Plan B-owling

Last week, over the long weekend, Brian and I planned one day on taking Nolan to the splash pad park in Niceville and eating lunch there. The next morning the sun was shining as we ate breakfast. The sunbeams spilled into the kitchen as I packed our picnic lunch. The sun was shining while we got dressed and ready to go. The clouds appeared about the time we were getting into the car. We were driving for all of 5 minutes when the lightening and thunder started. So, we drove back home and got 3 pairs of socks and headed to the bowling alley. We bowled a totally non-competitive game. I say that because Brian beat me, but had I won, it would have been deemed fierce competition. As it stands, it was just a "friendly" game! When we were finished the rain had stopped, so we stopped at the nearest park and ate, then threw some rocks into the river and then ended with a trip to Wendy's for a frozen delight. Ohhh yeah. And the rain even stayed away for some swimming after Nolan's nap!

Nolan got to try out his new umbrella. Who knew when I bought this that we'd get so many opportunities to use it?

Brian setting up the scoreboard with Nolan's help:

Watching his ball go. After awhile he caught on and would say (regardless of it's direction), "Look, that one's right down the middle!"

Eating lunch:

Skipping rocks:

Swimming!

Evening Out

Last Saturday (the day after the 4th), "Gramma" Susan and "Grandpa" Peter (Abby's Grandparents) offered to watch all three kids...Abby, Nolan and Wes, so we could have a nice dinner out. They didn't have to ask us twice, we all jumped at the idea and our biggest decision was where to eat dinner! We went to Bluepoint in Destin and enjoyed a very nice, long, relaxing dinner. Afterwards we decided to stop in a local German restaurant/pub in honor of Becca and John, who would soon be returning to Germany. Becca kept saying how surreal it was to be in a German style atmosphere, knowing she was actually here. We sat outside and had a beer and then figured we better go relieve Susan and Peter (aka the saints!!!). We really can't thank them enough, but I'll try...THANK YOU!!!!! Nolan talked about "Gramma Susan" alot for coming days. I think he must miss his grandparents alot, too (hint, hint)!! But what I've learned and grown to love, is not only does the military become our family, but their extended family becomes very special, too!! When we got home the three kiddos were fast asleep so we played a couple games of beer pong before calling it a night.

Here's Chey & I at dinner:

Andrew & Cheyna:

Cheers! Angela & Becca:Brian, Andrew & Jason with beers bigger than their heads:

Becca & John:The whole gang:

Rain, Rain Go Away

Tuesday we had another bout of rain. It's rained so much lately that the lawns and trees are actually turning green! Anyway, I opened the door to show Nolan how hard the rain was pouring and he wanted to play in it. I hadn't heard any thunder or seen any lightening, so I told him to go for it.

Splash, Splash!He's catching the rain in his hands here, but I think it looks like he's praying!And then you see that mischievous look in his eyes...Mommy & Nolan footprints, these are most fun made after splashing in a puddle then jumping as far as you can onto dry concrete!