Pumpkins & Aunt Miche

On Friday Landon, Gi Gi and I decorated a couple of pumpkins. Well, Landon actually did most of the decorating. It wasn't a traditional carving of a pumpkin. I found these neat little face pieces that you can stick in the pumpkin to make funny characters. Landon loved it!!! And there was no carving and no mess and I'm guessing the pumpkin will last a whole lot longer. And I got 6 different faces for about $6. You can't beat that! We only had two pumpkins but Landon made several different faces and did it over and over again. Then Friday evening we headed over to Landon's Godparent's house to see Tommy, Aunt Miche and her friend Carrie. Miche and her friend drove down from Birmingham for the weekend and they couldn't have picked a better weekend. The weather was absolutely perfect. Landon couldn't wait to see all of them but he did miss Aunt Barbie as she had to go to a high school football game in Gulf Breeze so she wasn't able to join us. The moment he got out of the car he ran to Tommy and gave him a big hug and did the same when he saw Miche. He also really liked her friend Carrie. After all, she gave him Cheez Its! So, we got to sit on the deck and watch an absolutely beautfiul sunset and catch up. Landon and I both really enjoyed it, as we always do when Miche is around. Then Saturday, Landon went to his Daddy's house for the remainder of the weekend. That's right, I had a Saturday night off. So I went back over to see Miche and we watched some good college football. I say it was good because 1.) Florida lost to Ole Miss (ahhh.. I hate that!) 2.) Florida State beat Colorado State despite being the underdog and 3.) I got to watch it with Miche! I love watching college football with someone who loves it as much as I do! So we watched Alabama spank Georgia and couldn't believe it! The food was awesome as usual. Tommy never cooks anything that has ever tasted bad. He is a great cook!

And in a few short weeks Miche will be joining us for vacation (Yes, I'm actually going on a vacation!!!) in Disney World. We can't wait!

Where is 10???

Funny Landon story. We have been working on dialing 911 for a while now and so as a refresher we go over it every once in a while and find the numbers on the phone so Landon would know what do do if Mommy or Daddy got hurt and he needed help from the police and fireman. So, today we were practicing dialing it on the phone (Don't worry, I am also emphasizing when to really dial 911 and when not to) and he was pointing at the numbers on the phone and counting. Well, he got to 9 and looks at me and says, "Where is 10?" Too funny! So, I explained to him that the way to dial 10 would be a 1 and 0 and he figured the rest out rather quickly.

Fall has arrived in Northwest Florida!

Fall is by far my favorite season for so many reasons: college football, cooler weather, Halloween, end of tourist season.....I could go on and on. Fall in Northwest Florida is beautful and the weather is perfect. Most people don't think we have the beautful colors and foliage but I assure you we most certainly do. And it sure felt like fall this morning when Landon and I stepped outside. Landon even put a jacket on because he was sooooo cold. It was a whole 59 degrees!!! As we were getting in the car to leave he noticed that I had a short-sleeve shirt on and he said "Mommy, you must be cold. You can have my jacket if you want." Isn't he just the sweetest little man!!!!

Weekend Review

It was a weekend filled with ups and downs for Landon. We went to Party City Saturday morning and Landon got to pick out his Halloween costume and accessories. As you can see from the pic, he wants to be a pirate this year. So cute!!!! Then we went over to Heather and Parker's house to play for a little while. Then we got ready for some Seminole football and headed over to Missy and Maddie's house. Unfotunately, the Seminoles failed to show up for the game but Landon and Maddie had the most wonderful time running around the house and playing in her room. And he LOVED the "Seminole Cookies" Missy gave him (thanks for sending some home with us!!!) He now has the Seminole Warchant down. How adorable is that picture!!! So, no matter what kind of a season the Noles have, we will contine to cheer them on!

On Sunday Landon went to his Daddy's house and got attacked by fire ants. He got bit about 9 times and his poor little foot was red and swollen. His Dad said he cried for a good twenty minutes. I can only imagine how awful that must have been. Those darn fire ant bites hurt like the dickens! So, we put some anti-itch cream on it and his Dad and I both gave him some TLC but he can't quit scratching them. :-( Poor little guy!

