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!

Cajun Encounters

We've been wanting to go on a swamp tour for some time, and we decided it would be a great way to end the kids summer break. Now living in Florida we know what heat and humidity are, and that was the one thing I was dreading most about the trip. Heat, humidity, and a swamp. Sounds like a wonderful combination, right?! And the swamp did not disappoint. It was super sticky, sweaty hot. But it was worth every bit of it, I honestly can't believe I just said that, but it really was. We were amazed at how many alligators we saw.

 

This was the first alligator we came upon being fed by another boat, he was huge!

Our captain lured him over with a hot dog. Does that not look like a finger in his mouth? Seriously, this was right in front of me and terrified me just a little!

Apparently they like marshmallows also. We learned it's because they are visual animals and they can see the white against the water. Even at my age I'm always learning new things.

I could not believe how far they could propel themselves out of the water. This was a big boy.

I also learned I really stink at spotting alligators from a distance. Hank and Tucker were spotting them left and right and I'm thinking it's just best I avoid the water.

I couldn't believe how many boats we saw stopped with people playing in the water on sand bars. Obviously they aren't as worried about the alligators as I was.

This was a much smaller one but look at how far he comes out of the water!

Red wasp nest.

And there are wild pigs that live in the swamp as well. That swim. And eat marshmallows.

That is one ugly animal.

 

Busted Wrench Garage

Another stop along the way was in Gulfport, Mississippi at the Busted Wrench Garage. I did research on some places to stop along the way that might interest everyone, but most importantly were either free or cheap. This one was in the category of FREE! This is one man's personal collection of cars, trucks and boats. Hank was in heaven and I spent just about every minute praying Cutter wouldn't bump or hit something.

I would gladly take this one off his hands if he needed to part with something.

Or this one. I have to blame my dad for my love of older corvettes.

They do allow children to climb in the jeep and play, which Cutter loved.

This car was used in some movie and of course I don't remember which one.

 

The kids got to see what a jukebox was and I could tell they weren't that impressed.

Biloxi Lighthouse

To help bring our summer break to an end and the beginning of a new school year, we decided to take a day with the kids and head over to New Orleans for a swamp tour. We also decided along the way to make a few pit stops for some sightseeing. It ended up being a perfect idea and a wonderful day!

I had not really read up on the Biloxi Lighthouse ahead of time so I was amazed to discover it's located in the middle of the highway.

 

I was also amazed at how empty the beaches were there.

First Black Eye

Prior to the start of the school year, Cutter had a few small "get togethers" with his football team. This was prior to any official practices and was to introduce the boys and let them start learning some basics of the game. Apparently Cutter took his tackling a little too far without a helmet and pads.

Poor thing, this what he looked like when got home. He said it was sore but he would be okay.

Swelling down, color starting to show.

Black eye and still such a sweet face!

 

 

This was about as bad as it got, thankfully. Never slowed him down one bit!