Weekend Getaway!

Hello, everyone!

I have just returned from our family weekend getaway. We drove down to Ft. Walton Beach and Destin Florida. We took Braydon to the Florida Gulfarium, Destin beach, Hard Rock Cafe, Big Kahuna's Waterpark, and finished off at Fudpucker's. Braydon's favorite show at the Gulfarium was the dolphin show, but once they sprayed him with their salt water he commented how "mean" that was (by then he had enough). The beach visit was very nice and as you can see there were blue-green waters (oil free). Big Kahuna's was the best! We played in the sun so much. Wading down that lazy river sure was relaxing! To end our trip we stopped by Fudpuckers and had burgers. Braydon especially liked holding one of the gators. It was after all a short and sweet weekend getaway! (See for yourself.)

Crazy for computer time!

I call my family crazy for computer time. My husband usually just logs on to search for games, check out the current sports reviews, and read about new news. I log on to check email accounts, complete course work, and create Smartboard lessons with online games and activities. On the other hand, our newest member to this technology era is my son. Within a week (mind you) he has mastered the handling of a mouseless laptop. He is now very comfortable with using the space bar, left, right, up, and down arrows too! We let him log onto PBS, Disney Clubhouse, Starfall, and other read aloud sites like KOL which is a preschool playground site that hosts games, movies, and stories (my favorite). I too see the addiction though! Look and see!

Reading during the summer!

I am not sure how many of you all are reading during you summer time, but I was amazed at my findings yesterday. I went to a small water park near gulf shores with my son and looked around at the families there with their children. There were five other families nearest to my son and me. Each had two adults (whether husband and wife, sisters, or family/friends). There were three out five of the adults in each "household" were reading books. Absolutely astonishing. This is a water park and children are having a great time. I thought how pitiful it was that I didn't bring a book, but that wouldn't be very safe for my son since my husband was at work, not there with us. Needless to say, I was actually jealous! Oh, well...better luck next time. Hope everyone finds some time to read this summer-not too much time is left!

Wedding time!

Well, I guess today made it official. This is the first time I have had anything to do with my sister's wedding. She and Joey will tie the knot on October 30, 2010. Since it's a fall wedding, the color scheme is pretty dark (dark red, deep purple, etc.). Don't get me wrong, the flowers are gorgeous and plans are coming right along. So, what part did I play today? Well, trying on dress after dress has to count for something. We finally found one red apple dress we all liked (yes, all the bridesmaids were there in sync). It is an off the shoulders dress, floor length, and has a sash much like a belt (at a loss of words for what they're really called). Anyhow, we still have to meet to find shoes and all other accessories, but we'll save that for a later date. I am exhausted and now need to rest. We've been gone since 9 am this morning! Will keep you posted on the progress!

Walking

Well, I just finished my evening walk. I usually walk around 7 pm. It usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk my neighborhood four times. I walk in each cul-de-sac and through the front side. We have about thirty houses in our neighborhood and most all of our neighbors are friendly. It makes for a nice walk, by the way. Everyone always waves to each other as we pass by and we always watch out for each other and their kids. If you were to calculate about how much walking I do... it is approximately two miles. It feels great though to get the heart rate up, legs streatching, and constantly moving. I usually bring Braydon along for the first lap. Since he is three and cannot ride a bike to keep up with the fast pace, he rides his John Deere. He puts that thing on high speed and sometimes I have to jog to keep up. I enjoy it though because it's a mommy and me knida thing too. Besides, my husband is very supportive and keeps Braydon happy while I finish out my evening walk. If you don't have a place you like to walk, then I encourage you to find one. I find it very refreshing!

Why prepare?

As much as I hate to admit it, it's winding down time. The summer days are drifting away. I think about what all school work there is left to be done. Only a final in my other class, but tons left to do with this literature chat. Then, I think about what I need to be doing in order to get ready for the next school year. I have not been to organize my room, nor get my files ready, and I have got to get started! I know the reason I need to prepare... I must be ready! I have scheduled a make and take session and a smart board workshop for next week. Also, I guess I will save the last week of July to dedicate myself to working in my classroom.

Decisions, decisions.... want to play with son, want to sleep in and visit with friends and family, but much more to be done!

Why are you doing this?

My husband asked me this same question again this morning, as he has several times in the past. He means... why do I book a full schedule of events for one whole day. So, I will tell you what all we did and of course, why! I first started out with the Grand Bay watermelon festival. I grew up in Grand Bay, and it's a tradition to attend the festival. There we ate plenty of watermelon, searched all the booths for things of interest to buy, and had Braydon on every ride possible (train, pony, large jumpers) and even went in the petting zoo. Braydon had a great time and that means I accomplished my mission there! After leaving the festival, we loaded up back at the house and headed off for the lake. Here is where I took some selfish time for myself to soak up the sun lying by the water. Braydon and Lowell (hubby) splashed around in the fresh water for about two hours and I held on to peace while thinking of nothing but the sun! Again, mission accomplished. The day progresses with a cookout at mom and dads and then the we finished off the night with the fireworks show at the Grand Bay convalescent home. So, thinking back to him asking me why am I doing all this? It's tradition and it's fun for me, Braydon, and as he admits... himself too! Happy 4th of July to all...enjoy!