Panama City Beach Bound

We decided to take another trip to the beach this summer. Instead of taking the routine trip to Gulf Shores, we made a detour and go to Panama City Beach. This is where I spent many of summer trip when I was a kid.

Each summer for many years we would take our camper to PCB. We had great fun on Miracle Strip and at Shipwreck Island. I can also remember the church trips with the youth group to Laguna Beach church camp.

Wow, it has been 20 years since I had gone.

When we pulled into town we went by the old block hotel like camp known as Laguna Beach Christian Camp. What great memories it brought back of a time that was alot less complicated. Hanging out with my youth group and of course trying to meet girls from some far away place (like Mississippi, or Georgia). I know, not that far away. Well, it was for us.

LB also brought back the memory of my sisters first youth group trip when she left her bags in the back of my dad's truck. This was a time before cell, so daddy had to fly through Tuscaloosa and catch us on the south end of town near Duncanville. It also brought back all the kids that were there that are not here any longer (Chris Jacobs and Barry Hicks). Fun times learning and playing. I would work for weeks to try and save $30 to take with me as spending money.

We stayed at the Splash while in PCB. Neat condo that is designed for the family. There were waterslides and other water features on the property. Certainly something that was right up Will's alley.

Mom and Pop went with us. I think Pop enjoyed eating at some of his old favorites like Captain Anderson's. We also visited PCB 1st Baptist Sunday morning for church. This is where we would attend as kids while on vacation. Yes, in our family you go to church even on vacation. Don't leave the SON out of your summer.

Donna, Will and I rented a jet ski one day. While cutting up we spotted a sea turtle. Of course, Donna wouldn't let us get too close. You know, it may knock us off the jet ski and we would all certainly be eaten. Hey, that's what moms are for.

We had a great time and squeezed the most out of our trip. We didn't leave until 5p on Wed and pulled back into Fayette around midnight. Work the next day came early, but it was worth it.

I can't wait until our next trip to the "Emerald Shores."

Mr. Bill's Farm

You are seeing correctly. Will is feeding deer and racoon's. Only in the country.

The other night we paid a visit to a friend that lives here in town. He has more wildlife than the B'ham Zoo. Lama, buffalo, miniature horses, cows, ducks, peacocks, deer and even racoon's. Animals everywhere.

Will and I have made many visits before. This particular night was extra special because we got to feed the new family of coons that had taken up residence on the farm. They loved the bread we gave them and literally came right up to us. NO, we didn't try to feed from our hands. We are smarter than that. They are wild animals. However, we did have a great time.

Thanks Mr. Bill for the personal tour and the ride around the farm seeing the sites. Will (and me) had a great time.

Tractor Pull 2009

Hey, what are a couple of country boys suppose to do? You guessed it, we go to the tractor pull. You heard me correct. Will and I went to the tractor pull this past Saturday.

We enjoyed watching the pull. There were alot of powerful tractors that ranged from the brand new to the very, very old. It was neat seeing the old tractors that had been fixed up to pull. I mean some were 50 years old.

You will notice that with all good sporting events (is tractor pulling a sport?) the best part is the concession stand. The pic above shows the "John Deere" green ice cream that Will ate.

We stayed a couple of hours and saw a bunch of our friends. Good time with my son on a Saturday.

Fishing!

Will and I enjoy fishing during the summer. Many nights you will find us spending a few minutes at my buddy, Chuck Langley's pond. He lives just five minutes from our house, so Will and I can run over and fish for a few minutes. Great father and son time.

These photos were taken last week when Will, myself and Chuck were wetting a line. Chuck and I were talking when Will hooked this bass. 1 or 1 1/2 lb bass. We looked up as Will set the line and then reeled the bass in all by himself. Maybe he is going to be more of an outdoors man than his dad. Oh, for you fisherman reading this it was a slimy plastic lizard that Will was throwing on the ol' Zebco 33.

Thanks Chuck for letting Will and I fish. We also appreciate you stocking this pond with alot of hungry Florida Bass.

God Bless America!

Yep, that is Will and Buzz by the flag. We had a great 4th of July here at the Brown's. Donna's dad and my family made the trip from Coker and Northport to hang out with us. We spent the day playing in the pool and soaking up a few rays.

I will give Will credit for his show of patriotism. Towards the end of our day he got the entire family together around the flag. You guessed it, we said the pledge. He did good. It was great and no, Donna didn't have her camera handy.

We really want Will to realize how blessed he is to live here in the USA and that it is by the grace of God that we are Americans.

Happy 4th to each of you. Stop today and take a few moments to remember just how lucky you are to be an American. Also, thank God for the blessings you enjoy with this freedom we have.

USA! USA! USA! USA!