First Concert

Our local radio station, Cat Country, does a fabulous job of bringing up and coming country stars to some of the local facilities. Some require you to be over 21, but we had one in December that was not only family friendly, but was also right here in Navarre. We thought this was a perfect opportunity to take Sailor to see and hear some of the people she often sings with on the radio. She got to see Haley & Michaels and Jana Kramer both. Although she loved singing along, she decided it was a little crowded and a little loud for her taste. I was impressed with both acts, they sounded great and was so nice seeing them perform in such a smaller setting.

Gingerbread Competition

Sailor's school held a gingerbread house competition back in December. I had not been given much information about the competition itself, and since Sailor was doing it as part of her gifted class I really didn't ask many questions. I do know they were given a list of rules and requirements and if any of those were not met they would result in a zoning violation and penalties. None of these were done for a grade, but they did have winning categories and prizes for some of the top winners, including a Kindle Fire for the top winner. After attending the competition, I learned that obviously not all students did their houses without adult help, and that next year Hank will definitely want to help Sailor out. There were around 200 hundred houses entered in the competition.

 

This is the beach house that Sailor and two of her classmates made. They have the beach and a pier on one side.

And a pool on the other.

There were some super creative concepts.

I could be wrong in assuming on this one, but I'm going to say that the parents helped more than the student. Or it could be that my child just is not as neat as this student.

I don't know if this one won anything, but I think it deserved something. I thought it was hilarious.

Handy Hank

I have no problem stopping on the side of the road and picking up "trash". I came upon this dresser one day and although it was missing almost all the drawers, I was determined that we could still find some use for it. Hank was convinced I was just a little crazy. After a little research and showing him some ideas, he was determined to fix it up and bring it back to life. He did such a great job!

 A few days later and it's really starting to look like I wanted.

 Project complete

 We now have a fabulous storage area for our games, crayons, coloring books and craft supplies. (Ignore the lamps, I was trying to decide what looked best)

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Program

For Thanksgiving, Cutter's class had their very own program. It was a small program, but the kids did a great job learning their lines and songs. Cutter was so proud that he had a speaking part, he was Squanto.

My adorable little Indian.

After the program the kids all got to make turkey cookies.

I did one and Cutter did one, can you tell which is which?!

Ducks Unlimited Banquet 2014

For the first time in many years, Hank has been able to be an active participant in our local DU chapter. For the banquet this year, I was unable to attend due to a schedule conflict, but Tucker happily volunteered his time again to help them out (I think because it was a school night). And although it ended up being a late night for Tucker, he seemed to have had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

The guest speaker was Mr. Sonny Shroyer, also known as Enos from the Dukes of Hazzard. Tucker had no clue who he was but enjoyed hearing him talk and laugh.

Tucker's highlight of the night, winning his very own gun! He's already looking forward to next years banquet.

Destin in November

I love fall in Destin. The Commons always has a beautiful fall display, the weather is perfect for being outside, and the afternoon sun gives everything that beautiful glow that just warms your soul.

Could there be a more perfect spot for a family picture?!

A little time spent at Harborwalk watching the dolphins and the birds fishing. 

This is how my pictures of the kids normally turn out, explains why we don't have more family shots.

 A little piece of heaven on Earth.

Our view as we head back home, perfect.

Halloween 2014

And because I'm once again so far behind, I bring you Halloween in February. It's amazing that although Hank retired and is home by far more, I seem to have so much less time to get the things done that I need to, especially sitting down at the computer to post things. I apologize. I can't promise at all that I will do any better, but I can certainly give it a try.

Our house all decorated and ready for Halloween. Anyone notice that cute little dog in the door?!

 One of our big accomplishments was to actually roast our pumpkin seeds rather than just throw them away. They were seriously yummy!

 Oh look, a rare family photo!