Our Southern Side

 This Easter/Spring Break we got to spend our holiday in Dave's hometown of Pensacola, FL.  It had been three years since the kids were there for a visit and we figured it was time.  We are so glad we did because it was awesome!!!  Grandma had lots of fun Easter activities planned...a kids primary activity/Easter Egg hunt was being held, so our three joined in the fun. 



There were crafts and treats and every child was transformed into a bunny.  I think Grant's tail was especially fetching. 



We colored eggs, hunted for them in Grandma and Grandpa's back yard, found Easter baskets, went to church and had a declicous Easter dinner. 



We were in town for a very momentous occasion-Grandpa's 75th birthday!  It was great to join in the celebration. 



We even made a special birthday annoucment to him in the sand at the beach. 



Speaking of the beach...it doesn't get better than this soft white sand and clear water.  It is paradise there!  The kids could have spent all week there. 



Brenna was a little hesitant and cried at first.  She said she loved the beach, except for the sand and the water!!  Grandma took her searching for seashells,



and Dave made her a little Lagoon where she decided it was her own little pool.  Aunt Anna was a invited in the exclusive Brenna resort!



There was plenty of frolicking, building and buring- it couldn't have been better!


Dave and I also left town and left the kiddos over night.  We drove over to experience New Orleans.  And that place is quite an experience.  We stopped by a cemetery- they are fascinating there.  It's all above ground since New Orleans is below sea level.  Plus, we got to see a voodoo queen's burial site.  we etched our three 'x's' spun around, knocked on her grave and she spoke to us.  Okay, she didn't but that is the ritual.  We passed on that, but watched others seek her assitance. 



Mostly my favorite part is was just eating beignets at Cafe Du Monde.  Okay, lets discuss my hair for a brief moment.  It became a mop of kinky curls, very similar to a man's mullet.  The humidity always makes things unpredictable, but this was out of control. 



When we got back to Pensacola, we took the kids to the Naval Air Museum, home of the Blue Angels.  It is an amazing place. 



Everyone loves climbing in the jets, looking at the helicopters,



and of course, riding a missile. 



There is a replica of a air craft carrier that Dave's granddooy was on during World War II while in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.  We have a lot of family who served (or are serving) in the military and it is an honor to learn from them. 

Across from the museum, is the lighthouse, still in working order.  We climbed all nearly 200 stairs (without Brenna)  and it was fabulous. 



We spent lots of time with family, family we don't get to see very often.  Dave's grandpa lives by a bunch of goats and donkeys.  The kids loved feeding those stinky animals. 



Grandpa Church always had a bag of veggies cut and ready to go out for the kids to take.  We also saw Dave's uncles JP and Jimmy.  Because Dave's siblings (and parents) are spread out all over the country, sometimes it is years between visits.  We loved seeing Anna and Curt (and Droopie)

 and Dean. 

 

Grandma and Grandpa are the best hosts-they even gave up their bedroom for the 5 of us.  It was a fantastic vacation, full of family and fun!  Dave loves reconnecting with his southern roots and I love hearing my kids pick up a southern drawl by the end of the week!!