Totally Tubing

Remember the little girl I said loved the water and was willing to try anything. Well, she once again proved herself Labor Day weekend. She has never tubed a day in her life but was more than willing to try. Not only did she do great, she absolutely loved every minute of it! Seriously, she laughed and grinned just about the entire time. Poor thing had life jacket burns from the friction she bounced so hard.

 Here we go!

 Her concentration face, always with her tongue out.

 The look of pure joy and happiness.

 These are like my favorite. Pure worry and concentration here.

 Face plant here.

 And yet still smiling at the end.

 

Lake Pickwick

Labor Day weekend we were invited up to Mississippi to spend the weekend with the Marquis family at their family cabin. As much as we wanted to go, we were a little hesitant at first. Tucker had a track meet in Mobile that weekend and Cutter had football. Thankfully, we decided somehow we would make it work, and I'm so glad we did. It was a weekend not a single one of us will ever forget!

We made this sweet boy a cozy little bed in the closet, and he loved it. 

 Since we arrived at night, we weren't sure what to expect once it was daylight. Talk about a gorgeous treat to wake up to, it was beautiful!

  And we got plenty of exercise in trekking up and down those steps. My legs were killing me.

Hank and I were amazed at the boathouse. This has to be the most brilliant concept for a lake house.

 

Hank was ready to get the day started.

 

What a view.

Time to launch the boat and hit the water.

We also made a trip to the dam and being we were so close, we also crossed over into Tennessee.

I love this! Just enjoying the company and nature. 

We literally spent just about the entire day Sunday on the water. Between boating and floating, it was a perfect day.

We got a little tour of the area and thanks to Leann, we learned about some of the local history. We got lucky enough to see some of the actual goats on Goat Island.

After such an exciting and full filled weekend, you'd think we could at least take a normal picture. Oh, this IS normal for us.  

NYSA Silver Mighty Mites

Fall means football season. Living in the south, it's not just a season, it's a way of life. Cutter was very excited about being able to sign up and play tackle football, until his first real practice with his helmet and pads. It took a few weeks for him to get adjusted to all the gear but he seems to be enjoying the game finally. The cooler temperatures are a huge help as well. These pictures are from his very first game.

 Trying to look mean and still so stinking cute!

  One sweaty and stinky boy.

 

Innerlight Surf Camp

For the first time in five years, my kids didn't attend camp at the Science Station. But at the very end of summer Sailor signed up for surf camp. It's a three day camp offered on Pensacola Beach from 9-1 each day. We were very fortunate that Sailor had a friend that signed up the same week so we were able to carpool. I certainly can't complain about having to make a trip to the beach each day, it was a beautiful start to the day.

Each morning they had about a twenty minute session of "class" and the basics of surfing.

With a little stretching before they hit the water.

They also had prayer every morning before surfing.

Sailor had one of the best instructors and loved every minute of it.

A rare treat one morning, fourteen helicopters flew over. I am so glad I had stayed to watch a little surfing because this was a beautiful sight.

Board buddies.

Leave it to Sailor to be able to carry on a conversation while learning to surf.

She never ceases to amaze me with what she's willing to try. Her love of the beach and the water makes me so glad we live in a place she can experience these things.

She had a fantastic week and is looking forward to next year!