Hello friends!
The blog was down yesterday, sorry about that! Things of technical nature tend to be completely out of my control, which I’m thankful for, because if I was responsible for getting it back up and running it would still be down! Sister’s was down too {might still be} so at least I was in good company! I’m thankful that I have a tech-support-butler named Geoffrey who I can email and say, “Umm something is up!” and then I just get to sit and wait while he figures it out! That’s the best kind of problems to have, in my opinion, ones you know you can’t control! At the very VERY bottom of the blog there are small words that say “Site Migration-Launch-Hosting by the Blog Butler“. We {Erika & myself} call him Geoffrey {you know, Fresh Prince butler Geoffrey} because we can be little pests and we really prefer nicknames over real names. His real name is Chris, he lives in Dallas with his beautiful and talented photographer wife Ruth {+ their 2 adorable kids}. He is responsible for all technical aspects of the blog. I write posts and take pictures and pretty much he handles the technical side. Anyway, this is probably not the best time to talk about him when the site goes down {even though it’s the first hiccup I’ve ever had} but, it too, was completely out of his control. Sometimes servers like to change disks {or something like that} and they decided yesterday was a good time to do that, unannounced, of course. In good butler-style he said, “We’re moving this junk!” {my interpretation} and now we’ve left those people in the dust and have a new server, not that I would ever know any of this but this is what he tells me. So thanks, Geoffrey for always being helpful, putting up with us & our emoticons :), getting the site back up and taking care of technical matters that I’m clueless about.
Now that we’re back in order I’ll share that we snuck away over the long weekend and as I age it takes me longer and longer to recuperate from such travels. And in all honesty I’m still adjusting to summer that I was so VERY much looking forward to! For instance, yesterday Rover took his diaper off, tee tee’d on the rug in the den and as I went to retrieve cleaning supplies and a dry diaper, he went in the playroom and layed down a poop on the carpet and then thought it would be funny to step in it, mind you, while I’m cleaning up his tee tee. He better be glad he melts my heart like he does!
I’ve established a new rule for Rover, nudity is only allowed outside!
On our way down to the lake we stopped by one of these classic roadside stands for a watermelon. Justin’s a sucker for a roadside stand and I always like to tease and ask him if he’s ok with the “home grown” produce having stickers on it.
We snagged a watermelon and were on our way! Sticker or no sticker, it was delicious! And everyone loved it but Rover.
Justin has been coming to the lake since 1980 and we both love that our kids get to have the same experiences he had as a child, and even play with the same toys that he played with!
It’s a spring-fed lake, one of the deepest in Florida, and the water is crystal clear. None of these pictures are edited to make the water look clear or blue… it is blue as blue can be! If it’s ever cloudy or mucky it means the men have stirred it up with a ferocious round of dock basketball. The best part about the lake is that no motor boats are allowed, only self-propelled {paddle boats, canoes, kayaks}, wind-propelled {sail boats}, or trolling motors {battery powered}. Which makes for a peaceful, jet ski-free, roaring boat motor-free lake experience!
Some close friends joined us for the weekend and the kids had an absolute blast! I’m certain next summer {when she’s 6 🙂 } Morgan will be able to take the kayak out. We let her practice in the 2-foot water and she thought she was such a big girl… she was!
Captain Justin and his fearless co-captain took us out on many boat rides…
where the kids and adults enjoyed the BIG water!
A few scattered showers ruined Blackberries {the non-edible ones} and sent us packing for higher, dryer screened porches.
The men had a blast, killing each other, and muddying up our clear water in a few competitive games of dock basketball.
As soon as they were done, the kids were right back in the water ready to wear themselves out!
Rover was a good boy and got several kisses from the ladies…
And he made me proud when he comforted sweet Mary Grace in her time of distress!
In addition to our family dog, Eufaby…
we had a visitor/stray join us, we called him Robert. The first day he showed up with a collar on, the next few he came to us collarless. Justin was convinced it was our sign to take him home with us, but Robert has his “parts” and I don’t really handle male dog parts that well. “Handle” is a poor word choice in this sentence, you know I just don’t care to see them. Robert had some sort of eye problem the first day too… he wouldn’t open his right eye, but it must have healed when they took his collar off because he came back collarless and wide-eyed! He was a good little man and loved being around us!
