Downtown Marina

On Friday night we took the kids to the downtown marina. They love to go and watch the boats come in around sunset.

They got to see this tug boat lower a smaller boat into the water. We also got to see some dolphins jumping. It was a great night! Of course we didn't get a picture of it, but Sam and Maddie kept trying to go under the guard rail and look down at the ocean!! These two have no fear of the water! That, by the way, is a Teipen trait because there momma wasn't going anywhere near the edge of the pier!

It's HOT!

Florida summers are hot! This is how the kids spend almost every morning! They are out on the deck by about 7am and can play in the water until about 10am then they have to come in the rest of the day until the sun starts to set! (The top picture of Sam makes him look so old! Our baby boy is growing up so fast!)

Lunch with Dad

One day a week we meet Daddy for lunch down by the water. The kids and I love it! This past week it was absolutely beautiful! It has been very hot here so it was quite a nice change!

Pirates of the Panhandle!

I found these pirate hats a gymboree for a few dollars and thought they would be great for Sam! He won't put them on, but luckily they are being put to use.....

Musical Talent....

Sam loves to sit and "play" the piano! We just thought we would share it with you all! Obviously all those Baby Einstein videos have payed off with this musical talent! As you can tell from Maddie's laughter, she enjoys his playing too!

Gus

Meet Gus our new cat! We got him from our friends the Ingrams so he could be outside! Maddie loves him and tries to treat him like a baby. Gus has been very patient with her so far. Sam won't come within 10 feet of him! We are really hoping he gets over his fear of animals!

Hallmark Ornament Premier

Yesterday was the hallmark ornament premier! It is one of my favorite Saturdays of the year! Troy and I got a sitter this year and went to dinner before going to Hallmark to pick the perfect ornaments for Maddie and Sam! We choose a Tinkerbell for Maddie since we will be visiting Disney World this year in October and her favorite video is "Peter Pan" She also loves "utterflies" so this ornament captured 2 of her favorite things! Since they didn't make an ornament of a stick this year (Sam's favorite thing!), we choose the John Deere tractor. He is very infatuated with tractors right now and we are decorating his 2nd birthday party with this theme. What a special way to remember our children's interests of 2008!

Happy 4th of July!!!

We got to spend this Independence Day in Atlanta with our friends Hugh and Peggy McCoy! We had lots of fun taking wheelbarrow rides and watching firework shows. We got to go to Stone Mountain and watch a firework and laser show set to music it was very nice. The kids got to try out a diving board and had lots of fun. Sam wouldn't jump off unless Daddy was holding his hand and Troy slept very well after treading water for about an hour!! But as you can see in the picture Maddie had perfect form coming off the board! Thanks you guys for a great weekend we will always remember!

Pillowcase Dress

I found this cute pattern for little girls dresses and just had to try it! The whole little combo came together in about 3 hours! Now that is my kind of sewing!! I'm already thinking about my next color combination!!

A New Style??

Maddie is trying to start a new stocking cap/swimwear style here in Florida. We are pretty sure it won't catch on- but if it does, remember you saw it here first!!

Cookin' with Dad

Last night the kids got to help Daddy bake cookies to send to Miss Elizabeth! We miss you Miss Elizabeth!! Be Safe!!