Happy Birthday Kate...

a little early but a happy 1st birthday to you Kate! Landon and I went to Kate's birthday party at the Niceville Children's Park on Saturday and we both had a blast! Lauren, Kate's Mommy, is so crafty. She made the cutest hats for all of the kids with their names on them, princess crowns for the girls and blue visors for the boys. They were so cute! First birthday parties are always so special and Kate sure did enjoy hers. She smashed right into her cake and loved it! She was just the cutest little birthday girl ever. Great food, great friends, great time! Thanks so much for including us Lauren and HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!

Most of these photos were taken by my friend Eva. She is awesome!For more photos, visit Lauren's blog!

Bowling & BBQ

Landon had a great weekend! On Saturday, we went bowling with his Cousin Ray Ray. He didn't quite get into it like he has in the past (he was more interested in the arcade room). But it was still fun. Then we all went to the mall for some lunch and he and Ray Ray rode the carousel, which he always loves.
On Saturday night, some of my friends from work had a BBQ and it was so much fun. They had two big fires going and the food was spectacular. Thank goodness for the fire because it was a rather chilly night. Landon liked the fried fish, mainly because we all told him it was chicken. He will try any kind of meat as long as he thinks it is chicken. And his favorite was the chocolate cake, naturally. There were quite a few other kids there and he enjoyed running around the back yard with them. He enjoyed some kick ball with Mr. Keith also. We only stayed for a couple of hours because he was so exhausted and bedtime was calling, for both of us. It was an exhausting Saturday, but a great one!

Flu Shot!

Landon got his flu shot today and loves showing off his band-aid covered battle scar. He did really well. He cried for a whole 4 seconds and then he got a toy from the treasure chest and all was right in the world again.

More Photos from Eden

Check out some more of our photos from Eden State Park taken by my friend Eva. Isn't she great!!!!

Happy Birthday Bobby!

I love me some Bobby Bowden. Who doesn't (except for some of you Gator fans!!) I can't think of a sweeter, more down-to-earth human being. Yes, I speak from personal experience because I have been lucky enough to meet him on several occassions. He is just awesome and good or bad season, I love him! So, Happy 79th Birthday to Bobby Bowden. And what a dad-gum great birthday it was!! The Seminoles defeated Clemson today 41-27. Even though it wasn't the "Bowden Bowl" it was still an important game. Way to go Noles!

Fall School Photos

Landon Fall 2008

Landon's fall school photos turned out very well! (I had to scan this one but it still turned our pretty good). The last couple of years he hasn't been interested in taking any at school but this year he did great. Of course, that means it cost Mommy some money because I just had to order some. Isn't he just precious???

Happy Halloween

Halloween is one of my favorite Holidays!! And Landon just makes it more fun! My neighborhood is great for trick-or-treating and very kid-friendly. So, Landon and his cousins, Ashley & Desiree (AKA Ray Ray), got dressed up and headed out to get some yum-yum candy. Ashley and Desiree were dressed as spooky brides and Landon was the most adorable little pirate - again. The same one from our Disney World party. He was just as cute the second time! Landon really got into trick-or-treating this year. He RAN from house to house and had an absolute blast. He didn't even get scared at some of the haunted houses. Needless to say he was completely exhausted at the end of the night, even after all the candy. We were so glad that his Dad was able to join us also even after having some car trouble. It was a fun time for all and we have soooo much candy. Don't worry, Mom will help Landon eat it!!

Magical Disney World Trip

So sorry it took a while to post these but I had so many to go through. Where do I begin??? I put together 5 slide shows of each of our different adventures and tried to pick out some of the better photos from each. In all, I think I took about 300 or 400 pictures! The weather was perfect and October is definately a great time to visit Disney World as the crowds are soooo much smaller than most times of the year. Our trip to Disney World was truly magical. I will try my best to put into words how much fun we had. Here are some slide shows and summaries in chronological order:

Day 1 - Travel and Resort hopping

After a 7 hour drive down to Orlando, we met Miche and we started our resort hopping at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I have always heard how great the lodge is and that the animals literally walk right by your hotel window. Well, when I checked on staying there it was like $499 a night and lets just say that is way out of my budget. So, we decided to check it out and as you can see from the pictures it was pretty cool. Then we went over to Saratoga Springs which was beautiful. We walked around the resort and found a really neat playground which Landon loved. Then we went back to our hotel and Landon has some fun in the arcade room. Then it was off to bed so we could get plenty of rest for the next day's journey to the Magic Kingdom.