We had an absolutely delightful weekend in the company of God’s beautiful creation and close friends! The kids wore themselves out and we were all glad uncle Tommy was there and wiling to interrupt a wonderful steak dinner for a little story time.
It was a much needed, relaxing weekend away and why we don’t go more often, I’m not sure! Except getting ready to go can be a little involved… but worth the work!
As we were driving off, I was sadly watching Robert follow close by in the rear view mirror…
when a woman flagged us down. She was some what distraught and asked us to kill a snake for her.
Little did she know she stopped the wrong person! My husband has spent far too many hours under the training of Bruce Means at FSU to kill a snake. With a quick identification he said, “Oh you don’t want to kill that snake! He’s great, that’s gray rat snake, he won’t hurt you! He’s a good snake!” Much to her dismay he didn’t kill it. She was so sweet and kept saying, “This is my yard, please kill it, we’re asking you to kill it!” He quickly caught it and promised her to relocate it down the road a ways but that he couldn’t, in good conscience, kill it! Sorry about the rear end shot, I was not getting out of the truck!
The kids and I watched from the truck because we don’t quite have the same affection and fondness for snakes that Justin does. I smiled as she held up the trellis for protection, from 20 feet away and snapped pictures on her phone!
Come to find out we have a few mutual friends and she is on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ in Jacksonville! We exchanged phone numbers and Justin used the opportunity to share that the tale-tell sign of a good {non-poisonous snake} is round pupils. Not that I think she’ll ever get close enough to examine the pupils of a snake!
Round pupils or not, I still find them a little slimy and will likely never pick one up!
Justin hopped in the back of the truck, because I was not letting him and the snake in the truck with the kids, non-poisonous or not they can still strike. We slowly drove down the road to release him in a wooded area!
My husband is hilarious and as I drove he tried to do some Jackie Chan turned snake charmer moves on me from the rear view mirror! Life with him is never dull!
Hope you all are doing well, glad we’ve reconnected and hope each of you had a memorable Memorial Day weekend too! And thank you to those of you who are currently serving our country in the military or are supporting your spouses who are serving our country! I am so very grateful for all the sacrifices you make for us!
Ashley
June 3, 2010 at 9:56 amOH MY WORD hahahaha! The whole poop story cracked me up! I had one of those weeks a couple weeks ago. The worst was when I was minding my own business walking along… slid a little ways… looked down and realized I had stepped and was sliding in my daughter’s turd. Lovely. But isn’t motherhood wonderful? 🙂 🙂
Your weekend looks fabulous! There’s nothing better than relaxing with family and friends by the water!
Shae
June 3, 2010 at 10:06 amIt looks like you had a wonderful weekend (except for the snake part)!
The lake is beautiful! I was curiuos, can you tell me where the lake is located in Florida? Also, did you rent a cabin or do you have a house there?
I love reading your stories! =)
Becca B.
June 3, 2010 at 10:19 amLove all the pictures! You have a beautiful family. I’m also from FL, the Tampa area, and would love to know what lake this is. My husband and I went to Ocala last summer to a few fresh water springs there and had a great time. Thanks!
Tina
June 3, 2010 at 10:37 amAwww, the dog chasing your truck is the saddest thing ever! I would have cried!
kat
June 3, 2010 at 10:41 amThat lake looks amazing! The picture of Robert running behind you as you left absolutely breaks my heart. I hope he finds a good home. 🙁
Emily Loewen
June 3, 2010 at 10:46 amDarby, I love your new post! I am new to blogging, and also find that the technical side is daunting. Too bad I don’t have a Geoffrey to help me out! I love your pictures and the crispness of each shot. Hopefully I can follow in your camera footsteps and convice my hubs to get me a new camera! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Amanda
June 3, 2010 at 10:48 amI am a total lurker and LOVE reading your blog. Your family is too precious for words and I love hearing about your lives!
