Goodbye Tampa

sunset from balcony

345 Bayshore

Hey ladies, he's local!

Sadly, our 14 week staycation has come to an end. Tomorrow we fly out and settle back into reality in Virginia. This experience has been nothing less than fantastic. We took advantage of pretty much everything Tampa and the surrounding areas have to offer. We walk away with many new friends, great tans and awesome memories. We hope to return to this special town sooner rather than later.

345 Bayshore has been a wonderful home away from home. The security team, the cleaning crew and office manager have been so nice to us and we really felt at home. We loved having the pool and workout facilities just floors away-definitely the perks of condo living! Jason's condo had a great view of the bay and Hyde Park, our favorite area.

Lastly, I need to give a big shout out to Jason for riding his bike to work everyday this summer so we could cruise around town in the Camry. Everyday he happily hopped on his bike to make the 8 mile trek to base.  What an awesome way to start off your day!

Keep it real Tampa...we love ya!

Double the excitement

It's a really exciting time here in Tampa. This week the GOP convention convenes just as Hurricane Issac is set to make it a bit interesting for sure! We were able to get around town Friday night to get some pictures and check out the venue. Yesterday was another story. The bridges were up and gates were erected basically creating a perimeter around the forum. The streets are now littered with sheriffs and federal agents. The waterways are full of police boats and you hear a helicopter every time you step outside.

Earlier this summer while watching the news the Mayor said that there was less than a 1% chance of a hurricane coinciding with the convention. Although it will not be a direct hit (as the path is pushing more westward), we are anticipating several inches of rain, strong winds, and a storm surge of 3-5 feet.

I was initially excited to get out looking for political people and media personal like the silver fox himself. However, after seeing all the commotion and the protests that are starting to form, we are prepared to hunker down with lots of good food and movies. It also helps that I need to pack and clean this week. Let's hope both the convention and hurrican peaceful move through the Tampa area quickly.

An island in the sun.....

hip..hip. My favorite Weezer song and Sanibel is a perfect island in the sun. What a great place to visit and never want to leave! We had dinner at this really cute local restaurant (Gramma Dot's) in the marina and then went shelling before catching the sunset. We found some great shells and the kids really got into it even though Morgan refused to give up her milk while collecting them! I hope we get back to Sanibel for a summer vacation in the near future. It is an absolutely tranquil and gorgeous place to visit.

Ft. Myers Beach

We visited Ft. Myers beach Friday and Saturday. We had an incredible stay at the Gullwing resort and the beach was practically empty. Saturday was rather overcast but that didn't stop us from hanging at the beach all day. Jason cooked up a feast of fish for dinner and we topped the meal off with peach pie! We headed to Sanibel Island on Sunday and Monday - pictures to come!

Long time, no see

It's been 11 short weeks since Pippa started summer camp at Mays kennel in Altoona. I've been so enjoying the break from single parenting and puppyhood that I haven't thought too much about her. So I was caught off guard last week when a friend asked how our dog was doing. Huh? Oh yea- Pippa - we should probably call to see how she's doing.

Well today Jason put a call in to check on Pips. Good news: she's doing well - eating lots and enjoying her daily walks. It should be interesting when we get her back in a couple weeks. She'll probably shake herself apart upon seeing the kids. For their part, they talk about her a lot and watch tons of Airedale videos on YouTube. Morgan even refers to every dog she sees as "Pippa". I'm hoping camp has calmed her down a bit, perhaps that's wishful thinking.

See you soon Pips!

Everyday life

Planting one on daddy

Helping make pizza!

going swimming!

twins!

Another fun week here in Tampa! The kids really cannot get enough of Jason. We have a fun week planned and then our vacation to Sanibel Island starts Friday night - cannot wait!!

Life in Tampa

Top Gun tri

late night snack

new pj's

new hair bows

This past week has been a busy one! Sara came to visit and the kids were thrilled! Morgan cried when we dropped her off at the airport on Monday:( She came with some fun presents for the kids. Rowan got angry bird pj's and Morgan got a neon yellow shirt and leopard top.....Sara brings the glam!

I completed another tri with my friend Konomi and her SIL Sarah on Saturday. It was exciting but I'm glad it's over!

The kids and I hit the mall yesterday in search of new footie jammies for Morgan and big girl hair bows. We were successful! Morgan loves the girly headbands and bows and I love putting them on her!