So...here are the vacation pics.

First of all, getting everything loaded up for 8 people
was a challenge.

Then there's the trip. Mile after mile after mile.....
Hour after hour, on and on we drove.

And then......there it was,
That wonder "SIGN"
of RELIEF.

"Hey guys, LOOK AT THAT! ! ! What is it? Josh, do you see her? Yea, oh my gosh. What is she wearing? You mean what is she not wearing?" The first thing everyone noticed was how much skin they could see. That was both fun to look at and sometimes scarey, or even down right disturbing at the same time.

This is the Days Inn that we stayed at. Not the best, but cheap enough.

"Emma, here comes a wave....you might want to move." Ok, that's gotta hurt. Salt in the eyes.
The water was very salty. It takes some getting used to. It was crystal clear however. That's why the Pensacola Bay is called the Emerald Bay.




This is skimboarding. You throw the board onto the water while running and then jump on it and try to stay up.

Not for Dad! ! !

They got better after awhile, but Dad didn't try it.

Good one Josh....nice ride. Ammon stayed after it until he got it down pretty good.

Ammon worked at it for quite awhile

and mastered it.

The waves were pretty good for body boarding. The best waves were on Monday, but the beach patrol wouldn't let anyone in the water because of the waves and the currents left over from the hurricane.

Is that Ben in the wave, or a shark?


Ride that wave.

Josh is waiting for the big one.
Ammon caught this one just right. If you can get on the front of the wave you can ride it all of the way in.

The next morning we went

on a fishing trip 9 miles off the

coast, looking for that big one,

the mother of all fish.

The fishing was good.
The boat trip was really something too.

It took about 35 min. to get to our first spot.

The sea was moving with swells of about 5 to 6 feet and it's a good thing we took

motion sickness pills before we went.
Ammon couldn't wait to taste his catch.

So, this is what we caught. 8 Snapper was our limit, and then Ammon caught a nice Grouper.
We could have caught 3 times as much if not for the limit, which was imposed just about 2 months ago......or so our guide said.

"Ok, Ben, where did we see those girls.

I've got something that I want to show them.

The ones with the, you know, the ones that.....anyway, where were they?"

"You'll have to go without me Ammon,

I'm too close to my mission."

What's wrong Brenda, is the water too cold?

Or maybe you just don't want to
put that sexy suit on, huh?

David got more jellyfish stings than anyone.

Go figure.

"Hey, you guys. What's that in the water?

It looks kind of weird. Yea, what is it?"

"It's a jellyfish,
run for lives. Where is it?
It's everywhere.
One there, and there, oh my gosh.....run!"

There were Jellyfish in the water because of the

hurricane that passed through the area just a few

days before. Several of the kids were stung, but it

didn't keep them out of the water for long.

One evening we were on the boardwalk. We ate icecream, shopped, and took stupid funny pictures.

This is a great picture. I've got to tell you

we still have it. Just look at us. We don't

look a day over 25. Just two love birds.

On the boardwalk. With the chef. He didn't say much.

Josh, chillin' at the boardwalk. He tells his friends that this is really his car.

We went to the Naval Air Station. There were a lot of exhibits and a lot airplanes to see. Can you find Ammon in the picture?

Hint: Look behind Ben

David liked this one for the color.

Yes, these are grown boys. But this was just too cool. To sit in the cockpit of a real jet fighter

There were simulators, and open cockpits to sit in. It was all pretty cool to see. We also saw a film on a 7 story IMAX screen. Really COOL!!

This Naval base is home to the Blue Angels.

Matthew, ready for take off.

This is Dad standing by his all-time

most favorite airplain, the Corsair.

Back into the water every chance

they got. The water was very salty

of course, and it stung our skin, but

we played in it until dark.


The white sand was great. We dug holes and made sculptures and just had a great time.

Emma stayed in the sand a little

too long, and David lost his head in it.

Can you figure out which one is David?

Well, Pensacola was fun. But the time

ran out, and we had to say goodbye

to the beach, and the ocean.

Ok, everyone, open your eyes and smile.

Time to go.

Back on the road for another 12 hours.

We drove through storms, took a detour

and got lost....but not for long.

"Let me out! ! ! I swear I have to pee. I mean it. I have to go....now. You don't believe me?"

"Just hold on for one more hour.

What, are you crazy?"

"Can I lay down here? Move over, I need a little more room."

"Are we there yet? How much further? I've got to pee?"

Well, it was a great trip. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed being together. That's what it's all about.

Mator Raiders

First you pick the mators.

Then you bite the mators, and ask grandpa if he wants to bite the mators.

Then, you keep eating the mators because grandpa didn't want a bite.

Then, sis starts eating the mators...

and gets her dress all messy.