ARW
June 3, 2010 at 10:49 amI just wanted to let you know how much I am in L-O-V-E with your blog! I have made all of my (girl) friends and family aware of how much I adore reading about you and your family…as funny as this sounds you are like my celebrity. I read your blog so much that my husband (who by the way resembles in looks/sense of humor your hubbie) has now begun to let me know when there are “darby updates!” – I think he too has become a “stalker”. Yesterday I think he told me a hundred time…”the sites still down”! I am soon to be a mother of a baby girl in july and I love seeing what I have to look forward to. I also love all the recipes. I actually found your blog through your sisters…I love interior design blogs 2! Im rambling now but I just wanted to spread the love! Thanks for sharing with us – we just enjoy it so!
meaghan
June 3, 2010 at 11:01 ambrings back memories of our lake home as a kid 😉 LOVE the woman hiding behind the measly screen!!!! we’re on crusade staff too!!! wish i knew who she was!!! xoxo
Kristyn G
June 3, 2010 at 11:05 amI’m glad to see yall had a wonderful weekend-snake and all! The lake looks fabulous!! Can you link us up to some more information or is it a family home?
sherry pitts
June 3, 2010 at 11:08 amOkay, PLEASE tell Geoffrey to NEVER let this blog go down again! Like I mentioned in a previous post, yours is the main one I read (my “me time” which is kinda funny that it would be a blog about a mom with kids)and next is your sisters…I was FREAKIN out last night as I imagined the worst had happened! All of my other blogs were up and running just not yours and your sister’s! So glad all is well and that you had a fun weekend with your family and friends…now off to the movies my first time with all five kids…pray!
Ashley Buchanan
June 3, 2010 at 11:24 amoh the joys of being a mother to a lil’ boy! I’ve got some of the same stories-(poop and all)to bad for us they have sweet faces and we love them dear!
Lillian - Domestic Simplicity
June 3, 2010 at 11:49 amSO MUCH FUN! You have a good crew:)
Mary Elizabeth
June 3, 2010 at 11:55 amI never knew a trellis could be used for snake protection!
I’m laughing at the poop-incident!!…all I can say is don’t ever worry about it.
I had a certain boy-child that occasionally went down that road…he practices law now!
{And if he ever knew I just posted this, he’d sue me}
Enjoy your summer!
Sarah
June 3, 2010 at 12:01 pmLooks like your family had an amazing weekend. Your children are adorable.
Sarah
Lauren Ahier
June 3, 2010 at 12:16 pmDarby – I was laughing about your experience with your little one taking off his diaper. I am so encouraged by how positive you are!
I am overwhelmed by the ins and outs of getting my blog running but I am inspired by yours. Glad you had such a nice weekend. ~ Lauren Ahier
rindy
June 3, 2010 at 12:17 pmJustin the Snake Wrangler, got a nice ring to it.
Beth
June 3, 2010 at 12:17 pmGreat post – I felt sorry for the dog too but he must live with someone because he couldn’t take his own collar off. I’ve been waiting to tell you what fun I had last weekend making the shorts that you had made for Rover. I don’t know why I felt the need to make them (my daugher is 27) but I did so I made them for my little friend Elliot. I couldn’t find as nice a pattern or material around here so I called the smock shoppe and they couldn’t have been nicer. It was fun to make something that only took a couple hours. Thanks for inspiring all the fun. I have a few more little friends to sew for!
Katie
June 3, 2010 at 12:20 pmI tried to comment earlier…but I think it disappeared…so hopefully I’m not duplicating….
Anyhoo, I went on about how the snake was making my skin crawl…still is! But it’s inspiring (??) that your husband didn’t kill it. I’ve got a million gray snakes in my yard…solid gray ones that get pretty long…I have no idea if they have kind pupils or not… I just scream like a banshee and run in the house. I think my snake fear was only exaggerated by this story:https://dailyindependent.com/local/x1192782782/Snakes-attack-man-in-his-yard … which I think they later determined was made up.
Is that Robert in the snake lady’s yard?
