Lead me to the Cross

Liz and I enjoyed trekking through the woods at Highlands Hammock State Park this afternoon. We enjoyed conversation and just enjoying God's beautiful creation. Liz is such a blessing in my life. I'm blessed to have a sweet, humble and encouraging sister in Christ in my life. I always feel blessed after spending a day with her. No wonder God tells us in the Word, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." We need the fellowship of other believers to encourage us, to engage us to think deep on the riches of Christ. Liz is one I can count on to lead me to the cross.

Myakka River State Park - Vacation Day 5

On Thursday morning we drove back up State Road 72 to Myakka River State Park for a day of sightseeing. Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest, largest and most diverse natural areas. It was developed in 1934 by the Cilivan Conservation Corps. The Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. The river and it's two shallow lakes attract numerous wetland creatures.

While there we walked down a nature trail and then climbed the 70 foot towers for an awesome view of the wetlands, forest and prairie. Before climbing the tower we had to cross the Myakka canopy walkway. The walkway is suspended 25 feet above the ground and extends 100 feet through the hammock canopy. While walking on the nature trail we saw a dragonfly that was dying and a big ant commonly known as a velvet ant (the proper name for it is dasymutilla magnifica).





After climbing the tower we ate lunch at one of the picnic areas. While eating we fed the squirrels and some ugly crows. After eating lunch we hopped aboard the "Myakka Maiden" for a scenic cruise on Upper Myakka Lake. While on the lake we saw several gators, a great egret, blue heron, and an ospery.






This is a great place to visit, but not during the month of July. Especially if you have people with you that aren't into looking for wildlife.

Beach Vacation Day 4, 5, 6

David went home on Wednesday afternoon after spending time on the beach and lazying around the pool. He spent the rest of his vacation in West Palm Beach with Tommy and other friends that live there.


The rest of the week we spent playing at the beach, going to see the movie "My Sister's Keeper", enjoying a huge amusement center, lazying around the pool, and visiting a state park (a separate post on that to follow).


While traveling to the beach I spotted a beautiful bird sitting on the fence, but by the time I pulled off the road and got the camera out a Florida Highway Patrol pulled another car over and spooked it. So I watched for the bird on the way home hoping to get a picture of it. Once again I pulled over and got the camera out. As I was approaching to snap the picture our friends, Annie and Linda, drove by and blew the horn at me. The bird took flight and I didn't get the picture. I was so frustrated, but hopefully there will be other opportunities.

We got home on Sunday afternoon in time to unpack, pick up Bailey from the sitter and go to church. At times through out the week it was challenging to keep everyone happy. But, all in all it was a good week.

Beach Vacation Day 3

We spent most of the day at the beach. Angela and Annie went parasailing and had a blast. We were able to watch them from the public beach access.

Later in the evening, Jim and Phyllis came over and we grilled steaks. After dinner we went walking on the beach and took some pictures of the sunset. God's handiwork is amazing.

(Click on collage to enlarge)

Beach Vacation - Day 2

We woke up to the sound of thunder. By 9:00 a.m. it was raining and a day at the beach didn't seem too promising. David and Angela went to Books a Million and then decided to go to see Transformers. With them gone, the three girls decided to go get a pedicure at the mall. The pedicure was so relaxing and our toes looked great afterwards.

Later in the afternoon the weather cleared up and everyone hit the pool at the condo where we met the neighbors from Louisville, Kentucky. Later in the evening we invited them to join us for bowling. The kids and I were nervous because we had only had very short conversations with them. But it turned out that they were wonderful people.

Beach Vacation - Day 1

I arrived at the condo on Siesta Key mid-morning on Sunday (David and Angela) arrived around 1:00 p.m. Linda and I went to Publix to buy groceries for the week while we waited on D & A to arrive and Annie was at the beach.

After buying groceries and putting them away we went over to Jim & Phyllis' condo to frolic on the beach and eat dinner. Our friends, Betty & Buddy, had driven over for the day as well. Before dinner Buddy, Betty and I went walking along this beach looking for shells and taking pictures.

Lake Pictures

Photo Shoot with Pres

After work this afternoon I had the pleasure of babysitting for my friend, Michele. Her daughter is precious and very photogenic. Angela and I had fun taking pictures and playing with her at the lake and at the city park. Before returning Presley to her mom we stopped by CVS to print the pictures for her. (Click to enlarge)

Butterfly World

Michele and I took her daughter, Presley, to Butterfly World today in Coconut Creek, Florida. While it was nice, it was not worth $25 for our admission. Presley loved seeing the 'Flutterflies' and was enjoying feeding the birds until one decided she was much sweeter to nibble on than the food she was feeding it.



















The weather was beautiful while we were in the park, but as soon as we got on the road this is what we drove home in.