Forgotten tail?

I know, tail should be tale. But it deals with the dogs so I thought it would be OK. A few weeks back, we went to our friend bill's house for a dip in the pool. Since we had been at work all day the dogs stayed in the back yard all day. As is has been very warm lately and the weather looked like it may rain, we decided they could stay inside while we just went across the street for a few minutes to cool off. BIG MISTAKE! Unable to get across the street without considerable personal danger, we stayed inside at Bill's until the weather/rain slowed some. When we got home, we found this:





Disney had apparently gotten scared in the storm and decided to totally ransack the living room. She got a hold of a body pillow and removed most of the stuffing. Upon our arriving home, she scampered out the dog door and cowered in her crate on the back patio. At first we thought the sofa had been destroyed. Not good, considering the trouble we went through to get this particular sofa. Anyway, it took us a couple of hours to get all the stuffing picked up and off of the other pieces of furniture. As such we have decided that Disney needs a home with lots of outdoor room. So if you know of anyone interested in a strictly outside dog. Please have them contact us.

Hangin at the pool

Kennedy is out of school today and tomorrow, since the teachers are in training and re-certification. As such Paw-paw and Granny were kind enough to travel to Alabama to watch her while Tanya and i went to work. Here she is enjoying the hotel pool. She teased paw-paw and told him she would take a picture of his legs with her underwater camera. Thanks again for watching her Granny and Paw-paw.

Hold on Tight. Here we Go.

OK it has been a while since I last updated the blog. So, you should be outside enjoying the summer and spending time with your family and friends and not just checking the blog for updates. Plus, we have been crazy busy this summer. June 18, 2009. The Circus. This was Kennedy's and my first time to the circus. I think. I seem to have a memory of attending something on the small side of a circus. But anyway, nothing like this. This was the best show i have ever seen. Tanya, just kept watching saying "that's dangerous", pretty much for everything. Kennedy had a great time, watching the clowns and other acrobatic acts. The cage of doom was so cool. 7 motorcycles in a 15ft diameter cage, "WOW". The show was great and we all had a good time and slept really well that night.



June 25th, Another Bday.
This time it was for one of Tanya's and my good friends and neighbor Bill Hart. He was turning 60 and his sons are spread all over the place so, we (meaning ourselves and some of the other neighbors) decided to throw him a surprise party. So I asked if it would be alright if I cooked for him at his house. He said fine, so that night I showed up with some Jambalaya and drinks, then at the same time, the rest of the neighbors began showing up with other dishes. He was really surprised and thankful. He said it was the largest birthday party he has ever had. I think we did a good thing for him. He is so nice to everyone, he lets everyone share his pool and his house has become a gathering place for friends and neighbors. What a great guy.

July 4, Fireworks
Spent a quiet day at home, grilled as is the norm around here. Later that night we went watch the fireworks at a local sports complex. Kennedy was not scared at all. She normally does not like the "boom". But she and i played with the laser pointer and flashlight so she seemed to have fun. Plus she got some cool new dresses for the occasion.



July, Multiple dates.
OK, a friend of ours has taken it upon himself to teach Kennedy to swim. She freaks when I try to teach her, but he and his mother were both swim instructors so I figured it couldn't hurt. She is doing great and is swimming all on her own. She has even gone off the diving board. We meet at Bill's pool every Tuesday and Thursday, weather permitting. But in just three weeks she has gone from terrified to begging to go. She is really doing well and Mr. Clint thinks she is a natural. Must take after me. Considering Tanya doesn't like the shower splashing in her face.