Day 2 - Magic Kingdom

We got to the Magic Kingdom bright and early and were just in time to be welcomed by none other than Mickey Mouse himself as they opened the park. Then we hopped on a train and rode over to Frontierland. Our first ride was the Thunder Mountain Train Roller Coaster. Landon easily passed the height requirement but decided he didn't want to ride when we got inside. So Miche and I did the "baby swap" and each took a ride on Thunder Mountain. Landon loved watching us! Then we watched the folks riding Splash Mountain but decided against getting wet so early in the day. So, we headed over to the Haunted Mansion and we made it all the way to the door (there were absolutely NO lines that morning) and when Landon heard the spooky voice coming from inside, we high-tailed it out of there real quick. So, off to Fantasyland we went and hopped on "It's a Small World" and Landon did enjoy the boat ride through the diffreent cultures. Then we rode Peter Pan's Adventure and then on to the Mad Hatter's Teacups which Landon really enjoyed. Miche and I couldn't believe we were actually dizzy while riding the teacups. Boy how things change, huh? We spotted Tigger and Pooh there also so we hurried over and got autographs and pictures with both. It took Landon a while to warm up to the character greetings (as you can see form some of the photos) But by the second day he was loving it and taking his autograph book up to the characters all by himself. So, after greeting Tigger and Pooh, we headed to Mickey's Toontown Fair which is a part of the Magic Kingdom I haven't had much interest in... until now! Mickey's Toontown Fair is where Mickey and Minne live and so we went to Mickey's house and were lucky enough to get a private autograph session with both Mickey and Minne after waiting a whole 5 minutes. I couldn't believe it. I also was a bit surprised that Minnie was over at Mickey's house... hmmmm!!! So, then it was off to Tomorrowland where we met Buzz Lightyear and Stitch (from Disney's Lilo and Stitch). Ok, I must mention something about all of the character sightings and autographs. My friend Miche has what I like to call "Character Charisma" because she is an absolute character magnet! I've never seen anything like it. They were all about Miche! Every one of the characters fancied Miche and some even got a bit touchy feely! Anyway, we then rode the Tomorrowland Speedway Cars which were naturally Landon's absolute favorite ride in the Magic Kingdom. We rode it 3 separate times. And we did the Tomorrowland tour on the expressway. And our last stop for the day was Adventureland where we rode the Jungle Boat and one of my favorites, the Pirates of the Carribean. Then we went home to get ready for the evenings Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Pary at the Magic Kingdom.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is an event that is held at the Magic Kingdom after the park closes for the day. Of course, you have to purchase additional tickets but they are so worth it! Throughout the park the kids (and adults) can go trick-or-treating and all of the rides are still open so there were absolutely no lines at all. Landon was dressed as the cutest little pirate and Miche and I purchased a couple of shirts from the Pirates of The Carribean shop for the evening so we would match our little pirate. We got to see Mickey again and got a great picture with him in his really cool Halloween costume. We met several other characters as well, such as Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and Baloo from Jungle Book. Then at 9:30 we caught the "HallowSpooks" fireworks and light show at Cinderella's castle. It was spectacular. They dim the lights throughout the entire park for the show and it was real spooky. Landon wasn't too thrilled with the show but Miche and I loved it. We went home completely exhausted and with bags of good candy!

Day 3 - Animal Kingdom & Hollywood Studios

The Animal Kingdom has always been one of my favorite parks. I love seeing all of the animals and it has the Festival of the Lion King which was our first stop. We had front row seats and the show was awesome! Landon didn't really like how loud it was and he wasn't too sure about some of the characters but after it was over he said he liked it. When we left the show we saw a bunch of characters, including Puto, which is Landon's absolute favorite. We were lucky enough to see him twice and Landon hugged him both times. Pluto was the only character Landon would approach all by himself and definately the only one who got 2 hugs! Then we took a ride on the Safari and got to see a lot of animals up close and personal. Then we headed to Dinoland and Landon played in the Boneyard for a while before we decided to head over to Hollywood Studios.

Hollywood Studios was also a hit! That is where we found Landon's favorite show, Playhouse Disney which included Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, Little Einsteins and Tigger and Pooh. He absolutely loved it and we were in the front row for it also. And Miche and I took turns riding Tower of Tower and Aerosmith's Rockin' Roller Coaster which was awesome. I haven't ever ridden the Rockin' Roller Coaster before!! We also got to ride Toy Story Mania which is a 3D game where you shoot and aim at different things while riding on a rotating carousel. We all liked that one and I must admit, Miche was more accurate than Landon and I.

So, there you have it! I know I left a ton of things out but I know Miche, Landon and I will always remember almost every detail. I can't remember when I have ever had more fun, really! We will most definately be going back every year if my budget allows and we certainly hope Aunt Miche will join us. We will cherish the memories... ALWAYS!

Disney World Sneak Peak....

WOW.... we are finally back and completely exhausted! In fact, I don't have the energy tonight to blog about EVERYTHNG that we did and try my best to explain how much fun we all had. So, I am sorry but you will have to wait until I have some more time to share the many, many photos we took and all of the stories we have to share from our magical Disney trip with Aunt Miche! But for those of you who I know just can't wait to see some photos, here ya go.

Miche, we love you so much and can't wait for next year's trip!

So, here is a little sneak peek of us and some of our new friends.....Stay tuned, there is SOOOOO much more to come!

