Poker Run

Each year in August, usually around the time of Tucker's birthday, is the Emerald Coast Poker Run. This is a huge event that takes place in Destin, however, one of the stops on the run is Juana's in Navarre. Although the kids and I have been here to enjoy the boats, this was Hank's first time being home for it. These are some big boats and are loud enough that we can hear them from our house. We rode over to Juana's to enjoy watching and listening as the boats pulled up to get their cards. There are plenty of others boats that just come to enjoy a good time and don't actually participate in the poker run.

These boats were just all tied up together and enjoying the great weather.

Turtles and snowcones

One of our favorite things to do here is enjoy the fishing pier, and not just for fishing. I love walking the pier, especially early mornings or late afternoons when it's a little cooler. The kids enjoy getting to watch the birds, fish and occasionally, the sea turtles.

 Santa Rosa Sound.

We were treated to a wonderful showing by the sea turtles on the particular day, we saw a total of four.

This was my first time seeing this many turtles and all grouped up together.

Something had these bait fish going crazy. There were large groups of them clearing the water.

After a walk on the pier, nothing cools you off better than a stop at Tommy's for a snowcone. Cutter's was called Buzz Lightyear, imagine that.

Sailor had banana cream and it was yummy.

Tucker had a Who Dat. I have no clue what exactly was in it but he enjoyed it.

Commons Fun

I know I've said it before, but I absolutely love The Commons. In addition to the great atmosphere and shopping, they have some fun things for the kids too. Our original plan for the day was a trip to Big Kahunas but due to the number of people at the park and an approaching storm we decided to go over to The Commons instead.

Yes, the lady in the background was playing in the water too, fully clothed.

Tucker tried so hard to get Cutter shot in the face with water.

Still trying, and yet nothing.

Dirty Dishes

I'm pretty sure if I ever asked my kids to wash dishes at home I would get strange looks. I load as much as I can in the dishwasher and let it wash for me, so they were excited when mom and grandmama gladly let them help with the dishes. I think most things had to be rewashed and the floors mopped when they were done, but they sure seemed to enjoy trying.

  I quickly took over drying the knives when I realized Sailor had them.

Museum of the Albemarle

While mom and I were off for the day getting her hair done in Goldsboro, Hank and my grandmother took the kids out to lunch and over to The Museum of the Albemarle. Tucker seemed to enjoy the museum itself, but they all three apparently enjoyed some time in the Discovery Room playing dress up.
 

 Tucker dressed as a confederate soldier

I love this picture, it cracks me up!

 

Soundside

Our trips to NC are never long enough. And although we are unable to extend our time spent there, we tried to cram in as much as we could, and still find the time for visiting. I think we did pretty good this trip.

 Uncle Ned was nice enough to take the kids out in the boat, and they were thrilled! And in case you ever wonder what Hank will look/act like when he is older, I'm pretty sure this is a picture of the future.

 

They loved getting to drive the boat.

When Cutter gets hot he immediately starts stripping, apparently it got a little too hot for him.

Checking to see if there are any ducks in the ditch.

 I love this picture, so sweet!

 

We rode down to Uncle Bobby's house for a swim and to watch the sunset.

 Beautiful!

Cape Hatteras

The last time we went to the Cape Hatteras lighthouse, Tucker was about the same age as Cutter. I remember Tucker being so upset that he wasn't tall enough to climb the lighthouse. We ran into the exact same problem this trip, Cutter wasn't tall enough and he sure was heartbroken. Tucker really wanted to climb the lighthouse, so even with the temperature in the 90's and a bad back, Hank was nice enough to climb with him.

Cutter trying hard to make himself tall enough to climb the lighthouse.

So thankful for Hanks mom, it seems Hank and I are never in the pictures.

Hank and Tucker (both in blue) at the top of the lighthouse.

Hank was nice enough to take a few pictures from the top for me. Such a gorgeous view.

He was so proud of making the climb.