July 11, Blue Angels
For those of you familiar with the area you know Pensacola beach is only 1 hour away from Daphne Alabama. Unless it is the weekend the Blue angels fly for the Beach Air Show. Then it suddenly becomes a 4 hour and 45 minute trek. But we made it. This was a lot different than the last time Tanya and Kennedy tried to make to the beach air show. Last year I think 4 people were struck by lightning and there was major damage done by a devastating summer storm. They spent 9 hours is the car and never saw a single plane. Tanya's aunt Norma and Uncle Carl were in town for a wedding and wanted to see the show so they followed us there. Thanks guys, we had a great time with y'all. Hope you all didn't burn like we did. Anyway, the day was great and the show was completely AWESOME!!!. When we got to the island, we were among the other 210,000 other people who came in on the island that day. We heard the parking lots were fulled and many had already closed. We had some "friends" staying at the Hilton and thought we could catch up with them. So I was to drop Tanya and Kennedy off with the cooler and supplies then go find a parking spot. Expecting it to be at at least 1 mile or more away. When we pulled into the parking area of the hotel, the girl asked if we were guest, i said not but we were trying to meet friends here. She asked for the last name and Tanya told her, she gave us a parking pass and we parked 50 ft. from the beach. Couldn't have planned that if I wanted to. So anyway, we set up our Beach umbrellas and cracked open a cold one or six. Best weekend this summer yet. Thanks to Carl and Norma and Roland and Charissee Soignet. You made it great. P.S. Roland and Charissee don't know how much they helped us. Hope they stay there next year. P.S.S Tanya thought about getting a hotel room for next year, for two nights at one of the beach front hotels the total bill would be $972.00. I think I'll just spend the $1 toll and drive in next year s well.



OK people, I think that is it. Now get back to your lives and quit being nosey.

Work, Gulf Shores, Party, Party, Gulf Shores

It was a tough week getting back into work after being away for the Disney Trip. Both Tanya and I had a lot of things to fit into a three day work week. But my brother and his family were camping down in Gulf shores, so we were looking forward to the weekend and getting a chance to see them. Saw them Friday night for a couple of hours while we grilled and swatted bugs. Saturday going to go visit with them at the beach. But first my daughter's busy social calendar needed attention. She had two Birthday parties to attend on Saturday. These parties have been on the same day for the last 4 years. This is the first time the actual party times were staggered enough to make both. So off to the first party, food, cake, games. This first party was amazing. Tanya said that the parents celebrate all three kids birthdays on the same day to make it easier for family since they live in various areas of the country. But like expert party planners they pulled it off. By the way I worked Saturday morning, my excuse for not being at the parties. Next party, skate party, same as Tanya's but this time more age appropriate. After her whirl wind tour; Kennedy, Tanya and I left for gulf shores to see Greg and his family. This time it was to the beach. Made it down there to find them approximately 5 miles(exaggeration)from the parking area. Only felt that way carrying the cooler. By my own admission, packed way to much. Built sandcastles and swam in the icy, salty waters. (Next time bringing a lime and tequila, salt already there).

Preparing the Work Site

Final Touches

Sun set

Catching-up Part IV

As you have seen below, we were in Disney for Kennedy's and My Birthday. We had a great time. Tanya's Brother and Sister-in-law were there with Lanie, Kennedy's three year old cousin. We were able to spend some time with them on Friday as they had been there since the Saturday before and were leaving the Saturday we were there. Thursday we spent most of the day in the car driving to our resort. The POP Century. Thursday afternoon was spent at the pool. I know, drive 497 miles and spend a mortgage payment to swim in the resort pool. So Friday morning we hit the parks, Epcot in the morning then Magic Kingdom. All was going well until about noon. The Sky opened up and it began to rain. Kept us inside (rides and shows) most of the afternoon. But after it cleared around 5:30 it was full on. Saturday Kennedy and Tanya had breakfast with the princesses. Her bus was on time, but the driver picked up someone going to another park and decided to drop that person off first. Needless to say Kennedy and Tanya were just on time. I met them and we finished off the monrning at Epcot. That afternoon we went to Hollywood Studios. Kennedy and Tanya both wanted to see the Beauty and the Beast show. We showed up right on time, walked right in and enjoyed the show, same thing for Disney Playhouse, and Muppet's 3D. Couldn't have planned it any better. That night worst rain we got while there. Pizza in the resort room and then to bed. Sunday, headed back to Magic Kingdom for some more fun. Teacups, race cars and Character encounters. Princesses, followed by fairies, followed by Mickey and gang. Tired yet? Got caught up in the parade and Danced with a Chip-n-dale. I mean Chip and Dale. Had a blast. More swimming that afternoon. Monday, day to leave, back to Hollywood for one more Beauty and the beast, picture with Tigger and Eore. High school musical parade and then in the car. Long ride home. Enough family time for now. Please check out our pictures. Click to see a sampling. With a total of 264 pictures, I choose the most important ones.