The lake trip … looks like so much fun … wow, that water is really blue, very beautiful! And if that’s not the cutest co-captain in the world…so what if he occasionally leaves a steamer (pun intended) on the rug every now and then. ;o)
BB Wooten
June 3, 2010 at 12:21 pmWhat an awesome weekend and hilarious post! I loved that little picture of Rover comforting his friend. What a sweet, fun time with friends and fam.
I’m so jealous of that clear, perfect water! Too pretty!
katiep
June 3, 2010 at 12:24 pmi’m on staff with Crusade at FSU, i bet we have mutual friends/people we know! 🙂
Bryn
June 3, 2010 at 12:49 pmIs it wrong of me to declare your husband has won the ‘hottest and most manly husband in blogland’ award? He’s like straight out of Desperate Housewives with those calves and snake-rescuing skills!
😉
Marisa
June 3, 2010 at 12:51 pmDarby, Love this post!! I miss the lake so much, haven’t been since my senior year of college. I think that was also the first time I met Morgan! Also, it is hilarious that you posted the picture of that Little People airplane– I think that when I was little, Kathie gave my mom some of Justin’s old toys for me and that was one of them! Glad to see it made it back for your little ones to enjoy! Miss y’all! xoxo, Marisa
Rebecca
June 3, 2010 at 1:06 pmOh, the poop! Some days I feel like I’m in it up to my eyeballs! We started duct taping Leighton’s diaper a few months ago when we realized that she found it fun to take it off immediately after getting in bed. At first we were able to deter her by putting pants or cute, lacy diaper covers on her but then she started taking them off. We started putting her in zip up jammies but then she started unzipping them! Long story short, I decided that I didn’t want to walk in her room to find a perfectly dry, clean diaper and a wet, dirty bed. 🙂 At least she thinks it’s dirty though and stands as far away from it as she can!
Katherine @ Grass Stains
June 3, 2010 at 1:17 pmThis post was worth the wait! Thanks for sharing some of the details of your wonderful week away at the lake … we go to Smith Lake just north of Birmingham and also up to Chattanooga to the lake every summer, and we love our time there with friends. Such wonderful memories for our kids! Glad you’re back. 🙂
jo
June 3, 2010 at 1:29 pmoh god…please tell me you really took that poor dog home. or at least lie to me and tell me as you were driving away his owner came and retrieved him 🙂
Sarah@Clover Lane
June 3, 2010 at 1:30 pmNo way would I have allowed him inside that car either with a snake. Looks like you had a great time.
Melissa
June 3, 2010 at 1:45 pmOk…the last picture of the “snake charmer” is hilarious! I laughed out loud at that one. I think it should be filed away and put on the front of his 50th birthday invitation! All of your pictures are so great…it looks like you had a fantastic time. 🙂
Whitney @ www.whitsyadayada.blogspot.com
June 3, 2010 at 2:24 pmI LOVE this!! Our Memorial Day posts look VERY similar! Instead of the lake we head to The Rivah. I spent my summers at the river as a child and it is so cool that now my kids are having the same experiences! Your water is much prettier than ours though 🙂 Looks like a great time…thanks for the post!
Laura
June 3, 2010 at 2:32 pmGlad you had such a fun weekend – I’m used to lake water being brown and yucky but the blue water is beautiful. I have so missed your posts this week but this one was hilarious! The other girls in the office think I’m crazy but I was laughing out loud at this one – yes, I sneak some blogtime in while working. Must admit that I’m like the lady with the trellis…any snake in my yard is an unwanted snake but somehow I knew there was no way Justin was going to kill it. And I never knew about the shape of the pupils…always heard something about the shape of the head but couldn’t keep that straight…like I’m even thinking straight when I cross paths with a snake! As always your children are precious and Rover is quite the ladies man!
Lauren
June 3, 2010 at 2:42 pmLooks like everybody had a great time at the lake. That water is beautiful lake water. Most lake water is not-so-pretty. How wonderful that your children can play with the same toys that your husband played with when he was a child~that’s special! Love the snake story and the last snake picture!
heather pennington
June 3, 2010 at 3:08 pmLaughing over the tee tee and the poop! I have a similar story over on my blog about my son pooping the yard and mooning the neighbors while we slipped and slided! It was a defining moment in motherhood for me:)
Jan
June 3, 2010 at 3:33 pmwhere is this lake in fl?
