We took our first trip to the farm yesterday to go berry picking. This is one of our favorite summer activities, and something that we don't do often enough. We were able to pick some of the last strawberries of the season and red rasberries. Ray had never picked strawberries before. Last year and the year before he got to eat the fruits of my labor! Elise had a good time picking strawberries, but she really liked the rasberries better. It went something like two for Elise, one for the bucket. Rebekah was just along for the ride, and I think was glad to get out of the hot sun and under a shady tree for family snack time.
Trying to figure out how to eat an apple slice.
Last night we went to a concert and cookout at Bishop Cummins. It was part of their Missions Week, and we all had a really nice time. After Elise got some food in her belly, she was dancing away. I think she got Ray's dancing genes! Rebekah enjoyed sitting on the blanket and watching all of the people sitting around us on their chairs and blankets. I told Ray that this is what Summer was all about. Spending time with family and being outside. Looking forward to another family day tomorrow.
Wednesday morning we got to see the Blue Angels practice. It was really neat, although it was making my stomach turn just watching some of the aerial acrobatics they do. We spent the rest of the morning at the National Naval Aviation Museum- admission is free. Elise had a great time checking out all of the planes and pretending to be a pilot. 
Wednesday afternoon we went to Pensacola Beach and visited with my aunt, uncle, and cousin. It was so nice to catch up a bit at the beach- so peaceful and beautiful. Elise had fun with Ray in the ocean, and Rebekah took a nap in the beach tent.
Thursday morning we went to Perdido Key. That beach was further away from our hotel but a little more quiet. Rebekah slept some more while Elise played with some family's toys they left at the beach. The weather was great and there was a slight breeze. We took long naps that afternoon, and after dinner we got to see a parade. It went right past our hotel. We didn't have to do anything for these beads- they just kept throwing them and throwing them. Elise kept putting them around her neck. No wonder when we got back to our room she couldn't walk straight. They were weighing her down.
Friday morning we went back to Pensacola Beach for a short visit. Later that morning we went to the TT Wentworth Jr Museum- admission is free. The third floor had a discovery area for kids that was set up like a Spanish colony. Once she got warmed up, Elise had a great time checking out the ship, cottage, trading post, Indian village, and fort. That evening we went to the rehearsal dinner and visited with more family. The only bad part is when you go to a wedding, you don't get to catch up with the bride and groom because they have so much to do and so many people to see themselves. It's alright though. Ray and I completely understand what that's like. Ray loved all of the food. We got in the car to go back to our hotel, and he was wondering what they were going to do with the leftovers even though he said he was about into a food coma! 
We had a lot of fun at the reception. Again, Ray couldn't stop talking about the food! At one point Deb said, "I can't believe Ray's not out on the dance floor yet." To which Ray responded, "As long as there's still food out, I'll be right here." Elise had fun "dancing" with everyone. Rebekah was very tired and hungry, so she and I left early. Ray said the toasts were nice and the cake was good- he had two pieces!
Sunday morning it was time to say goodbye to Pensacola and head back to New Orleans for our flight home. We stopped in Fairhope, Alabama for church. The bishop was there, so we got to stay for a southern potluck lunch. Ray was happy they had asian slaw- Ray gets excited about food. We got to the airport late and our flight was overbooked, so I got on the plane with Elise and Rebekah. Ray was going to have to take a later flight, and I was sitting on the plane trying to console Elise because Daddy wasn't there and trying to figure out what I was going to do during the layover with two girls, a backpack, a car seat and no stroller, when Elise said, "DADDY!" I looked up and there was Ray coming on the plane. God answers prayers!!! That was a sure sign of His goodness to us.
Ray 