Catching-up Part III

Since Kennedy's birthday fell on a Sunday and we would be in Disney the Friday before and the Monday after, we asked Kennedy's class is they could have a party early. The teachers agreed and so on the day before we were leaving for Disney, we had a birthday party with her classmates. The kids love the Lava Girl cake from my Dad's store. See picture below. Anyway, it was only fair to share with her class since she had been telling all of them that she was having her birthday in Disney and they were all going to have a party (in Disney). Not what we meant when we told her her birthday was going to be in Disney World. So the kids had fun and we were out of the doghouse with Kennedy for her not having a birthday party with all of her friends in Disney. Besides, most of the kids were either going to Disney later in the summer or had already been this year.

Catching-up Part II

On Monday May 18th, was Kennedy's "show-off" night at the Little Gym. Once again the kids who have been practicing their routines for weeks did everything but their routine. Kennedy did really well, coming out of her comfort zone to try her turn at the high bar of the uneven bars. All the kids had a great time and the most fun was watching the instructors try to maintain some resemblance of order. Anyway, we have decided to let Kennedy take the summer off from gymnastics so that we can have more time to do the many things close by that are more summer related, like the beach and the like. Anyway here are a few pictures from the performance.

Catching-up Part I

As May is always a crazy month for my family with birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and the beginning of summer. I have fallen a little behind on the blogging thing. So I will post several different posting this day to catch everyone up on what has been going on.

As most of you have seen, we were in Disney last week and posted a couple of pics. More of those to come. But for now let me go back to may 15th. Kennedy graduated from Pre-K(Tear, tear). It was a great little ceremony and both sets of Grandparents came in for the show. Thanks again to Granny and Paw Paw, and Nanna and Granddad for making the effort to get over here.

Disnsey III

Started with breakfast with the princesses, ran late more on that
later. Epcot to start, weather is better not sure if we like rain or
heat better!? Kennedy got her face painted. And for my birthday I got
a Disney gift card. Of course I went crazy with the souvenirs.
Kennedy prefers the pool so we came back to hotel. Now we are trying
to get to Hollywood Studios. More tomorrow.

Disney II

Had a great day today except for the rain. Kept us in shows and
indoor rides. Highlights were pictures with three of the princesses
and minnie and micky. Plus the teacups. P.S the picture below is of
Kennedy on the teacups.

Sent from my iPhone

Disney

Here is Kennedy at her picinic at the park. We had a great time. She
is waiting in line for her balloon animal. It was nice to talk with
other servants I mean parents. Trying to blog from my new IPhone.
Please forgive any errors.

Workin' at the Carwash!

Yesterday was a slow day for me at work so I was able to pick Kennedy up early from school. I asked if she would help me clean my truck. She agreed to help me but warned me that this was her first time washing a truck. She did great. I know her dad was proud of how clean she insisted the truck be. Also, her Parrain(God-father for you yanks) will also be proud of her.

Vegas Baby!

We spent a great time with our Friends Neal and Marnie in Vegas. It was my first time in Vegas and Kennedy's first time on a plane. She did great. She did better than Tanya or I. To her it was just like a really loud car ride. I broke down and finally purchased a portable DVD player. To all of you parents who told me, you were right. It was much easier, until they want another DVD then another. Anyway, Kennedy liked the fact that someone brings drinks to us. Of course that leads to more restroom visits. Those things are small when you a in there with another person. Anyway, we got a chance to visit Fremont St. (the old strip) and then rode down the new strip. Wow! I was impressed. We spent most of our time, chill-laxing at the pool and Marnie and Neal's house. Kennedy loved that part the most. I had a chance to go to Don Yeyo (pronounced Yea-ho). It is a Cigar shop with nothing but hand rolled Dominican cigars (pictures inside the shop showed small children rolling cigars, I can only assume a sweat shop). Bought a few, one was especially powerful. No need for a drink with that one. We had a great time, and wish Marnie and Neal were closer, but then they wouldn't be in Vegas, now would they? Also, want to thank Molly. She is the "Rat" Terrier that kept Kennedy company while we were there. she apparently also like the pool (see pictures below.)

Thanks to Marnie and Neal for their hospitality and the food. Great job at the grill Neal.

Ashlyn's Birthday

Kennedy was invited to the local petting farm for her friend Ashlyn's Birthday. Tanya and Kennedy had a great time, but Tanya got a little wind/sun burn. All in All the kids had a great time.

Easter

Had a great time visiting family and friends. Best was watching Kennedy color eggs the way we did it when we were young. Nothing fancy, just food coloring, water, and vinegar. Stains everything it touches. Look at my sweet girl collecting eggs. And my little nephew Aiden, enjoying the clover.