Jeremi
June 3, 2010 at 4:35 pm🙂 Fun! The lake is so pretty. The water looks nice and quiet.
Heather
June 3, 2010 at 5:13 pmI love, love, love your blog. I never comment but decided today to let you know how very much I enjoy your posts. It is apparent that God has blessed you with these gifts. I am suffering from all-day morning sickness and this has been particularly good for encouragement-and entertainment. Thanks
the domestic fringe
June 3, 2010 at 5:14 pmGreat photos! Looks like SO MUCH fun. Glad you enjoyed your weekend.
-FringeGirl
Megan K
June 3, 2010 at 5:20 pmI miss going to that lake!
Ruth
June 3, 2010 at 5:53 pmI’m not sure why you’re sorry for the rear-end shot 😉 Looks like a fun weekend was had by all!
Ashley
June 3, 2010 at 7:47 pmI wish I had the heart for people that I do for dogs- please tell us if you see ol’ Robert again!
Gloria
June 3, 2010 at 7:49 pmLoved the snake story – and the fact that your hubby was doing Jackie Chan moves!
Jenn
June 3, 2010 at 7:51 pmThe lake looks wonderful! Would you mind sharing the name of the lake?
Jaimie
June 3, 2010 at 8:13 pmSounds like a great weekend. The poop story, well, oh my! Haha and the lady with the trellis for protection is so funny and sweet, it seems! I would probably do the same thing!
Leigh
June 3, 2010 at 8:32 pmWhat a fun weekend! I love roadside stands. I think your watermelon is like buying a hot dog at a ball game…it’s just a plain old hot dog but for some reason it’s just better!
Sara
June 3, 2010 at 8:32 pmWhat a (snake) charmer! 🙂 Looks like a wonderful weekend was had by your beautiful little family – oh, that little Rover, so adventurous and into everything but how could you ever get mad at that sweet face?! And that water is unbelievable, I can’t get over how clear it is!
erika (mommasis)
June 3, 2010 at 8:44 pmyou are so freakin hilarious.
a. robert with the one eye closed? what the heck. that’s the funniest thing ever.
b. the camera phone and a trellis? so funny
c. beautiful lake and beautiful family. rover is a sweetheart even if he has bathroom habits of a puppy dog. raige and morgie – precious.
love you
Cat Moore
June 3, 2010 at 8:45 pmThat last snake picture is so funny. that is what my husband would have been doing. And, the picture of rover titled “wasthatok” looks just like you! Last, where is this lake?!?!? i want to go there. it is beautiful! tha
Melanie Gore
June 3, 2010 at 8:48 pmWhere are you in Florida? I just moved from Jacksonville to a suburb of Cincinnait and I miss the south. Reading your blog makes me so homesick. I grew up there and have also lived in Georgia.
I love all of your photos. The poor poochie is so cute & sweet and the lady with the camera phone was funny. We have season tickets to the FSU games. I think that it might be hard to make it to the games this upcoming season:)
Kristi
June 3, 2010 at 8:52 pmYour pictures are gorgeous! What is the name of the lake you visited?
angie
June 3, 2010 at 9:07 pmgreat pics! could you post the name of the lake? thx!
Lisa @ lists in my pocket
June 3, 2010 at 9:20 pmI think I’ve said this a million times, but I just love your pictures! I also heart lake living and am very jealous of your lake vacation and that clear water. Hope you are all having a good week!
Beth Lamberth
June 3, 2010 at 9:25 pmI have never known any dog called Eufaby except when my son Thomas was at Auburn and his roommate and friend, Michael, brought a stray home to their house on Gay Street in Auburn and called him EUFABY….can’t be the same dog, can it?!?!?
Meg - Something New
June 3, 2010 at 10:14 pmI love all the animal encounters! Your gorgeous pictures have inspired me to pick up a camera and take a few. Thanks for all the tips you have on here! Hope you all are having a great week!
