Everett and Michaela

Since moving from Florida, I have kept in touch with my friend Eliana.  I met her at a teacher store the summer before I started teaching. To my surprise, I learned that she worked at the same school, and she lived five minutes away! We were truly meant to be friends. During my visit with Eliana, Evie had fun playing with Michaela (three) and Everett (four months). Too bad our time together was so short!

Florida Aquarium

One morning we headed out to the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. In the past decade or so the Port of Tampa has really evolved into a tourist attraction. As a child, I remember fighting with my brother about what side of the car we were going to sit in on the way to visit Gammy and Nanny, who lived in Tampa. On our drive to their houses we would pass downtown Tampa on the east and the Port of Tampa on the West. When I was a kid, the port was just a bunch of barges or old rusty ships. Now, the port is busy with cruise ship terminals, Channelside outdoor shopping mall, and the Florida Aquarium.

Florida- Meaw and Pop's House (The Farm)

Meaw kissing Evie

Pop talking like Donald Duck

Fun froggies!

Reading magazines

Abbey, Uncle Dick, and Evie

Aunt Jan & Evie

(Evie is trying to reach through the glass table)

Evie loves shells!

Aunt Joyce

Uncle Les

Ritz Carlton, Sarasota

After spending the day at Longboat Key, Judd and I left Evie with her grandparents and headed to our two night getaway at the Ritz Carlton. Since moving to Texas we have not been on a real vacation. Since Evie was born, we definitely haven't done anything extravagant! We had a great time relaxing at the Ritz's Beach Club. Our room was very comfortable. At the end of our stay we were so sad to leave!

The Beach Club

Our Room

Turn Down Service with Chocolates

Florida- Longboat Key

Judd, Evie, and I had a great time on our vacation to Florida. During our first full day we spent time at Longboat Key with Grandma Deb, Grandpa Chip, Aunt Charlie, and Luca. They rented a condo right on the water. Evie had a great time going in the Gulf of Mexico for the first time! She kicked and giggled the entire time. Evie's cousin, Luca, on the other hand was lulled to a very drowsy state with the relaxing sound of the waves!

A Rocking Chair for Evie

This past year has been so bitter sweet. Evie had an excellent babysitter, Clare, who pretty much spoiled her rotten. :o) At the end of the school year we learned that Clare will not be able to care for Evie next year! Boohoo!!! As a goodbye present, Evie was given a rocking chair. Although, it WAS a goodbye present, I'm pretty sure it was really a "see you later present." I know that Evie will grow up knowing Clare and visiting her on a regular basis. After all, I will drive right by Clare's house on the way to Evie's new preschool.

Happy Fourth of July!

We celebrated the 4th of July two nights in a row. We started off with celebrating the 4th on the 3rd at the Thomas' annual party. Their house was across the street from Andy Brown Park, the place where the fireworks show takes place. After a night of good food and good fellowship, we had front row seats to the main event. Everyone set up their lawn chairs in the front yard and watched the show. Evie had been asleep for an hour already, and she NEVER woke up through the entire show, even with the windows rattling!

On the REAL 4th of July, we celebrated with a cookout at the Beckman house and ended the night with a fireworks show that we saw from our very OWN front yard. There definitely wasn't a shortage of fireworks shows in the Metroplex!

Evie didn't last very long. She was ready for bed!

Abbey and Evie

Rachel and Brandon

Brandon and Asher- Where's my momma??!!!