is gorgeous! After a little roaming around inside the hotel we went next door to Landshark Landing for a bite of lunch.

It's hard to tell by the picture, but this was the first time that we had ever seen Cutter make an effort to hold someones hand while walking, it was so sweet!
We saw this blimp when we were leaving Navarre and then again when we got to the beach.



Parrotheads in training.

Fishing, Sailor style

Since the local fishing pier opened, our family has spent a lot of time over there, but usually just Hank and Tucker do the fishing. Recently, Sailor decided she needed to get in on the action. We actually went this particular day to take Hank's mom to check out the pier, but Sailor decided while Hank and Tucker were working on one fishing pole that she would try her hand at the other, and wouldn't you know it, she managed to catch her very first fish! That was one proud and excited little girl, even if all she caught was a catfish.

Birdie Golf

After spending a few days with family in Columbia, we left and went to spend a few days with family in Elizabeth City. Mom has a game that she bought years ago in a yard sale called Birdie Golf, my kids love it. If I ever run across another one, you can bet I will snatch it up in a hurry. As you can see, a lot of determination is put into that swing!
Cutter didn't quite understand the point of the game but certainly didn't mind taking off with the equipment.




Not sure what she was doing, but she certainly seemed to be having a good time.
Even the big kids get in on the fun.
Clean up time.

Gum Neck, NC

While we were in Columbia I thought it would be nice to ride down to Gum Neck so the kids could see where parts of our family got their start. I don't think I've been down there in several years, just never enough time, but luckily Tucker remembers going hunting down there with grandaddy. I really wanted to go in the house but the bugs were so bad that none of us would go near the porch, guess we'll have to try again in colder weather.
Gotta love the spelling difference between the sign and the mailbox, typical Jones!

I can't believe we looked forward to going down here and going swimming.
On some of our riding around we got the privilege of seeing a mama wood duck and her babies in one of the ditches, they were so sweet!

July 4th with family

After traveling all day the day before, it was nice to be able to spend the 4th with family. We got to enjoy cooking out, kids playing, and a day of surprisingly wonderful weather.

The mimosa trees were covered in butterflies, it was the most amazing sight.


Cutter didn't make it far on his ride before deciding it was nap time.
So glad we got to spend some time with Amy, Adam, Jordan and Payton.
Little girls and their secrets.



Cutter loved the bubbles although he had the hardest time trying to figure out how to blow them himself.

Naval Air Station Pensacola

Sorry for being so slack on my postings, but for any of you that have spent any time with Cutter at all, you know that on a normal day there isn't much free or quiet time to be had. Some time last month (i think) we went over to Pensacola to the National Cemetery, the lighthouse and the Aviation Museum for the day. Pensacola is such a historic and beautiful town, it so great to be able to take the kids for a day trip to learn about our nations history.

We started out at Barrancus National Cemetery and if you have never been to one of our National Cemeteries, you really should find the time to go. It is one of the most beautiful and emotional places you can ever visit. I was surprised to find an entire section devoted to infants. It is quite an emotional challenge to see that many children laid to rest in one location.




From there we rode over to see the Pensacola Lighthouse. We got there before it opened so unfortunately we weren't able to go in the museum or climb it, might have to try again when the weather cools off. The lighthouse is considered one of the most haunted lighthouses in the US and even offers ghost tours at night.


Lastly we went to the Aviation Museum. Words and pictures do not do justice for this place, it is huge and every place you look is devoted to all the branches of the military. You could spend an entire day there and still not manage to see everything. The kids absolutely loved it and are looking forward to the opportunity to go back again.