Cami
June 3, 2010 at 10:26 pmSuch a wonderful weekend and such lovely photos. I love reading your blog and thank you for sharing your beautiful family with all of us. The picture of Robert absolutely BROKE my heart. It made me soooo sad 🙁
Ohhh the snake – I would have freaked out!
Enjoy your blog so much 🙂
mary katharine
June 4, 2010 at 5:17 amSharing life like no one else can:). And btw, if you’re old, I’m ancient (and I’ve got five to pack for, load and unload). Glad to know I’m not the only one left whipped!
Meredith
June 4, 2010 at 6:47 amSo glad your back! Loved the post and the beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing!
Mandy
June 4, 2010 at 6:55 amNice recap…so fun! I, too, love taking my kids to my ole’ stopping grounds! I CAN NOT STAND snakes so I am with you on that one and I sooooo get the preparation to leave town struggle…Lord, it is always fun but an act of congress to get out the door with the kids! Glad y’all made it there and back safely! Have a good weekend!
Mary Grace
June 4, 2010 at 7:20 amIn my whole life I’ve only met 3 other people who shared my name, Mary Grace. And only one of them actually goes by both names like me. So it was especially exciting to read this post and see the cutie who also shares the name! Looks like you had a great time.
Heather
June 4, 2010 at 7:51 amThe lake is gorgeous!! Do you mind sharing the name? We are always looking for family friendly, non crowded, vacation spots!
LiveLikeYou
June 4, 2010 at 8:05 amBEAUTIFUL!! That’s how we all should live!!
Julie M.
June 4, 2010 at 8:46 amYou are so lucky you have a place to get away to. The lake is beautiful! Question, what do you do with all your pictures? I was wondering if you’d do a post about what you do with all your digital pictures. Do you scrapbook, print them out in albums, only print a few?
You pictures are such great “stories” of your weekends and adventures, as are some of mine. Rather than the photos our parents kept of us, just a pose here or there. In this digital age, I’m struggling on what to do with all these photos, and thinking maybe a photobook might be the answer. Just wondering what you are doing now!
Allison B.
June 4, 2010 at 9:27 amThat looks like the best vacation spot ever! I am fairly new to your blog and have really enjoyed reading it. I have no children yet, but I’m taking a notes! It looks like you do a great job!
Beth
June 4, 2010 at 9:49 amOh my gosh, I about peed my pants when I saw the pic of your Hubby’s Jackie Chan impersonation! Great picture it really seems to capture his personality. Have a wonderful weekend! I have to say, again, you are an inspiration and I love your Blog!
MB
June 4, 2010 at 10:35 amI remember Bruce Means visiting my high school environmental science class. My best friend was so impressed she went on to study under him at FSU. She would come home telling stories about swimming in sink holes with snakes! I can’t say I’m hugely fond of snakes but I sure do admire people who are brave enough to be kind to them and even pick them up! Love reading your blog as always:) Oh, and the Jackie Chan impersonation…classic!
elizabeth
June 4, 2010 at 11:23 amthis looks like the perfect weekend, except for the snake! that is the kind of water i like to get in…..it looks clear and clean AND snake free. that picture of justin is hilarious though with his jackie chan moves.
oh, and poor robert. that is hilarious reading your description of him and his wonky eye. i like to believe that his family was close by.
your family is precious! i love the picture of the three kids. morgan’s face is so funny of her cracking up
Susan
June 4, 2010 at 11:53 amI absolutely love reading your blog! You have the most wonderful family and I so love to read of your exploits! Not only is Rover a manly-little man he also has a tender side. Your girls are just beautiful and are so sweet to Rover. As for the snake, I am with the woman with the trellis. I still believe that the good snake is a dead snake! Keep enjoying your life and thanks for sharing tidbits with us.