Cool site

I found this really neat site that helps teach little ones letters. Every Mom should check this out...Bembow's Zoo. It allows you to click on a letter of the alphabet and then the words transform into the animal with sound. Landon has really enjoyed it and since he already knew the alphabet it has really helped him identify his letters by sight. Plus it is just so much fun!

Parker Po's 1st Birthday Party!

Arghhhh!
That is one cool pirate ship cake!
Heather and Parker
Wowwwww!

Happy 1st Birthday Parker! Saturday we went to my good friend Heather's son's first birthday party. It is so hard to believe that little Parker is already one year old. And in just a little over two months he is going to be a big brother to a new little brother. Heather is certainly going to have her hands full.

It was a great party for several reasons. One, Maddie was there and according to Landon "Maddie is my best friend!" They love getting together. Second, the theme of the party was The Backyardigans and Pirates, which Landon equally loves. Check out the pirate ship birthday cake. Maddie and Landon were in complete awe. When I asked him what he wanted to be for Halloween this year he said a pirate so he got a little taste of piracy at the party and even got to wear an eye patch. Arrghhhh! Lastly, it was a pool party and that is always so much fun. As usual, Landon was the last one to get out of the pool.

Spike the ULTRA DINOSAUR

While at Target this morning Landon found the most amazing toy - Spike The ULTRA DINOSAUR. They had a big display case and when you push the button, which Landon did at least 20 time, Spike comes to life and growls, walks and stands up on his hind legs. He stands up to 27" tall and is remote controlled. Landon loved it! He stood there and growled and stomped his feet with Spike. We must have been there for 20 minutes and Landon giggled and said "oooohhh" and "awwww" and "oh my gosh, did you see that Mommy!" Ok, now the bad part... the darn thing costs $140.00!!! I settled for telling him Santa might bring Spike to our house for Christmas so it looks like I'm out $140.00. But it will be well worth it if it brings that much joy and excitement into my little boy's life. That's how they get us, huh???

Hurricane Ike Storm Surge

Take a look at some of the photos I captured this morning. This is all a direct result of Hurricane Ike who is more than 300 miles South of us and isn't projected to hit anywhere near us. Amazing isn't it? The storm surge has brought water from the Gulf of Mexico all the way over a major Highway in our area, causing it to completely close down. Granted this is not near the amount of surge I witnessed during Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis but it is still impressive, especially given how far away we are from the storm. Just goes to show you that a Hurricane projected to hit Texas touches us here on the Emerald Coast.

Weekend Recap

It was yet another spectacular weekend for Landon and I. Friday evening Landon, Gini and I took Gi Gi out for her birthday dinner and then some ice cream. YUM!! On Saturday we went to Party City to let Landon pick his Halloween costume for this year and they didn't even have them out yet. So, we will probably be back again this week. On Sunday, we got to go to Big Kahunas Waterpark again. But this time my friend Missy and her little girl, Maddie went with us. I must admit I believe Landon had more fun this trip since Maddie was there. They are best buds! It was also nice to be able to catch up with Missy while the kids played on the slides. Landon was a bit braver this trip also. He discovered the big swirly slide and went from the big one to the little one, over and over again. Unfotunately, Big Kahunas is now closed until next summer but we know as soon as it opens in 2009 we will be there!

Way to go 'Noles! 69-0

The wait is finally over... after a brief weather delay Seminole Football has begun. And what a beginning it was. After the past few years, I wasn't quite sure what to expect but the Noles looked pretty good, especially Quarterback Christian Ponder, in their 69-0 win over Western Carolina. Maybe we are onto something???? I certainly hope so! My brother was able to go to the game (go figure, I'm the alum and he gets to go to more games than I do!) and he was giving me the play-by-play via phone. Now granted, Western Carolina isn't exaclty a stellar opponent but it is still an impressive win. Our first real test will come in about two weeks when we host Wake Forest. The Wake/FSU rivalry has always been a special one for me since my best friend played football there and no matter how the teams are ranked we love to claim victory. He has been the one doing the bragging the past couple of years. So, we'll see who gets to make the first phone call this year. Way to go 'Noles and lets hope for more of the same for the remainder of the season! GO 'NOLES!

