East again

We love the beach and we love Pensacola, FL! My parents started taking us to this beach when I was 15. They have been back 25+ times since then! My dad says he has to see his "pshychiatrist" there. He needs his "therapy" from the wind, waves, sand, wildlife, etc. It is relaxing and refreshing to be there with the powdery, white sand and gorgeous blue-green water. It was especially beautiful this year. There were NO jellyfish, no seaweed, and the water was clear and calm. Thank you Mama Leslie and Grandpappy for letting us tag along and intrude on your peace and quiet! We loved it!!


Did I mention beautiful sand and water? Great view from the balcony.




The girls spent lots of time looking for shells and accumulated quite a nice collection this year.



We toured Ft. Pickens again this year with much better weather! The girls loved climbing up and onto the old cannons and exploring all the passageways to see where they went.




One of the highlights of our trip was getting to see the Blue Angels practice at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. I am a very unlikely "fan" of the Blue Angels. No military background, etc., but for some reason, I love to see them! All the precision flying and fancy moves, along with all the training. They are coming to a town near us in the fall--we may just have to go! I had a hard time getting any good shots because they were moving so fast, but Sus took over the camera and got some great pictures. She took most of the pictures, including this one--the top 2 jets are upside down. I posted some of the best ones on my FB page.



Susanna was tall enough to drive the go kart by herself this year. She did great!


We especially loved the beautiful evenings at the beach. Hope we can make it back next year!

A trip to Sea World

Before the girls and I headed down to southeast TX, then on to Florida, we made a quick trip down to Sea World! One of Greg's former clients is a trainer there. He invited us to come down, gave us free passes to get in, and gave us a backstage tour with the Beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions and a walrus! Greg invited his friend James to come along. We loved seeing the sea life and VERY much appreciated the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals!!


Greg's client works with the animals in the Viva show. After the show, he had us come back stage and showed us all around. That's him with the dolphin on the platform, which is actually a scale they use to weigh the animals.


Nan with "Betty".


We all had the chance to get "kissed" by a beluga whale. It was Sam's turn here.


We were also able to feed and touch the whales and dolphins.


Mommy beluga with her baby.