Lady's Skate

Tanya decided that this year she wanted a skate party for the birthday. So she had one. Two weekends ago, we went to the skate rink to scope things out. we actually had a blast. That is until they called each one of the birthday parties out to the floor to do the Hokie-pokie. I thought I would fall over laughing.

The party was yesterday, and we all had a great time. We had a good group out there and everyone made an effort to skate. The party was really fun and we actually skated the whole three hours. And today we are not even sore. Thanks to all of our friends and family for making the day special.

Happy Birthday Parrain Ryan.

Today is Kennedy's parrain's(what we call a god-father) (Tanya's Brother)Birthday. Happy Birthday Parrain. Love Kennedy

My Little Cajun Chef

Yesterday I had had a couple of late appointments and needed a little help in the kitchen to prepare for dinner, Greek Shrimp and Pasta. I called to let Tanya know that the shrimp needed to be peeled. Well when I got home I found out who really peeled the shrimp. I think I had a tear in my eye when I found out.

Go Fly a Kite

Today we got the opportunity to watch Joshua. He is the son of our Friends Scott and Lisa Park. Kennedy loves spending time with him. She feel like a big cousin. She even calls him her cousin. So today we took some kites to the park since the weather was perfect for it. Both of the kids did a great job of flying the kite. Mr. Chris kinda helped with getting the kites in the air, but they did most of the flying. The kids had a great time. After flying kites for a while, we went back to the house for a picnic lunch. Then they played on the swing set. Before long, Scott and Lisa were back and the kids day of fun was over. We all had a great time with Joshua.

Happy birthday Disney

I know what everyone is thinking. It's not Disney's birthday. Well it is in our house. Disney is kennedy's dog and it is her 1st birthday. Tanya got her a doggie cake and a couple of milk bone treats. Then as a present she gave her and her brother bruiser large chew bones. They will be working on those for a long time.

I like Mike

While we were in for the anniversary dinner, we decided to take a little trip to to LSU. For me it was the first time I was back on campus since Tanya graduated. Kennedy and Tanya had been back to see Mike the Tiger, in his new multi-million habitat. As a rabid LSU fan it was definitely worth the drive and traffic (LSU basketball at the PMAC). This is Mike IV. He is currently only on view as he is to young and inexperienced to attend games. Hopefully this year he will be there on the sideline to welcome our new recruits. Unfortunately, the gift shop was closed for remodeling. I guess Kennedy's college fund is safe for now.

GEAUX TIGERS!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday to Nanna Lee. Today is your birthday.

Mardi Gras!

Kennedy's preschool has a Mardi Gras parade in which they get to ride in their own home made floats(wagon).

Kennedy and her Daddy working on the "float"

The test run

The big day.

We parents are the pull cars/trucks. Of course the kids never want it to end. We on the other hand can only go around the parkinglot so many times.

Happy Anniversary

Tanya's Grandparents celebrated their 62nd anniversay on Valentine's Weekend. Such a special day for a special event. So the who;e family was able to get together at a local restaraunt for dinner. This year everyone was able to make it for the dinner. It was great to see everyone at the dinner. Tanya's greandparents were thankful for everyone being there. Of course Tanya and I are trying to make better choices for meals, since we have begun a new year and trying to take advantage of the haelthy choices that are available to us. So everyone at the dinner ordered somthing fried and the most fattening sides. Tanya and I order broiled seafood with a sweet potato. The food was good but the temptation to the fried stuff was gruling. We did eat sme cake though. Oh well, it's give and take.

Kennedy with Pa Pep (Tanya's Grandfather)

