Longboat Key

There is a place that I love above all other places! I have so many wonderful memories there and simply feel at peace when I am there. After a number of years of not having the chance to go, this year we finally got the chance to visit, with my mom and dad, and brother and sister-in-law! I was so excited to introduce Titus to this magical place and he had more fun than I imagined! Hopefully, we can continue to go back and he can build some of the same memories that I cherish. This is Longboat Key, Florida.

Sunsets don't get any better than off of Florida's Gulf of Mexico.

The guys chilling.

I think they were going out to save some guy's tent from blowing away. Joel impaled his hand on said tent, but he is a tough guy, so he weathered that storm.

Mexican fiesta night, care of the Fergusons.

This is the face of pure joy because he can throw sand into the gulf with no restrictions.

His first taste of some of the best ice cream on earth...Kilwins.

Future swimsuit model?

Wow, just wow. I wonder where Titus got his teeth from? My sweet guys!

My idea of paradise.

Watching for dolphins! They came out every day, and sometimes we had very front row seats, especially when Matt and Krista were surf fishing.

Aunt Pam and Uncle Chuck had the chance to come into town for a couple of days, which was wonderful! Here we are at Mar Vista, which is such a great restaurant on the island. I had the Caribbean grouper, which makes my mouth water simply typing those words. I must find a way to recreate the dish!

Aunt Pam and Titus were singing.

The famous Mar Vista peacocks.

We visited Mote Marine Aquarium, which is such a great place.

Titus listens to some Veggie Tales songs, so when we told him that this was a manatee like the Barbara Manatee song, he just had to give a hug! Of course, we also change the lyrics to "Titus manatee....."

Joel had never seen a manatee before. They are huge!

Gorgeous!

Running out to catch the sunset!

Family.

Matt and Krista brought down a ton of fireworks and sparklers.

He looks like a wizard! Or, maybe I have Harry Potter on the brain!

Titus loved, loved, loved his Aunt Krista! He always wanted her to play with him, and she graciously obliged!

We saw a snake on this path one day, and while I freaked out, Titus just pointed, and said, "snake!" No fear. I do not know if that is a good or bad thing.

"Our" sandcastle.

Lunch for a busy boy.

Two of my favorite people.

Beautiful boy.Farewell Longboat!

Summer Fun Part Two

I was talking with a friend of mine this morning and we were discussing all of the things that took us away from activities that we really needed to work on (i.e. Titus's baby pictures are in desperate need of being put in an album), and I realized this blog needed some upkeep! We have been busy and there have been some big stressful events in our lives, but I am constantly reminded to be thankful for the blessings that I do have, rather than concentrating on what is lost or what I never had! I am thankful for a very fun Summer, with many exciting trips. Even though Joel has been gone a lot, we have still had the chance to do a lot with him!

We stayed in Northern New Jersey for a couple of days, where Titus worked on his tooth brushing swagger.

I took him to a kiddie amusement park where he had the chance to drive the boats!

This scared me way more than it did him.

This little calf was just born. So sweet.

Titus's first trip to Chuck E Cheese. Of course, he loved the songs!

More Summer Fun!

What we have been up to recently!

We had the chance to ride in a parade for Memorial Day with Joel's Coast Guard Unit. Titus really wanted to drive the boat.

Watching the fire trucks behind us!

Our friends from CT stopped by on the way to their new duty station in Seattle. Titus and their little girl, Josslyn, had a blast dancing to the Leap Frog music.

We also visited Sesame Place where we had breakfast with the Sesame Street characters. Titus doesn't really watch Sesame Street, so he had no idea who these big fuzzy creatures were. He decided to just eat breakfast instead. Then, all of the kids started screaming, "Elmo!" so he had to join in, even though he had no idea what he was screaming about!

See ya Elmo.

Shaking hands with *I think* Zoe.

Grammy and Grampy came for a visit at the end of May, and we had a blast! It was a super hot week and the pool was not open yet, so we visited the Shore, New Hope, and Johnson's Farm for some fun!

Joel was in a wreath laying ceremony for Memorial Day, so we came out to watch! It was HOT, but then again so is my hubby in his uniform:) Sacrifices can be made!

Titus staying hydrated.

Grampy and Titus digging in to some guacamole.

At Jenkinson's Aquarium at Point Pleasant Beach.

My parents brought a cage kennel for Jackson and Titus thought it was the coolest thing ever. It is all he wanted to play with.

Grammy and Titus running on the boardwalk. FYI-this is a great place to people watch!

Enjoying a salt and vinegar boardwalk french fry.

Hanging out.

Titus and Joel at a playground in New Hope.

Feeding the birds in New Hope.

Getting ready for the hayride at Johnson's.

Picking some cherries, which Grammy and I later made into a pie. Did you know that you can pit cherries with a paperclip? Well, you can!

Picking some strawberries.

Peace out!