Summer Highlights

Even though I'm not teaching away from home anymore and Grace Louise is not in school yet, I can't seem to get away from the mindset of the school year calendar. (I guess that comes from being in school one way or another for 20 years).

The summer (weather) here in Florida is by no means over, but since most of our friends and family are back in school, the fast pace of summer is starting to wind down. With the fall season in the Sunshine State comes the occasional long sleeved shirt, dreams of places where leaves change color, hunting season, pumpkin and cinnamon (preferably in a pastry and Starbucks coffee), and of course, Gator football, Gator football, and Gator football!!! Did I mention Gator football?!?! (We're really excited about that in the Hurst house).

We've had such an exciting first summer as a family of three, I thought I'd highlight a few activities from the past month.

Addi- The Birthday Princess

One of Grace Louise's best buddies, Addi Fann, turned "1" at the end of July. We enjoyed her pool party princess birthday and were so thankful that she graciously shared her new toys with Grace Louise. It's hard to believe that we too will be planning a first birthday here very soon! (I think Grace Louise has put in for a bouncing turtle like the one she was riding at Addi's party!)

Meeting Renee

I was so excited to finally introduce these two very special girls to each other! I met Renee when she was only in the second grade through the CHAMPS (Collegiates Helping As Mentors in Public Schools) mentoring program at the University of Florida in 2002. I visited Renee every week for the four years I lived in Gainesville and developed a great relationship with her. Now she's going into the 10th grade and is growing into a smart and extremely kind-hearted young lady. During her visit she played Big Sister to Grace Louise (and was a tremendous help, by the way). We did a little school clothes shopping, went for a picnic and swimming at the lake, kayaked, and really enjoyed our time together.

Englewood Beach Trip

We left daddy at home for this one and went to the beach with LaLa for our second summer vacation adventure! This was all about fun in the sun; it was nice to take a break from the hard work of fishing and just enjoy the beach and pool. Don't worry... daddy will have us back out there wettin' a line in no time!

It's kind of like fetch for babies...

And she got it!

*Pppplllllllllltttttt

Sweet time with mommy. These moments are abundant. Pictures of us together, however, are hard to come by.

Uncle Bubba's Birthday Celebration

Lake Clinch

Somebody is not paying attention to the baby...