Sunday, September 19, 2010

Last day with Uncle Herschel

08.16.2010

We spent a few more days in Bradenton and visiting with Uncle Herschel. Again, this was such treasured time, he was an amazing host.


We went to visit Herschel at work and eat lunch. He is an academic advisor at a local college. Sophia was getting some advice about schooling.



We drove to Herschel's house on Siesta key and walked down to the most western point of the island to watch the sunset. We have never watched the sunset over the ocean in America, it was really cool. This whole area was supercool.



One more walk in the Gulf coast waters


Her ringlet curls are unbelievable



With my bro



Family portraits. We have since lost our tans.




While we were enjoying the brilliant sunset, a rainbow appeared in the other direction. Blessing upon Blessing.





Bye bye Siesta Key, we loved every minute of it. Thanks uncle Herschel for taking so much time to hang with us! We LOVED it.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Florida vacation week 2 continued

8.09.2010-8.13.2010


We went out to eat in downtown Sarasota to a great restaurant, Geckos. They gave the kids crayons, and paper with games, which to our surprise is standard in America. But what sold us (and the kids) was the little toy plastic geckos they each received. This entertained them well. The food was delicious. Herschel always has great recommendations.



My mom and her husband Jimmy came down from Gainesville for a few days. We had a great visit. Some people say we look just alike. What do you think? By the way, this was the first Florida trip where we did not return to my hometown. Honestly, we didn't really miss it. I do love Gainesville and all things Gator, but I am movin' on I think...


It was great to catch up with my mom, She reminded me of Sophia in this pic, who likes to talk with her hands as well (I am sure she is just mimicking me, like mother, like daughter, for generations and generations).


This was often the scene in our household these two weeks.


Even Grandpa Jimmy got in on the book reading action. The girls enjoyed it.


This is one of my favorite pics...these cousins!


And this one...


Mohawk Sammy and Micah riding in style in wagon #2.


This is how we roll in Siesta Key. It was awesome. We walked a LOT, felt like China.



Proof that Anne of Green Gables is for everyone. I was asked to read this shortened version over and over and over again.


The two youngest still having to sit with the adults...


While the older ones sat elsewhere (except Sophia who 2x had issues being separated from mommy and daddy in restaurant situations, crazy)



Grandpa Jimmy and Grandma Donna enjoying the water


Grandpa Jimmy won the award this day by bringing his kite. A kite he has had for over 20 years. The kids were excited.




helping fly the kite


Sophia's hat is on backwards. This hat is a hand-me-down from Cousin Anna, and one of my favorites. Sadly, it is now on the bottom of the Atlantic off of Wrightsville Beach, NC somewhere. It blew off when David was taking Sophia out and was immediately swept under, we searched and searched to no avail. I kept telling Sophia that a fish was wearing it. She said that a bird would pick it up. And I finished up the story by saying maybe it would be flown back to China...she loved this idea.


Sophia burying Micah in the sand. This was the day that Julie and Travis took Isaiah parasailing! David and I, along with my mom and step-dad took everyone else to the beach. Isaiah loved parasailing and was not scared. A brave 7 year old!


We let Bella explore the beach this day. She loved it, and has proven fearless.


The Coker family with Grandpa Jimmy and Grandma Donna


The Williams family with Grandpa Jimmy and Grandma Donna


With the grandkids. I had to post this pic because it is so amusing. Both our girls are crying, while Anna is entertaining herself, and the other Williams kids are just chill....unfortunately this was a little too typical.


We visited a town favorite: The old Salty Dog. And David ordered one, this is an anti-Vegan meal right here....how far away from healthy can you get. The dog is deep fried and topped with all these goodies. It was actually pretty tasty. But made me want to eat more veg.



I love this pic, favorite people, fun times. Uncle Herschel was lots of fun!



Three in the wagon


Our last day of vacation with the Williams crew. Thanks for taking your two weeks to spend with us! We cherished every minute of it!

Florida vacation week 2

8.07-08.2010

On the weekend we moved over to a beach house we rented for the week. It was a block from Siesta Key beaches, two houses from Herschel, and had a pool. We had a great time and had visits from family all week.


Tired from swimming, the kids get ready for dinner in the Gazebo.


This was one of my favorite meals. Herschel grilled us some amazing grub, look at all those veggies, he is a fabulous cook!



Grandma Pinnie and Sammy waiting to eat


This is what most mornings looked like for breakfast. This was an amazing table that fit our crew well.



Grandaddy Johnson watching all the kids in the pool


Here is my dad with all his grandchildren.


The whole crew with Grandaddy and ('great')Grandma Pinnie


Another crew shot


Williams family plus Grandaddy and Grandma Pinnie


Coker family plus grandaddy and my Grandma Pinnie


'Johnson' kids with our dad and grandma



My dad and his three kids, except we are all grown up now...how does that happen so fast.