Time in Tampa

Well this past week we all went to Tampa, FL. Craig had some training to do at their Tampa branch, and being that Saturday was my birthday, Avalynn and I went along for the ride. This was my first trip to Tampa. We actually were in Brandon, which is on the outskirts of Tampa. It was nice to meet some more Smith & Nephew employees.

Wednesday we went to church with Terry and Kathy. Terry holds Craig's same position at the Tampa office and has been a great friend and mentor to Craig. They attend Bell Shoals Baptist Church, It is a HUGE and lovely church. They have approximately 7,000 members! I was a little intimated but everyone there was so friendly, it was like entering a little community. The church has so many programs it's unbelievable!

Poor Craig had to work ALL day Thursday so Avalynn and I had a bunch of time to kill. I don't drive well in traffic and especially if I don't know where I'm going. So, Avalynn and I stayed close to "home". We toured Toys R Us, Super Target and Brandon Mall. This was the most confusing mall ever! We walked around it for 3 hours (not purposefully), I just couldn't get out of there. Note to self, keep up the tradition of always parking at a department store. That evening we met back up with Craig, Terry and Kathy and went to Plant City to try out "Fred's". This place puts the Okefenokee to shame. It was delish! They offer a discount of $4 if you clean your plate (trying to cut back on waste), so we were forced to eat good :). Avalynn surprised everyone but chowing down on lima beans, greens, and rutabagas.

Almost to the weekend, and we were so looking forward to spending it with Craig. It was time to check out of the hotel too. Even though I made Craig take the big luggage down the night before, loading up the pack n play, diaper bag, toiletry bag and dirty clothes by yourself and a 17 month old is tough! After 4 trips to the car we finally made it! Thankfully Terry gave me the key to his house so Avalynn and I napped and enjoyed the afternoon thunderstorms from inside.

Now for the day we had been waiting for...My Birthday!!! (and the Florida Aquarium). The day started off not at all how I had planned. Avalynn decided to wake up at 12:30 and start her day. After 3 1/2 hours of singing, playing with dolls, climbing in the bed with us, tickling our toes, showing us eyes, ears, mouth, nose, she finally went back to sleep. So the Loves started the day with 4 hours of interrupted sleep. Nothing multiple Diet Cokes and a Red Bull couldn't fix though. What a good choice we made for our family day. Avalynn loved seeing all the fish, and Craig and I have made a decision to buy one for Avalynn and pray it lives longer than a day. It was tough keeping her in the stroller because there was so much to see. Thankfully it was TOO crowded and we could let her walk close by. We decided to go on a dolphin excursion (more like just a scenic boat ride). I was a little miffed when we were told to leave our stroller. How was I supposed to contain a 17 month old on a boat, and during her nap time? What a mess that was. After an hour of her screaming off and on she FINALLY gave up and fell asleep. Which is extremely rare. She never sleeps anywhere but in her crib and car seat. After the aquarium, we went back to freshen up and then off to my surprise dinner. I'm a cheap date and easy to please. I'm a Mexican food junkie so that's where Craig and the Payne's took me! It was so good. Not sure if it was the food or because all we had eaten that day was a $6 hot dog at the aquarium.

We all hit the hay early! Even though I wanted very much to sleep in and head straight back home to my bed, we went to church again with the Payne's. So glad we did! We enjoyed the worship and sermon so much! Their service started at 9:15 so we were able to make it to Red Lobster as they were opening their doors. One good thing about an early service, no wait! After lunch it was time to say goodbye. We will miss Terry and "Old Goat" very much. They had 3 granddaughters and now 4 because they are now known and as Avalynn's adopted grandparents :)

Didn't mean for this post to be so long but we had a busy week to talk about!

Admiring all the pretty fish

Daddy was in Heaven getting to spend all this time with his baby girl

Entertaining Avalynn the best we know how, watching George!

See Mom, I'm so innocent

Mesmorized by the eel

After a night of no sleep and a day full of fun, we are exhausted

Terry and "Old Goat"

Family Fun Under the Sun

This past week, we loaded up and met MiMi, Gus, Jan and Ev down in Daytona for a few days. Avalynn had a blast! MiMi and Gus had already been there for 3 days, so the Loves had some catching up to do. Thankfully, Craig was able to drive down Friday after work and stayed until Tuesday morning. We were very excited that Uncle Jay and Kimberly got to join us for a couple days too! Avalynn loves her Uncle "Bubba" and knows whatever she wants, he'll get (especially food).

So thankful I had plenty of babysitters because it took all of us to keep an eye on Avalynn. Not only is she fearless of the ocean, but she isn't into just sitting and playing in the sand. She had to be moving ALL day! One of the highlights was Gus catching fish in his cast net and letting Avalynn play with them. She definitely has some tom-boy in her. She would love on the fishy and of course cried when we had to throw them back. No need to worry, she got a new pet, Daddy found her a hermit crab, whom she named "George"...big surprise there. Saturday night, when the whole family was together, we went to eat at Park's Seafood. Which just happened to be the restaurant my parents ate at during their first vacation as a married couple (29 years ago). Sunday was our last night with Jay and Kimberly so we let him pick. It was a local italian place, which served amazing homemade pizza! Monday it was overcast so no sun for us. Craig, Avalynn and I loaded up and went to eat at a local seafood restaurant outside. I'm not a big fish eater but whatever I had, was delish. Avalynn thought so too because she ate half of my filet. Monday evening, Craig and I were going to have a date night, but it didn't get past our bar-b-que dinner. We rode by Krispy Kreme and the hot sign was on. I'm pretty sure it's against the law to pass one without stopping when that's the case.So, we made a detour and surprised Gus with a dozen donuts. It was a sad morning Tuesday when we had to all load up to head home, 4 days was not near long enough. Back to reality :(

On a different note, Craig and I have decided to put our house on the market. We've been talking about it for a while now and I finally decided to be proactive and do it! Hopefully we can sell it ourselves, if not, we'll involve a realtor. So, if y'all know of anyone looking for an adorable starter home, send them our way! We're not sure where we'll end up, someone in N. FL though. Craig's going to need a shorter commute. It's been hard on him getting home when I'm putting Avalynn to bed. Just praying God puts us where He pleases. I have mixed emotions. Not only did we put our blood, sweat and tears into that house, but all of our family and friends are here. Who knows, it may be on the market a while.

Completey Fearless!

Very upset about having to throw her fish back.

Cutest little beach bottom.

Jumping in the water and going under does not stop this one.

Filling the need to fill the ocean with sand.

Avalynn's pet "George" (he did not make it home)

Finally worn out!

Date Night

No matter how many times we tried, we could not get a descent picture.