Keys 09

Every July we go to the Keys for Lobster Mini season. We spend several days "scouting" for lobster and deciding where we will start our hunt once the season opens. This year we hooked Jake up with a regulator (tank on the boat) and let him go to work. After several hours in the pool he was ready to tackle the lobsters. We had 66 lobsters in the boat by 8:30 on day one but motor trouble threatened our day two adventure. A friend of PJ's drove down with the part we needed in exchange for a day of lobstering.....no problem. This made our goal for day two 72 lobsters. It took us most of the day but we were not leaving without all of those bugs. So for those of you who do not like math that's 138 lobsters in 48 hours. It is my favorite trip of the year. It won't be long before our goal is increased by another six when Jordan becomes an "active harvester". Cannot wait for this years trip!!!!! Bring on the bugs.

Baseball Moms

Over the summer we played baseball.....and played baseball.....and played baseball. Wendy, Michelle & I (along with many other fabulous moms) spent hours in the hot sun watching our sons play baseball all over the state of Florida. I did a great job taking pics of the moms but have very few of Jake & the boys playing ball. We shaved heads, we drank beer, we played cornhole....and we made lots of friends. I have been fortunate enough to attend all sorts of sporting events, from the US Open to the BCS National Championship game but I have to tell you that there is nothing more fun than watching your son's team when the are "hot". Jake's team qualified for the State tournament and we traveled to West Palm Beach in July to watch them play. They did not advance past West Palm but we had a blast watching them try.

OK so I have been somewhat behind on the blog. But after watching Julie & Julia I have a renewed spirit for keeping it updated. Don't get too excited...I have not gone completely crazy....there will be no cooking in my house, unless of course PJ is doing it :). I have been promising my oldest brother that I would post a pic from this fishing trip that he, Taylor, Mom & Jake took LAST JUNE. Better late than never. They had such a good time fishing on Lake Okeechobee. Jake & Jordan are looking forward to going fishing with "Uncle Bub" in the near future. If they do...I promise the pics will be posted in a much timelier fashion. Our family has been very busy over the last six months so I am going to try to catch you up....we shall see.

Dance recital

This is Jordan in her HipHop outfit from her dance recital. She danced in three numbers, the other two were clogging and tap. This was her favorite outfit. Next year she wants to take on ballet and jazz. Jordan also attended a Disney dance camp at Wright Step Dance. The girls learned dances from High School Musical, Hannah Montana & Jonas Brothers. Kelsie from HSM came to meet the girls and sign autographs, needless to say the girls loved it. On Friday they performed for the parents and showed off their new "skills" PJ and I are very proud of Jordan, she takes a back seat many days to Jake and baseball. Her new mantra is going to be "I have no life because my brother plays baseball"

Father's Day

The year for Father's Day the kids and I took PJ to the Key West restaurant in the Gaylord Palms. The kids commandeered the camera and took about 100 pictures of all the plants and fish in the hotel. After our ride back to Polk County we went to recreation station for some bowling. Of course Dad one(we let him win because it was Father's Day). The kids bowled great.....Jordan even got a strike, then she accidentally threw the ball into the wrong lane and hit the drop down guard. We all thought it was funny but that was the end of her bowling. We ended the day, eating crawfish with our friends Steve & Michelle and their family. It was a great family day.....one of the few Sundays without baseball over the last few weeks. Jake's team played in a tournament that weekend but they were knocked out in the Saturday game. It was bittersweet, we wanted the boys to do well but a day with the family is priceless.

Ocala Rookie Qualifier

In June, the Eagle Lake Rookie All-star team traveled to Ocala for the State Qualifier. After a heart breaking loss and a poor hitting performance Eagle Lake got a second chance to qualify for the state tournament by securing one of the wild card spots. After waiting out a two hour rain delay Eagle Lake finally got it's chance against Fishhawk. There was no stopping them, playing almost flawless defense, the boys finally got their bats going, winning the game 8-0. The state tournament was 4th of July weekend in West Palm Beach. Even though their performance at the state tournament was far below what we know they are capable of, all the parents were very proud of the kids.

Robin's birthday

While Robin was home for her class reunion we celebrated her birthday at Linda's house. During the party PJ decided to put dishwashing detergent into the hot tub. Needless to say, the kids loved it!!!