Outdoor fun, Columbia style

It's always a big change for the kids during our trips to NC. At home during the summer they are use to the pool and beach and although they have those things in NC, they just aren't the same as home. They often find other things to entertain them while visiting.

One of the first things they usually do, find locust shells. Yes we have them in Florida as well, but if it keeps them entertained they can hunt all day long.

  Tucker spotted something in the field across the street and quickly borrowed binoculars for a better look.

Sailor was determined to have a butterfly land on her. It took awhile but her patience finally paid off.

  And one of my favorites, watching the hummingbirds.

Hog Hunting

Tucker had the opportunity to participate in a hog hunt for local youth through our local Ducks Unlimited chapter. He and Hank spent a weekend in Alabama in June and although they came home empty handed, I think they both enjoyed the trip.

Apparently pizza helps you prepare to hunt.

They got to practice some shooting and Tucker came home asking for a new gun (which he won't be getting).

 

They also got to learn about dog training and retrieving. This "gun" shoots the decoy for the dog to retrieve.

Time to hunt. 

Their view from the blind.

After having to get up at 3:30 in the morning to hunt and not seeing anything, a nap is in order. They never saw any hogs but it was an educational trip and Tucker seemed to enjoy it. 

Putt Putt Golf

While Hanks parents were here for a visit, we went to the mall one day for some indoor putt putt. The obvious advantage is that you can play anytime regardless of the weather and summer in Florida tends to get quite hot. Cutter was especially thrilled as he'd been wanting to give this place a try. We also had the whole place to ourselves for a bit.

We couldn't talk Granddaddy Eddie into playing but Cutter made sure he didn't get bored.

  Everyone had a good time and we were so thankful for a fun family day.

Surfer Girl

I should have known as much as Sailor loves the water and her willingness to try anything that it wouldn't be long before she would want to give surfing a try. We were very fortunate that her friend Morgan not only had a board but had taken some surfing lessons. The two of them will be enjoying a few days of surf camp together next week, a perfect ending to their summer break.

A little sand sculpting to start the day.

Getting some lessons before hitting the water.

On this day she did manage to get up one time but I didn't manage to record it.

 

 So for her birthday she got her very own surfboard. It might not be big or fancy but she was thrilled.

Finally able to take her own board out. The June grass was awful on this particular day but it didn't slow her down one bit.

Little hard to tell but not only did she get up, I recorded it.

Appendicitis

Sailor is my one child that I can count on something happening to. Seriously. If something is going to go wrong, an accident to happen or an illness to catch, you can almost guarantee Sailor will have it happen. The second to last week of school she woke up complaining of her side hurting. I honestly didn't give it much thought and had her continue to get ready for school. After several more complaints and a request from Sailor to see the doctor, I decided she might really have something going on.  We got the other two kids off to school and headed off to see her pediatrician. After examining her he made arrangements for her to be seen for an ultrasound in Pensacola at Sacred Heart.

 Isn't that a pitiful face?!

After a confirmed case of appendicitis we had to wait for them to get her a room and get her on the surgery schedule.

   A little smile. However, she was still not fully aware of the fact that she would be having surgery. I let the doctors be the ones to tell her and explain things to her.

Being in the pediatric wing there were arts and crafts for her to do while waiting.

IV in and a little reading to pass the time. She is now fully aware of everything going on and not exactly thrilled about it.

We were very fortunate that Hank was able to take the afternoon off work to be at the hospital with us. Hanks parents also arrived in town that day so they were able to be home when Cutter and Tucker got home from school.

Recovering after a successful surgery.    

  She was in quite a bit of pain following her surgery but only required one dose of pain medicine to help ease things off. She never took anything other than Tylenol after that dose. Tough little girl!

We were released by 10am the next morning and she was ready to get home to her bed.

Her three scars and a belly full of air.

Slowly healing and getting her walks in. She recovered great and only missed two days of school due to a long weekend. She was a little slower recovering for softball but that was to be expected. We were so blessed with fabulous doctors, hospital and staff. They made her first surgery and hospital experience a good one.

End of season T-ball

Ball season is a very time of year for us. With Cutter and Sailor both playing it's hit or miss on who gets to watch what game. We switched sports associations this year and feel very fortunate that it turned out to be a move for the better, especially for Cutter. He had a fabulous coach who did a great job of working with the kids.

Their favorite part of the year, the end of season party.

 

 

He's always so proud of his trophy, just look at that sweet smile!

Chick Day

Growing up in the city, we didn't have chickens and all our eggs came from Safeway. My kids have recently been asking for some chickens and we have been looking into it, especially since we are allowed to have them in our subdivision as long as we don't have a rooster. In the spring, the local Ace Hardware store has "chick day" and has lots of baby chicks available for purchase. We took the kids by to let them see them and as hard as it was, we left there empty handed. Whew. Did I mention we have duck hunting dog that lives in the backyard?! Wonder how she would feel about chickens.