We've wanted to visit the gulf coast of Florida since we moved here but just hadnt gotten around to it.  So when we were planning our Thanksgiving camping trip we decided to head west!  Wednesday it was raining when we pulled in so we basically unhitched our camper, got it ready to sleep in and then headed out for dinner (no cooking in the rain for me thanks!). 

Thursday was cold but at least no rain!  We explored the campground a bit, walking around the lake and playing at the playground.  For dinner I reheated the "Thanksgiving soup" I had made earlier that week.  We roasted marshmallows and went to bed early because it was cold. 

Friday we were planning on checking out the beach but when we got there it was so windy and cold that we didnt stay and instead headed over to Walmart b/c we didnt want to just sit in our camper trying to stay warm.   The black friday crowds werent too bad and we found some good deals on toys for Christmas.  Jed took Evan and Seth fishing when we got back to the campground while I took Kane for a walk. 

Saturday we headed out to different state park about 20 minutes away to check it out.  It looks like an awesome park to stay at.  They have airboat rides, tram tours, bike, canoe and kayak rentals!  There was also a canopy walk that we decided to do.  We took a trail out into the woods and came to a wooden tower that we climbed up to a bridge thats level with the tree tops.  We walked acrossed it to a second tower that goes up 90 feet for a beautiful view of the state park.  I was fine walking up until we got about one level away from the top and I started to feel the tower sway.  I think I would have been fine if we didnt have the boys with us and there werent so many other people walking around causing the tower to move even more.  My heart started pounding and my head was spinning, I couldnt even look out at the view b/c it was taking every ounce of self control to keep me from dropping to the ground and curling up into the fetal position.  I told Jed, who was holding Kane, that I had to get down now and we all darted for the stairs, I had a death grip on the older two boys hands.  Jed has learned over the years that when it comes to me and heights that I'm totally irrational... thanks for understanding babe! :)  Once we were back on the ground and I wasnt coming unglued we enjoyed the rest of our walk.  As the evening approached Jed and I decided that instead of enduring another cold night in our camper that we'd head home early.  So we went into hyper pack up mode and were ready to go in record time!  We made one final stop at the beach to watch the sunset.  Without any wind the weather was beautiful and we had such a good time planning in the sand with the boys.  We got home really late but it was worth it to sleep in our own beds! 

Daddy made giant pancakes for breakfast, yum!

Sethy lovin on his baby brother.

Taking a break from one of our hikes.

Canopy walk.

90 feet up!  Mommy is melting down but still able to take a couple of pictures.

Evan was concerned about mommy.

We went to the second level down and I was finally able to slow down and take pictures of the view.  I literally closed my eyes, stuck the camera over the side and took this picture.

On the ground.  Ahh, thats better. 

Sunset time!

 

 

First off,

Someone is finally 20lbs! Woohoo!  He loves facing forward!

Evan's first ever school picture!  The school dressed the kids in outfits for their pictures which I didnt know they were going to do... oh well, its still cute. 

 

Last weekend we went to the pumkin patch.

 

"Mom I want this one!"

While I was helping Seth pick out his pumpkin Kane wandered off, oops!

Bean bag toss! Yup, he was that close and still missed. :) 

Evan and Kane attempting to steal the baskets filled with prizes. 

 

This weekend Evan's school had a fall festival! 

The fire department came out and let the kids tour their trucks!

Future fireman?!

The police department came out too! 

Look at all those guns!

 

 

 

The boys wanted to share something with you all!

If you're reading this on facebook then you'll probably have to go to my blog, www.xanga.com/LaineCusi, to see the video. :)