UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND ADVENTURE ISLAND

We had a way fun day at Universal Studios Florida. It was so fun to ride the rides and do some shopping. I love theme parks, because they make me feel like I am a little kid again. I love all of the roller coasters. I got so dizzy after all of them, I was sure I going to fall over. I never did though, just ran into a couple of railings. I would definately suggest visiting this theme park some day if you haven't! PS We got all wet on one of the rides... that is why my face is so grumpy!

Beach Day!

We had a totally fantastic day at the beach today. We visited Caladesi Island, just north of Tampa Bay. It was so much fun. We saw sea urchins, star fish, and dolphins. We also found dozens of beautiful sea shells! On top of it all, I was able to work on my tan that won't last until summer. It will make me feel better for a couple of weeks though! We all got burned, especially Amanda. She looks like a lobster! It was a great day though!

A Father... A Soldier... A Hero

I just wanted to take a minute and recognize a very important person to me. This is my dad. I love him so much. He has been an amazing example and a wonderful support in my life. He has bent over backwards multiple times in the past to help me through my difficulties.

Not only is he an amazing father, but he is an incredible soldier. He has spent 25 years of his life training to become the soldier he is now. He has always been at the top of his class physically and intellectually. He has a extraordinary ability to see a situation and know immediately what needs to be done to secure it. He knows how to take care of injuries. He knows how to find missing people. He knows how to use weapons that I didn't even know existed. He knows how to lead other soldiers, not by intimidation, but with love and respect. He truly is an incredible soldier.

I wanted to give this little tribute, because my dad will be leaving for Iraq in a week. He will be gone until Winter. I have been so worried, but I finally realized that if anyone is going to go there, he is one of the best to go. I couldn't ever ask someone else to send their dad out to do what my dad is so good at. I am putting my faith in the Lord and my father's training. I know he will come home to us again, and that is what will get me through his absence. Because of him, I truly am proud to be an American.

Animals at Busch Gardens!

Busch Gardens

I love Busch Gardens! We spent our second day here in Florida at Busch Gardens. It is a huge theme park with a bunch of awesome roller coasters. It also has hundreds of beautiful, exotic animals. We saw Chimps, Gorillas, Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants, Hippopotamuses, Lions, Hyenas, and a bunch of Crocodiles. I love animals, and it was so fun to see these beautiful creatures up close and personal! It was a great day! The temperature was really chili for Florida. It was only in the 60's. The wind made it feel even cooler, but we still enjoyed it. At home it is only in the 30's, so I will take this weather any day! This is supposed to be the only cool day, and then it is going to shape up quite nicely! I am having a blast though. I just wish Preston was here!

Tampa Baby!

My two sisters, Mandi and Lexsie, and myself decided to visit my dad in Tampa Bay. He is leaving for Iraq in about a week, so we wanted to spend a little bit of time with him before he left. We have been here two days, and we are having a great time. We spent our first day relaxing by his pool. We also went to see where he works. We had to go through multiple security checkpoints just to get into his office. He is pretty special around here. For any of you that don't know, my dad is a Colonel in the United States Army. He works at SOCOM (Special Operations Command). That means that he can't tell us what he does every day, and he also can't tell us what he does when he goes to different countries. It is scary, but also very exciting! I love my dad, and I am thrilled that I am able to spend this time with him and my sisters! They are all the best! I do miss my husband though. He is home, and he will leave for Orlando for business before I get home. I won't see him for another week:(