Ike - Here we go again!

Well, we may have dodged Gustav but Hurricane Ike is taking a much more easterly path and the projected path is really scary to those of us on the Emerald Coast. We are keeping our fingers crossed. Once it gets into the Gulf of Mexico in a couple of days we will know a lot more and I sure hope it is better news.

One more VERY GOOD reason to love college football!

Two words - Kirk Herbstreit. I am so excited that college football is finally here and FSU's first game is this weekend. Yeah! But another reason I love college football is ESPN College Gameday with Kirk Herbstreit. He is aboslutely gorgeous!!! I think my obsession with him started in 1996 when he was new to ESPN Gameday and I was cheering at FSU. We were lucky enough to get to meet him and let me tell you, he is just as dreamy in person. Those blue eyes and what a physique! I fell in love right then and there and I must say I'm still in love to this day! I know, keep dreaming right??? But I don't care, if I had to pick the perfect man, it would be him! And not only is he easy on the eyes, he is a college football fanatic. If ever there was a soul mate for me, I'm pretty sure its him. But alas, he is married and has adorable twin boys. But a girl can dream, can't she??? Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I do!

Baby Rod Update- It's a girl... officially!

Baby Rod - Isn't she beautiful!

It is official.... Cathy & Ken are having a girl! We have been patiently waiting to learn if Baby Rod would be a girl or boy and now we finally know. I know Landon will be happy to hear that Aunt Cathy is having a girl! Aunt Cathy said to tell him his future wife is on the way! Here is a facial photo of this precious little girl!

Weekend Adventures

Another fun filled weekend:

SATURDAY

Landon and I went to Big Kahuna's Waterpark in Destin since we have season passes and they close for the season on September 8. We never were able to get out there due to weather, work, etc. But we went on Saturday and had the best time! (Sorry, I wasn't able to take my camera so there are no pics.) We got there when they opened and were there for 3 hours which was more than enough. We started out at the wave pool. I put a life jacket on Landon and we ventured in and soon he was asking to float all by himself in the big waves. Then it was off the the "Bombs Away Bay" which is a huge kid-friendly shallow pool filled with slides. He loved it! We also took several rides on the lazy river. Landon loved floating with me in the tube around the park, and especially around the waterfall. So, I do beleive we will be going back again this Saturday since it is our last chance for the season.

As if Big Kahuna's wasn't enough we came home for just a tiny bit of rest and then it was off to Cousin Ashley's birthday party at Liza Jackson Park. it was fun but my goodness it was HOT!

Then Landon went to his Dad's house Saturday evening and I'm sure he was as exhausted as I was and crashed early.

Blowing Bubbles with Natalie

Playing Ball with Robert

Birthday Girl Ashley

SUNDAY

On Sunday afternoon I drove to Pace to my friend Dominic's house for a get together. The weather was perfect for sitting on the porch and the company was excellent. I got to see several people that I don't get to see very often, including my friend Mike whom I miss dearly. He is absolutely hilarious and was the life of the party. And there is nothing quite like watching a group of law enforcement officers play a manly game of wiffle ball. It was quite entertaining!

Tropics are Heating up!

Wow... did we ever dodge a bullet with Hurricane Gustav. We weren't completely untouched as this morning there have been a couple of tornado warnings here and the wind is whipping around pretty good and there has been pretty steady rainfall. But thank goodness it did not make landfall in our area. However, the tropics are becoming very active right now, as is typical for September and October in the Atlantic Basin and Gulf of Mexico. From the photo you can see Hurricane Gustav, Tropical Storm Hannah, and four other areas that have some potential for tropical development. UGHHHHHH! It is so frustrating, watching a waiting because you never really know where they will head. And of course I go on stand-by for work which means I need to be ready to be called in at a moment's notice. So, I hate to wish time away but I'm looking forward to November when the tropics settle down!!!