Pier Park

Pier Park on PCB has managed do dig out some old school rides from Miracle Strip and charges absurd prices to ride them. It is however a lot of fun for the little ones. Audrey and I rode the ferris wheel, some sort of hot air balloon thingy, and she did the "jumpy thing." It was HOT. Audrey did not seem to mind at all. She had a blast. Thanks Papa for going with is. Thanks Grandma for taking care of a very sick Ben-Ben while we went.

I admit, this was fun. You could see the water and "almost" touch the clouds and it also provided a much needed breeze!

Just getting started.

To the moon!

Crabby

The crab trap has been entertainment at my parent's house for years. My brother and I would always see what we could catch. We would let them run around in the back yard and usually would throw them back. Every once in awhile some became dinner. Audrey loves to see what she can catch as well. We caught 4 crabs this time and 4 sailors choice who accidentally swam in. The girls really enjoyed themselves.

The crab dance. If you know the girls, each of these expressions makes perfect sense.

Intrigue, excitement, trepidation.

One very angry crab.

A group photo before he goes back to the water to warn the other crabs.

Now that's what I call a splash pad!

Thanks Frank Brown park for being wonderful! This is by far the best splash pad I have seen and they also had lots of other cool activities there for when the days are a lot cooler themselves. We met up with Melinda and Sydney and had a great time. I think all the kids were asleep before we left the parking lot.

Dear other splash pads and local parks, please take note!

Ben like to lay on his belly and pretend he is swimming.

Sydney is rockin' the piggy tails and having a great time!

One of the 3 slides. 

Ben and Sydney racing up the stairs.

Audrey took Ben down the swirly slide with her several times before he decided to do it himself.

Audrey climbs up the slide, and down again, and up, down, repeat x 10,000.

Trying to spray someone coming up the stairs.

17 months

I'll be honest, I'm not sure what day of the week it is, let alone what day of the month. However, I did accidentally catch a glimpse of a calendar out of the corner of my eye, and it turns out that Ben is 17 months old today. As I type he just opened the back door and threw the dog bowls into the yard. Did I mention that boys like to throw things? Here is my little/big man at 17 months. He is fever free and back to himself.

Ben is a funny little man and always has a giant smile.

Sorry for the blur. The camera was set on something I don't know how to use. 

He is soo big. Every time he does this I tickle him under the arms. Most of the time he starts laughing right when I say it.

He has a flair for something. Eating lip balm with a bowl on his head....

This picture of Ben is not the best, but I am laughing at Murphy yawning in the background.

Griffin

There is a new Berry in town, and he is as cute as can be! Griffin Michael Berry was born on March 25, 2010 to proud parents (my cousin) Brent and Stephanie. He is a sweet and chubby little man who let us all go gaga over him bright and early one morning in PC.

Thanks goodness one of these babies is borrowed!

Ben is so curious about Griffin.

A very proud and experienced baby holder.

Posing with Griffin. He still smells so new. Ahhh.

Guitar Lessons

Uncle Eric offers many things; guitar lessons, singing lessons, goatee grooming lessons, hysterical experiences that just cannot be put into words, and much love for his niece and nephew.

Ben is entertained by Uncle Eric and his goatee.

Checking out the guitar and making his own music.

I am sure Uncle Eric had some influence on this last picture, but you just had to be there to understand.

Cousins

There are a lot of pictures, so let's get started. I am not sure what direction I am going with all of these, but I'll try to group them as best I can.

Papa's chair is always full of granddaughters.

I managed to squeeze in there too.

Now Ben.

The girls are bored. Ben is thrilled. That show must be so last year.

Prayers

There are a lot of people who need prayers, but this family sure could use them right now too. Liam is a trooper. He wants to live. Please pray that he gets the chance to.
http://princeliamthebrave.blogspot.com/

Sit tight....

I am exhausted and dealing with 2 sick children. Misery loves company I guess. The month of August has been a slow blogging month for us, but I'm keeping my hopes up that I will catch up on my sleep by September and will be able to post all the pictures of the fun we had between fevers.

Home.

We had the best time in PC, minus a few feverish days from Ben. If you call 105.5 "feverish." Sigh. A great time was had by all though and I will post pictures as soon as I recover from the return trip.

PC or Bust!

Look out Panama City, here we come. The kids and I are heading that way bright and early tomorrow morning. Sun, sand, and lots of heat for sure!

Vacuum rides: Free for 2 and under

I let Ben sit on the vacuum once and now he has to do it every time. He loves it. So far it is the best entertainment we have around here lately. It also doubles as an arm workout for me since the extra 25 lbs does make it a little harder to push.

School girl

 Good luck to my niece Ana on her first day of KINDERGARTEN Friday!!! We know you'll do great. Love, Tia Ginger, Uncle Jeff, Audrey and Ben

As so it begins...

...the competition between girls over Ben's big blue eyes, long lashes, heart melting smile, and infectious giggle. Two 8 year old girls were vying for Ben's attention today at the Y pool during Audrey's swimming lesson. The compliments were flowing and all the tricks were out. Who will Ben throw the ball to? Who will he smile bigger for? It was friendly competition, but I did see a few stink eyes getting thrown from one girl to another. Take it easy ladies, he's all mine for the next many, many years.

Gold medal swimmer!

Ok, so it's not a gold medal, but a yellow band. Audrey passed  her swimming test at the Y and is now allowed to be in the pool by herself. So in theory, I could read a book in a chair while she swims, but we know that will never happen. After she earned her yellow band, she was able to go down the swirly slide. Here is some video of the swirly slide!

Ben learns to drive

It's not manly, but it's transportation!

How did I miss this one?

This is from Pop's recent visit as he stopped here on his way from Camp to home. We loved having you Pop! Thanks for making the stop!!!

Bubbly babes

Who doesn't love a good bubble bath!!!

Rorschach test

What do you see?

What most people see as a simple hair tie, Audrey sees a pair of handcuffs for her brother. I went to get Ben's jammies and came back with Ben handcuffed in this hair tie; a wrist in each loop. "He was just making way too much noise." How are handcuffs supposed to curb the noise?? I do not know, but this was my daughter's solution.

Quote of the day

Daddy was mowing the grass tonight and Audrey volunteered to scoop all the poop in the yard. She got the bag and the shovel and went for it. I held the bag for her and she scooped. About half way through the yard she says, "I can't believe I am doing this. This is so disgusting. Don't you even tell any of my friends about this, and don't you laugh about it either!"