After a fabulous two weeks in Florida, Samara and I are exhausted and ready for another vacation! Samara and I finally made it down to Florida to visit the Presleys and the Atkinsons, and were fortunate enough to be able to spend about two weeks there, thanks to the Buffington-Gorman wedding which kicked off the vacation on June 27th. Lovey, Beane Beane, and Jennifer came along to babysit Samara during the festivities. Garrett was the best man at the Gainesville wedding, and gave a rocking speech! Seriously, it was amazing - funny in all the right spots, sentimental as needed, and meaningful without being corny. The bride and groom loved it, and I was so proud!
After the wedding, Garrett had to go back to Houston, but I rode with my family down to Punta Gorda. Samara was the center of attention, as expected, and loved every minute of it. We celebrated the 4th of July at a pig roast at the Ranch with the entire Presley clan, Lovey, Beane Beane, Grandpa John, and Grandma Jo. Later that evening, we attended a couple of celebratory parties and watched the fireworks from a beautiful trawler in the harbor. The fireworks were incredibly loud since we were so close, but Samara did great (I think because she was mesmerized by the colors).
The highlight of our Independence Day, however, had to be Beane Beane's hilariously entertaining stroller jaunt with Samara before the fireworks. It seems grandfather and granddaughter were caught in a "vortex" and were desperately trying to escape. Just watch the video below and you'll understand the comedy of the situation.
Brian said it looked like Samara thought she'd probably survive, but that she wasn't sure about the big guy...
Over the course of the two weeks, Samara also enjoyed watching coy swimming in their pond, saw an alligator in the Rim Canal, ventured into the pool for the first time, started cooing and smiling like crazy (thanks to cousin Katelyn for getting the adorable cooing started!), discovered a love for feather pillows, and even learned some Michael Jackson moves.
"Grandpa Gorman" (as Garrett would call him) admires Samara as his wife-to-be Leanne dreams about having little ones of their own some day...
Aunt Jennifer loves the "Ultimate Baby Wrap" almost as much as Samara does!
Lovey, Aunt Jennifer, Samara, and Mommy look at the pretty coy in the pond at Sweetwater Branch Inn.
Garrett & MJ at the Mike Gorman's wedding.
Back in Punta Gorda, Katelyn talks sweetly to little Samara.
Katelyn's sweet-talking must have made an impression, because Samara starts cooing for the first time!
Samara says, "I loooooove my Honey!"
Samara also loves her Beane Beane. He's so silly.
Samara is her father's daughter. She sleeps just like him with an arm thrown over her eyes!
Uncle Brian has a smooth plan: Only hold me when I'm happy. He thinks that will leave a good impression!
Uncle David hasn't held anybody so little in a looooong time!
Samara says, "I like it when people gaze at me in adoration."
Oh man, do I love feather pillows...
I sleep so much better when I'm next to Mommy.
I'm practicing my Beane Beane tongue skills...
The grandfathers...
Grandma Jo, Grandpa John, Mommy, & Me
Grandma Jo & Samara
Grandpa John might be out of practice, but I'd never know it!
Happy 4th of July! I enjoyed watching the fireworks with Lovey and Mommy.
Mother & Daughter
Mary Jacqueline's 27th birthday!
Nothing like "milk coma" in the morning...
An alligator in Brim Canal! (See the snout and head by the mangroves?)
I'm happy as long as someone is smacking my bootie. Thanks, DeeDee!
Whew! Zonked out with my Honey...
Aunt Jennifer makes me laugh. She's so funny!
As Beane Beane would say, "Check out those bluebonnet blue eyes!"
Getting ready for my first swim in the pool... Too bad I can't wake up...
The neighbor's pool was a bit chilly, so after the initial shock, I fell back asleep in the water and only managed to kick my feet around a little.
Dancing to the Michael Jackson music marathon with Mommy...
As you can see, our trip was fantastic - busy and exhausting, but still fantastic! We can't wait until our next visit in September!
After our return home to Houston, we were reminded of the coolness of our neighborhood by an article featured in "This Old House" about how Houston Heights is one of the best "old house" neighborhoods in the country. We agree!
Until next time...
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