DONALD DUCK
PLUTO (LANDON'S FAVORITE)

MICKEY MOUSE IN HIS HALLOWEEN COSTUME

My Little Bowling Machine

Ok.... I knew Landon liked to bowl but my goodness!!! I love to bowl so perhaps he has my love of the game. I bowl on a First Responder's League every other Sunday night and Landon is usually with his Dad. But this past Sunday, he was with me so I dragged him to the bowling alley. Man, he couldn't wait to get a ball and throw it down the lane. I was so worried that letting him play would disrupt the league bowlers but everyone loved watching him and cheered him on. It worked out well since two of my team members were unable to make it and our opposing team was a no-show also. So, Landon, Johnny and I bowled three games all by ourselves. I was so exhausted by the time we were done. As soon as I got done bowling I would help Landon (only as much as he would let me) and then it was time for me to bowl again. Needless to say we both passed out when we got home and I am soooo sore today. But I really can't thank eveyone enough for allowing Landon to bowl!! Special thanks to Kelly, Landon's leading cheerleader and new friend, and the always fun Bobby who has been a lifesaver when it comes to helping me out when Landon is around. Landon loved the chicken fingers and fries also. So, to all the league bowlers, thank you for making Landon's bowling night a very special one!

Fish Whisperer

For a "sneak peak" from our photo shoot with Eva this weekend visit her web site at Eva Joiner Photography. She tooks some awesome pictures and I can't wait to see more!

You will also see why the post is titled "Fish Whisperer"!!!

Golf, Eden State Park & Pumpkins

So much to catch up on from the weekend...

Friday I worked a charity golf tournament and went and got Landon a little early from school so he could come to the golf course as well. When he saw the golf carts it was all over! Myself, my friend Sarah and Landon hopped in and went to make our rounds along the golf course. Everytime we stopped to chat Landon wanted to move again, and quickly! He couldn't get enough of riding in the golf cart. Then when the time came for the awards ceremony he got to play a little "roll the golf balls" with Sarah and even got an ice throwing lesson from Mr. Bobby.

Saturday we drove way out to Eden State Park in Walton County to see my friend Eva and take some pictures. It was so nice to see Eva, it has been more than a year since I have seen her and I really miss her! I have been to a couple of weddings at Eden State Park years ago but I have forgotten how absolutely beautiful and peaceful is out there. We had so much fun with Eva. We started at the goldfish pond and Landon was even lucky enough to feed the fish which he absolutely loved! Then we toured the area, the nature trails, the huge magnolia trees, the beach and docks. It was wonderful. We even saw some huge grasshoppers, and I do mean huge. I wasn't able to get Landon to touch them but he did get closer to them than I expected. I'm guessing that is because I held them and he figured if it didn't hurt me it might not hurt him either. Landon really took to Eva and asked where she was our whole ride home. I'm sure she got some great photos as Landon was hamming it up pretty good. We truly enjoyed our afternoon with Eva and I hope we get to do it again soon. THANK YOU EVA!!!!!

We started our Sunday morning with a trip to Navarre Beach to see Landon's Dad at an Art Show. Landon enjoyed walking around at the show and the highlight was getting to pet a big 'ol Bull Mastiff named Rufus weighing in at a whopping 205 pounds. He was a sweetheart but boy was he monstrous. Then we went to Red Lobster for some lunch and then to the pumpkin patch. A local church has a pumpkin patch every year and we usually visit and donate several times.

Halloween Flashlight

Landon's Gi Gi bought him this cool Halloween flashlight last year. It makes all sorts of spooky sounds and Landon loves it. I thought it might scare him but not even a little bit. His favorite is the "witch cackle". Check out these hilarious videos....

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Cole Brother's Circus

Landon's Dad and I took him and his cousin Ashley to the Cole Brother's Circus at the Santa Rosa Mall. It is apparently the "World's Largest Circus Under the Big Top". I'm not a huge fan myself, but Landon and Ashley loved it. We took Landon last year and he has talked about the circus for a whole year so I knew we would take him again this year. And he had just as much fun, maybe more since Ashley was able to come with us. Some of Landon's favorites included the motorcycles in the ball, the balancing acrobat, and the elephants. The elephants are always one of his favorites. I couldn't get him to ride one though, he wouldn't even go for a pony ride. I must admit, I wanted to take an elephant ride but seeing as I would have been the only adult in line I restrained myself. Maybe next year Landon and I can both ride!!! Anyway, great time for all. Popcorn, snowcones, blow-up sharks and Spongebob...looking forward to next year! Enjoy the pics!

How 'Bout them Noles!!!!

Way to go Noles!!! FSU beat Miami 41-39 but it wasn't a pretty second half. They looked good in the first half and were up 24-3 at the halftime. Then the rain came and it got pretty sloppy. I must admit I was a little bit scared there toward the end but they hung on and I was sooooo happy! I always want the Seminoles to win but there is just something special about beating Miami. Now if we can just beat them Gators!!!!!