thanksgiving day

this day trumps all other 364 days...year after year.

don't laugh.  it's the teacher in me. 

attempting to be artsy

these two make me awfully happy.

although it's not humane, i wish she could squish some of these birds. they can be annoying.

dummy, daughter, decided to chase the birds away.

oh, but my bird whisperer brings 'em right back.

he's so calm and patient.  they come right to him and eat from his bare hand.

my sweet boy!

still feeding the birds. 

can't beat this view for a thanksgiving meal.

the henderson/allen meal begins.  wishing chris, manny, and sunshine could be with us.

nothing compares to this view each afternoon.

you sneaky little dressing stealer!

boppy and his boy...best buddies

my coop

i'm freakin' out, but somehow i managed to snap a shot in my state of panic.

we make a mean thanksgiving meal! well, mom gets most of the credit, but i enjoy the teamwork.

another happy thanksgiving!

meanwhile, back in lakeland, the allen boys spend the day together.

natalie, evy, andy, and quentin

my SUNSHINE!!

thankful

it's that time again...

thanksgiving at the beach with my family!!

waiting to watch the sunset!

it's an ugly sweater day for T.

she ain't even afraid of jellyfish.

mom and i made it to the rocks!

it's a long way back home.

kerry kept throwing bread to the pigeons right beside T, which makes her freak out!

day trip to 30A to visit the cutchins.  julia and cooper had a great time hanging out, even on a rainy day.

osaka!!  never a trip to destin without a night of sushi.

boppy is the best!

sunset, wine, and a good book...  life is good.

the girls!

he said, "yes"!

let me back up and explain...

so briarcrest's winter formal is coming up, and this time it's "sadie's style".  she chose to ask her friend, Cameron, who just recently transferred (like, a couple of weeks ago) from BCS to CBHS.  i think they both can relate to being the new transfer, leaving close friends behind. briarcrest is certainly sad to lose him, and T wanted him to remain a part of the fun for this year's winter formal!

apparently the thing, these days, is to go all out when you ask someone to a dance (even if it's traditional with boys asking the girls).  chris and i refused to buy in...but as you can see from this post, we fell in line with the others.  i hardly think T was gonna let us stick to our guns and demand she ask him the old-fashioned way- yes, with a telephone and an actual voice!

T came up with the idea of a scavenger hunt in a baseball theme.  chris helped with the baseball terminology as T and i coined the rhymes.  i have to admit it was pretty fun planning this out together, though we were all a bit skeptical that it would actually play out without a hitch. but with the help of Heinz, Thomas, Cam's mom, and the baseball gods for having the field lights on and the gate open- the scavenger hunt was a success.  it was an adrenaline rush because we had to drop off people at each destination with fairly precise timing.  T screamed the whole time!

i'm sure they hated having good-ole mom around, but 15 ain't free yet!  plus i'm the photographer, which is why i keep this blog.  the kids want access to the pictures without having to email large files so they can IG, FB, Tweet, and whatever else the tech-social world has to offer.

happy that Cameron said, "yes". although, i would have peed on myself (laughing) if he tossed her the ball that said, "no".  what a day!!

Batter up!

This is where the game begins.

My money’s on you as the guy who wins. 

Step up to the plate and swing for a date.

Get in your car, but don’t go too far.

Find the nearest Gas Station where the candy bars are.

(across the street by Wendy’s) 

Way to go, Camo! 

You’ve made it to first.  You’re into the groove.

But it’s now up to you to make the next move.

The pitcher checks down, so you choose to steal.

Now head to McDonald’s (Trinity) for a Happy Meal.

Hey, hey, Kountry with a K! 

Stealing second was a clever play!

With your Happy Meal open wide,

Read the clue you see inside.

Two baseballs I offer to you from me.

Don’t worry, Camo,this all leads to T!

The batter just hit a sacrifice fly,

So tag up and sprint to a DQ nearby.

Congratulations!

You’re safe at third, the end is not far.

Keep your head in the game, and you’ll be the star!

I have a question.  It’s simple, you see.

Will you kindly go to FORMAL with me?

The next hit will be a suicide squeeze,

So know that my question ends with a “please”.

I hope you can hear the sound of my voice

As you thoughtfully make a yes or no choice.

You can run to home plate that’s found at the Crest.

The game’s almost over, you can finally rest.

I’ll be waiting for your answer at the pitcher’s mound,

Hoping to see YES on a ball that is round.

Taegan 

the "real" #1 team in state

After beating Father Ryan 2-1 in the State semi-finals, it was a tough loss for the Saints against GPS in the finals after 110 minutes of hard play. It was a nail-biter until the end. Scoreless through two different overtimes- ten minute halves and Golden Goal five minute halves. PKs ended 7-6, which didn't really prove the better team!  Next year, they're planning to bring home a RING!!  Watch it happen!! 

I will always believe they are the #1 team!! Love these girls! 

17-2-2 is a record for the books!

Happy girls after beating Father Ryan in the semi-finals!!