These kids eat mators like they were candy.

Garden Joy

After many failed attempts at gardening we finally decided to build raised grow-beds. This is our second season, and, wow, what a difference it has made! We have also found that with the garden closer to the house we have fed less wild animals and more humans. This spring and summer have been wet and mild so far, and have really been good for the garden. We hope to improve our skills over time and expand the garden.

Blackberries and Raspberries are doing great. Brenda has put up 50 pints of jam.

Controled beds make weeding and watering alot easier.

We are really looking forward to the salsa. Last year's salsa ran out just last week, so the tomatoes need to ripen soon!!!

The Crape Murtles are really pretty this year.

It's been a good spring and summer for gardening. Brenda has put up pickles, jam, and some peppers so far. Tomatoes are starting to ripen. Potatoes are ready to dig, and squash is on the table. We are looking forward to some success this year. The bees are doing well and we should see around 100lbs of honey. We've set some goals relative to production and storage and we are finding that the Lord is quick to bless our efforts.

What a surprise when Rhonda called and said that they were in Springfield, MO, and were coming down to see us. We had little time to prepare, and it's a good thing, because the more time we would have had, the more work we would have had to do to get ready. Greg, Rhonda, and family stayed the night and most of the next day. The kids played hard, Brenda and Rhonda talked...... talked..... talked, and talked some more. Kimball and Greg talked shop and enjoyed spending some relaxed time together. The girls and boys visited alot and spent some time in the band room. Ben and Stacy went for a bike ride into the Muddy Creek Game Management Area, and when they got back Ben was panting and saying that Stacy about killed him.

(don't let the girl show you up Ben) Sisters, can you tell?

Map talk, for men only.

These guys had a great time. They played hard and just didn't want to stop.

Emma enjoyed having another girl around

Beautiful girls. Ben and Ammon said, "We have cool cousins". I think that means that they are cute, and fun to be around.

Soap bubbles on the tramp make for some fun.
Yes, that's David, but it didn't result in a trip to the doctor.

I don't think Devin wants to try this one.

They played in the water and on the tramp all day. They made water rockets with the hose and soap bottles, and really had a great time.

No one wanted to go home. It was a great visit and we look forward to seeing them all again. Oh, and by the way, ya'll are invited any time, all ya'll.

Called To Serve

A Payne-full Visit

Jonny, Sarah, Andrew, and Olivia came to our home in Arkansas for a while. They had fun, we had fun, we all had fun, and now we miss them. Olivia started walking, Drew dumped his binkie, and learned to dump......in the potty chair. Sarah got lots and lots and lots of rest, read a book or two and help Ben with his research paper, gave Emma a make-over, and made mom buy some new clothes. Jonny and Ben Payne road the horse, went biking with the boys, visited historic Hot Springs, ate Buffalo Wild Wings, made dry ice bombs, went paintballing, and lived to tell about it.


Our little Olivia Who,


And Andrew too.

We can't wait to see you all again.

Boys at play

We all enjoyed having Jonny and Ben Payne with us. It was non-stop fun. Ben wanted to see it all and do it all. Ben, Ammon, Josh really enjoyed the diversion.

Take me to the chickens

Livia lived for the chickens. She would feed them from her hands and hold them. She could spend as much time with them as you were willing. She would get someone to pick her up and then she would point to the back door and say "chickens". If you took her out to the chickens then you would be her friend for the rest of the day.

Drew's project

We soon learned that Drew likes anything that involves tools or taking things apart. So when grandpa was tearing up damaged flooring and replacing it, Drew was in his element. He did some pounding....sometimes in the right place, and he was good at handing over the tools when needed....if he wasn't using it.

Is it a Party? Or What?

Some of the cousins got together for a little fun. They roasted weenies and made smors. Some of them competed to see who could eat the most hotdogs. Even Hannah got into it. Ben gave up when Nathan announced number six. Then they all watched Water Horse, and wished they had watched something else. But it was a good time. I think they just enjoy seeing eachother.

Spring is Sprung

Everything is in bloom. Apple blossoms are popping out, the Dogwood trees and Redbuds are in bloom. The garden is planted and mom planted her flowers around the house. Everything is turning green and the lawnmower can be heard drowning out the sweet chirping of birds, yes....the sights and sounds of spring.

Nathan Comes for a Visit

Nathan arrived at the airport for a two week visit at 1:30 and grandma arrived at 6:00. So after picking up Nathan, Dad, Ammon, Josh and Nathan went out to eat and then to see a movie and then we picked up grandma. Nathan has had a good time.....we think. He has learned how to build a gable vent, and has performed several acts of charity by fixing the electrical problems around the house. We've really enjoyed having him here.