The Great Gator Getaway

While we were in Crystal River, Bryan had to throw a line in (of course) in the evening while things were winding down. We soon found out that catfish weren't the only things that were biting! A (stupid) gator chomped down on Bryan's bobber!! Unfortunately for him, while doing that, the hook got stuck in his foot. Bryan reeled him in and this is what unfolded.... I am pretty thankful that he thought twice about grabbing the gators tail!

Scalloping in Crystal River

A few short days later we loaded up the girls (including Aunt Kimmy and Haylee!) in the Swagger Wagon and headed out to Crystal River for a long weekend. Winter Haven Gramma and Papa rented a house out there to take advantage of the scalloping this time of year. We all had a blast... lots of fun in the sun! Thursday, upon arrival, Kim, Papa, Bryan and I headed out to the scalloping grounds with lots of luck! I did burn my tooshie but it was worth it. Friday, Kim, Papa, Bryan and I headed out with a fishing guide. We caught enough fish for dinner (and some that got tossed right back in!) but it was HOTTTT!!! Saturday, Uncle Carl, Bryan and I headed out for another scalloping trip. That one wasn't quite as successful. We were fighting with hundreds of other boats for the good spots and the water was a bit too rocky for Uncle Bobo. We had enough scallops for an appetizer... for two people. ;) Sunday was a bit more relaxing and we took a trip out so the girls could swim. We took LOTS of pictures so I'll try to narrow it down as best I can.

Our 'booty' from the first trip out

Cleaning the scallops on the back porch

Time for an evening cruise

My SHARK! I actually caught a keeper Bluefish too believe it or not.

Kim's first Trout! Yummy!!

Dinner time!

Brianna loves the water!

Haylee and Kim

Lights out!

July 4th weekend

For the 4th this year we headed over to New Smyrna Beach. Worked out perfectly because I could go to my good friend Nichole's baby shower AND hang out with the family all in one weekend! Two of our good friends have condos in the same complex so we had lots of room to take over the beach. Brianna wasn't much of a fan of the sand and just prefered to hang out under the umbrella in the shade with whoever would hang out with her. She is more of a pool girl. Addison LOVED the water and actually put her head on Bryan's shoulder while jumping waves and asked if she could take a nap out there because she was so tired but didn't want to go in. So sweet.

Pebble Beach

Bryan and I got some much needed R&R during a quick trip to Half Moon Bay, CA over Fathers Day this year. Bryan won a trip through a promotion at work to stay at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay and spend a day at Pebble Beach for the US Open. We weren't allowed to bring cameras to the US Open so I have no pictures from that day. Even if you aren't a golf fan, the scenery was just breath taking and completely worth the very long three hour bus ride. We sat in the grandstand of the 7th hole to wait for Tiger Woods (of course) and watched the seals play in the waves between swings. It was amazing. Bryan and I walked most of the course and were completely exhausted!!


The view from the back of the Ritz


Straight off the plane... we couldn't help but check out the scenery as soon as we got to the hotel!


The Ritz


One night at dinner

A Visit from Missouri

WAY back in June, or maybe May(?) Michaela came to visit all by herself and stayed with Gramma and Papa for 9 days. She had a blast getting spoiled by her grandparents and hanging out with her cousins. I was only able to snap a couple shots but managed to get some good ones of the girls. Here they are...


Haylee and Michaela hangin' out on the raft


Addison bein' silly


Snack time!