jessica
June 4, 2010 at 12:23 pmAww, I wanna cry for Robert the doggie! 🙁
Kathleen Cox
June 4, 2010 at 1:27 pmThree cheers for Justin — when I hear about people killing snakes at a drop of the hat just because it is a snake it is so stupid.. The delicate balance of the Florida ecosystem is challenged each day by the mentality of others similar to that that woman. Darby, you are wrong she asked the RIGHT person –he saved the snake and educated that woman . Your Husband is a great negotiator he turned the encounter to a win win situation You are very lucky and those that read our blog are touched each day . He’s not mr slipper socks he is the charmed snake guy
Lisa
June 4, 2010 at 2:42 pmLet’s just say our recent encounter with a snake didn’t end so well for the snake. I’m fine with them . . . as long as I don’t see them and they don’t see me. That is interesting about the pupils though, not that I would EVER get close enough to check either.
Christy
June 4, 2010 at 3:48 pmSo glad you are back! What a great weekend away! The snake story is hilarious, glad it had a happy ending. My husband would have done the same thing. 🙂 We are actually getting a pet corn snake for our son next month for his b-day.
Chris
June 4, 2010 at 4:03 pmWhat a beautiful lake!
Jenn
June 4, 2010 at 5:15 pmAmazing…my husband would do the same with the snake and throw in a few quotes from literature. But you’ve got to love a good heart, right? Can you please share the location of that lake. I think that I’m the 1,345,738th person to ask. Thanks!
Amber
June 4, 2010 at 6:48 pmYour blog is my most favorite blogs of all blogs! Your photography is beautiful, your children are cute as can be, and your spiritual insight is enlightening and encouraging. I am a full-time nanny of three this summer (5yo girl, 10yo boy, and 13yo boy), and your posts always remind me to find the joy in each moment! Thank you so much for the happiness that you don’t even realize you are spreading. I look forward to stealing summertime-fun activities from you! 🙂
Kathleen Cox
June 5, 2010 at 9:53 amPlease do not reveal the location of the lake. Incidentally, the numerous free range dogs with no tags declaring these animals are current with their shots would be a BIG RED FLag for me that no strangers are welcome—– It is no doubt a private lake meant to be accessible by landowners only —as access is from private property. There is apparently no public access or public boat ramp,. ( Notice the port-o-potty on the road taken by robert) There are plenty of public access spring fed lakes in Florida many open to the public via a county park or State park. please support the state parks in Florida visit them, pay the entrance fee and enjoy. Visit the real florida by means of a county park, a privately owned park open to the public or a state park. Florida due to its oolite and karst topography is home to sinkholes, spring fed lakes and Tar ball littered beaches courtesy of the public demand for fossil fuels .
anslee
June 5, 2010 at 9:58 pmi love reading about all your adventures! but i need your help! i can’t seem to pull up your apron tutorial…could you please re-post it? it’s super darling – like all of your ideas. thank you! 🙂
Sara Jane
June 5, 2010 at 10:47 pmhahahaha! That last picture of Justin is hilarious. Poor Robert!! That absolutely breaks my heart that he was chasing after you! I think I shall go find him and take him home to live with me.
Heather
June 6, 2010 at 4:22 pmLove the pictures of summer beginning! The lake reminds me of amazing summers at our family’s camp – the best memories ever! Thanks for sharing your family adventures!
Trish @TheOldPostRoad
June 6, 2010 at 9:28 pmNo alligators? I thought all fresh water in FLorida had gators!
Seagrass Interiors
June 6, 2010 at 9:38 pmWhat a beautiful beautiful weekend! Your hubby is too funny with that snake (and the woman hiding behind her trellis too!!)
Melissa
Annie
June 7, 2010 at 8:26 amWhat a fun weekend! Your pictures always brighten my day, and as a native and current Floridian (Go Noles!), I love seeing Florida’s beached AND lakes showcased. We live in a beautiful state!
Justine
June 9, 2010 at 10:19 pmLove your photography! It inspires me to take better photos of my little boy, and makes me excited for the years ahead.
Also, snakes are surprisingly nice to hold – soft, warm, and smooth. (And I used to HATE snakes!)
Katie
June 15, 2010 at 2:55 pmYou have such a beautiful life – family, vacations, and fun! I love that Justin seems so good-natured about those unplanned encounters!