Cute and Fun!

On one of the days we were over in Crawfordville, Nathan decided that he and Dallin NEEDED to do some batting practice.

On our way to the field, we saw this cool collection of cars.

So of course, after we dropped Nathan and Dallin off at the field, me, Mandy, and Layton went back to take a few pictures.  Because seriously I couldn’t pass up a fun place like this!

I can’t even begin to explain how much I want to go back and do some more.  Can’t you just see Mandy in a cute ruffled skirt and cowboy boots?  How awesome would those pictures be!!!!!!

Just thinking…

about the beach and wishing that the weather was beautiful and that I was there today!

Instead I have a ridiculously crazy day ahead of me of meetings, ballet, baseball, Faith In God for Girls – not to mention that I have to fit some actual work time in there somewhere – AND it is all yucky outside!  I would so much rather be relaxing on the beach in some beautiful weather!

Florida Caverns State Park

One of my most favorite state parks ever!  It is only 45 minutes from my hometown and it is so very cool! 

Literally. The temperature inside the caverns stays between 62-65 degrees ALL YEAR LONG.  Talk about the perfect excursion to escape the Florida heat!

Not to mention that is ridiculously beautiful.

I’ve seen these caverns many many times, yet the beauty of the formations never cease to amaze me.

It is so amazing what a little limestone and water can create.

One of the rules of the cavern is that you can’t touch any of the formations because the oils from you hands can make them stop growing.  But they do have one special column that they allow everyone to touch and feel.   It was very wet and smooth.

It was a great day for spelunking!

A Day at the Beach

On one of our days over with my family we went to the beach.  Unfortunately the weather was kind of cloudy that day (of course after we left it cleared up completely – that’s always the way things are for us!).  The water was COLD, but the kids didn’t care.  Well, everyone but Layton didn’t care – he wasn’t getting in that water!!!

That’s ok though.  Instead he had a blast playing in the sand and chasing birds.

Dallin made an awesome sand castle.

And Mandy persevered and had a good time – even though she was cold.  Although she did take comfort with Aunt Sherri for while to get warmed up!

Dallin and Sarah had a blast jumping the waves and Mandy was fascinated to find clam shells still stuck together.

Layton was ever so glad to his Emily with him.  He loves her to pieces!

It was a great day at the beach!

A Highlight and A Disappointment

We’re home!  We’ve spent the last three days on a mini-vacation over visiting my family.  We had a wonderful time that I will share in detail next week.  But for now I just wanted to write down one of the many highlights and one of our very few disappointments.  One of the highlights was actually a little conversation we had with the kids.

We were driving along the highway out to St. George Island and we were enjoying the view of the ocean and many of the other beautiful aspects of the landscape there.  I remarked, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we lived closer to here?  Maybe we should move to Tallahassee.”

Dallin got a confused look on his face and said, “But Mom, we don’t speak Tallahassee.”

After a few minutes to reign in my laughter I said, “That’s ok, I went to school there so I know how to speak Tallahassee.”

Mandy then piped up with, “Really?  What are some of the words?”

I almost started doing the Seminole chop with accompanying chant, but my laughter wouldn’t let me get it out.

Awesome.  Conversations with kids are just awesome!

But our biggest disappointment of our mini-vacation was realizing that we wouldn’t be able to return to attend this:

I mean really?  What could possibly be more exciting that a worm grunting festival?????

Dallin’s First Big Win!

After the first 4 games of spectacular losses – the Riverdogs finally had a win!  Dallin got to play second base during this game since the regular second baseman was sick.

He did a really good job!

He tried hard to hit the ball, but unfortunately didn’t connect during this game.

But it didn’t matter because his teammates, especially his good friend Haden, came through with some great hits to win the game!  To celebrate, Nana and Grandpa took us all out for a special treat at Shakes.

Dallin totally enjoyed his little celebration.

Thanks Nana and Grandpa!

Layton is THREE!

I can’t believe my littlest one is THREE!  It is just crazy.  He has been adorable from birth:

He has made us laugh, (and sometimes cry)

And we couldn’t imagine our family without him.

It is amazing how much he has changed in just three short year.

He is quickly turning into quite the little man – one with lots of character!

And you know, we wouldn’t have him any other way!

Happy Birthday Layton!  We love you!