New additions

So as a 'back to school' gift, the kids have wanted more fish. We do keep fish and plants for a long long time.

We actually had a goldfish in Africa that lived in a glass mixing bowl and lived for 8+ months...in fact we left Kenya and gave it to our neighbor because we definitely built a bond with our fish that Austin named "peas". But we haven't heard what had happened or how long Peas lived.

Then for Austin's 3rd birthday, Pop and Grandma gave Austin a purple Beta fish. He lived for 3 1/2 years until Ashley had "Samurai Sammy" in her hands one day. Murderer!! (He was a Samurai because we left on many 3-5 day vacations without feeding him and he's a warrior and lived). But many a friend and neighbor took Samurai Sammy in, fed him, comforted him while he was lonely...so much thanks for the amor por el pescado.

So today, Austin has another red Beta fish named "LASER" (maybe something named after GI JoE?) and Ash has an African water frog (tiny little water frog) named "Spudnik." What is a spudnik? Wasn't that the name of a bomb that went off in Libya? But the kids take care of their little fishies/reptilian friends and are happy as clams...or fish.

Florida Vacation

Every summer we visit Pop and Grandma in Gainesville, Florida. I know, not the best time to go to Florida, but it's not the theme parks, beaches or alligators that attract us every summer. It's being with Pop and Grandma.

The week began at a water park for a weekend. Then, Aunt Jonny came up to brave all the roller coasters with me at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure! Go Incredible Hulk! Then Pop, Austin and I went to Universal Studios and had a great time seeing the sets and riding mild rides.

We came back to Gainesville to enjoy the Turtle Park, (a park that is in the middle of their gorgeous neighborhood that we frequented on our big wheels every afternoon).

Dad and I hit our Chinese restaurant for our annual daddy/daughter lunch date. And mom and I did tons of shopping!

Mom did so many cute crafts for the kids. They stamped/decorated their own T-shirts with puffy and glow in the dark paints. Then they made necklaces and beaded crafts. We also went to the Gainesville zoo where Brutis the alligator was the hit. We also went to Lake Alice on University of Florida's campus and saw a real Gator! Austin went ballistic as he was running in reverse as fast as he could.

Duane was at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in GA so he drove down to visit for the weekend and enjoy the outings with us. We went fishing in a stocked fishing pond where each of the kids caught 2 fish each. It was a success! And one of my most favorite things about the south? Homemade blue bell ice cream. Mmmmmm.

We had a great time and Pop and Grandma spoiled us. Thanks for a wonderful summer vacay Mom and Dad!