The Whole Gang

Another Trip

This past weekend, we took a trip to Hattiesburg to visit my brother and his family. Kennedy loves spending time with her older cousins Sean and Tyler and seeing her younger cousin Aiden. She looks up to Sean and wants to spend every minute we are there with him, following him around and trying to do everything he does. She was a little hurt when one of Sean's friends came by to play. Apparently there is a game that uses small plastic pellets fired from a toy gun that is all the rage these days. Well Sean and his friend wanted to shoot their guns so I took one of the less powerful ones to show Kennedy how to hold and fire a gun. I am one of those parents that wants my child to be aware of how to properly handle a firearm instead of keeping her from them and having her find one at a friend house one day and not knowing what it is or how dangerous it can be. Anyway back to the guns. Earlier I said toy guns, by that I mean guns that are capable of firing these pellets at a little over 463 fps. Now for those of you who are unsure how fast that is, it comes out to a little over 315 mph. Lets just say it does leave a bruise. This game is played like paintball only there is no paint. Pain stops you from continuing to play. This game is called airsoft wars. Not sure who thought of this type of game but that person is evil. Of course the kids wear protective gear but still this is the equivalent of being shot with a bean bag round from a police shot-gun(or so I've heard...). It doesn't kill you but the pain makes you wish you were. Yea, what fun. Kennedy did talk the boys into playing there Wii since she calls the guitar hero game "her band". She plays her Hanna Montana Guitar(not part of the game) while the boys play the game. She just can't understand why they keep messing up. She never does.
While the kids played on the trampoline and shot targets, the adults had a great visit and my brother kept the bugs away by burning his fire pit. Sure we may all die of black lung from the creosote since he was burning pine but it was fun watching him chop fire wood. What a man.
Aiden was napping most of the day but meal time brought out the beast in him. He would growl any time his mom would take his spoon out of his mouth. He wanted that spoon and did not care if there was food in it or not, it was his. It was only a day trip so we came home the same day, but Kennedy loved spending the time with her cousins and we enjoyed the conversation and lung cancer with Greg and Jan.

Bring a friend

Kennedy is once again enrolled in Little Gym. This past Monday night was bring a friend night as well as prince and princess night. Each child could bring a friend and dress like a prince or princess. For us that was a major endeavor. Deciding which crown to wear? Whether or not to have a wand? Could she wear the gown or should she just wear her gymnastics clothing? So long story short, we decided on the Princess Aurora crown with gymnastics clothing, a feather boa, the magical wand, and shimmer skirt. She was of course beautiful. I was instructed to bring additional accessories and clothing just in case the princess needed to make a wardrobe change. Didn't, but could have. Kennedy decided she wanted to invite her friend Ashlyn. Ashlyn's mom Dawn was in the same boat as we were. Bring everything they have and just let it happen. Kennedy once again played "mother hen" to her friend. She loves knowing what is going to happen next and helping her friend with the exercises. They had a great time. Ashlyn did so well. We figured the girls would talk about this for at least a week afterward. I know Kennedy did.

Camp out!

Tanya and Kennedy like to "camp-out" in the living room on weekends. Usually, Kennedy uses a Tinkerbell tent given to her by her godparents, but she is getting a little to tall to fit in the tent, so we decided to drape a sheet over the two halves of the sofa. As you can see from the picture, Disney (dog) liked it as well. She is definitely a "den animal". Anyway, I woke up the next morning to find all four of them laying on the sleeping bags in a tight little bundle. Guess Kennedy and Tanya get closer to nature i.e the dogs, than being in the woods.

That's not in the Dictionary!

Kennedy received a fire engine for Christmas and since then has been pulling it around like a puppy. She has been rolling it around on the ground. Well the other day she decided to start carrying it around. I told her that the Fire truck has wheels and that it was meant to roll not fly. I told her it was a truck not a helicopter. She looked right back at me and said, "Daddy, hello-crappers have wheels too." If I knew what a "hello-crapper" was, I might be able to argue the point, but I guess I'll have to take her word for it.

Vegas? Florida?

Kennedy took off this past weekend to spend some time with Her grandparents, since she was off of school until the 5th of January. The day she left we went to meet Tanya's BFF Marnie and her family in Florida. They are a great couple and we have a great time with them. They live in Vegas and are the most interesting couple. She is a real life CSI officer. Mostly works in the lab now but did field work for a couple of years. He is part of the bomb squad for the LVPD. Can you say dinner party entertainment? Neil and I are cut from the same cloth and Marnie and Tanya are close enough to be sisters. So, the time we spent together is always a good time. We met at Marnie's brother's house on Pensacola Bay. WOW! Can you say gorgeous. We ate some good south Louisiana food cooked by MS Marie, Marnie's mom. All of Marnie's family lives withing 10 miles of each other. Except one brother who lives in California. But all of them where in for Christmas. It was great to see everyone. It had been a long time since we saw all of the family. Anyway below is a picture of all of us standing behind the house with the bay as the back drop.

P.S. If anyone is interested, Vincent's Mother-in-law has a house for sale on the Water in Gulf Breeze. For a low, low price of $800K.