Go ahead...Make My Bed...

Sometimes, it's just not worth trying to clean...fold laundry or change the sheets and remake the bed...it tends to interfere with the dog's utter happiness.  That's a great excuse, right?!?!

Happy Fourth of July!

We love fireworks and had a blast enjoying a few night's  worth, including a great time at Six Flags.  The first night, Elena shared all of her light sticks with other kids because she wanted to "share her light with others"...really sweet.  We loved the musical performance and the neon light parade at Six Flags on the evening of the Fourth, and LOVED the amazing show at the end! 

We are truly grateful to be in America, to live freely, to be protected, and to have all the amazing blessings we do because of this great nation.  We pray for those who sacrifice themselves so that we can enjoy these freedoms.  We thank those who love so much to be our shield and strength.  We pray to God that He will continue to sustain us and bring us ever closer.  We are more than fortunate to be American.  God bless the USA.

Sunsets...

We always say that some of the  most incredible sunsets have been seen in Florida...but honestly, we have quite a few of our own right here at home.  We are grateful...

Storms

Going home was not as easy as coming to visit.  We had bad storms that kept us on the runway for 2 and a half hours...then a longer flight home...ultimately being on a plane for 7 hours with a six year old.  I am proud of my daughter and my husband for making it through!  ;)

Happy Trails...

to youuuuu...untillll, we meeeeeet...agaaaaaaain....

Rainbows...

We finally saw some serious rain while in FL, and some amazing rainbows...I've never seen a full one, nor seen it go end to end.  I did this trip.  I wish I could have gotten a clear picture of it, but it was too big.  Not only was it a full one, but it was a DOUBLE!!!  GORGEOUS!!!

     Ezekiel 1:28ESV
"Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking. "

Let His Light Shine...

We always joke that it is always sunny over Marilyn and Bob's house...literally, not just because they are in Florida...many times when they want and need rain, the storms will come and literally circle their house and neighborhood.  So I took shots of a day that stormed all around us except for over their house.  I told them that's God smiling..."this is good!"  ;) Pictures to prove it...

Psalm 27:1 "The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The
LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?"

Critters!

We saw lots in Florida...sea birds,crabs, lizards, manatee...here's some more..."Joey" the Alligator - the large one in Sumter, another mini-joey, turtles and and dragon flies!

More Pictures!

Pooped!

Yeah...running and swimming will do that to you...chasing crabs, meeting new friends...full day, I think!

Hydroxy-Cut!

Want to lose weight?!?! Want to think you can!?!  Want to see the proverbial "I did this with it, but not really" folks?  We did! They were shooting a new Hydroxy Cut commercial while we were at our resort in Sarasota...kinda funny...

Sarasota!

It's Beach Time! We trekked over to Sarasota for some beach time a few days while in FL...enjoyed the beach, ocean, a manatee, and great food...we found Mare's a new Italian place of "great divinity"...it was a historical day of feasting for her...

Happy Father's Day!

We enjoyed church together, celebrated Bob's health as well as two great dad's who we are really, really grateful for!  I just missed mine...love you, Daddy! 

Psalm 103:13
"As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;"

Proverbs 23:24
"The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him."

Date Night

One of the nicest things about Florida is that we get date nights with grandparents all too happy to babysit!  Love it!!! We love going to Urban Flats, one of the town squares indoor/outdoor restaurants.  We can look at the beautiful clouds, listen to music and ENJOY!

Florida Bound!

It's that time of year again when we go to spend time with Eric's parents in The Villages!  We have so much fun with them, relaxing, tooling around in a golf cart, pool time, and enjoying the entertainment at the different town squares...we'll have several posts of our visit, including our trip to Sarasota to visit the beach.  This year was especially unique in that we got to swim with a manatee!  He/she...we're not sure...was swimming along the coastline while we were in the ocean, and it actually let people pet it as it swam by!  Amazing!!!  Enjoy!

Pictures are:

Elena asleep on the shuttle

Celebrating a be-lated birthday for Eric - not the back-splash in the kitchen...Eric did that last year!  ;)

Elena taking pictures of Grandpapa and her

Sunset at Sumter Landing and Dessert!