Snorkel Camp

Savannah and Sarah gather their snorkel gear before heading off for another day's adventure.

Madison, Sarah, Savannah, and Katy had an opportunity to go to a Snorkel Camp in Crystal River for the week. Put on by a local diving company, it is a five day, 9 to 5 chance to do things every local should do. The first day was orientation and introduction to snorkeling in an indoor pool. That afternoon they went out to the Gulf and jumped on water trampolines and launchers (some big guy jumps on this big puffy thing and the kids go flying into the air--they loved every minute). Tuesday they swam with the manatees in Kings Bay and canoed in the St. Martins Aquatic Preserve. Wednesday they went jetskiing on the Homosassa River and snorkeled on a reef in the Gulf. Thursday they got an introduction to scuba diving in the deep pool and snorkeled in the Rainbow River over in Dunnellon. And today, Friday, they are spending the day at Wild Waters Adventure Park in Ocala! Quite a week! They are pooped at the end of the day, and eat like crazy. Jonny and Jenny's kids went two weeks ago and loved it, that's where we heard about it. It was pricey, but so much fun for all of them, and a great last adventure for the summer. After all, August 18th is the first day of school... Summer is almost over... Surprisingly, I'm not looking forward to school starting all that much. We'll be having a water slide party for Katy on Sunday, and Thursday I am taking Sarah and four friends to Picture People for a "fashion shoot" birthday party followed by a big girls dinner out and a sleepover.

I am looking forward to experience home life with just Willie D (for you, De grande). I haven't had one baby at home for almost two years now. I had that time with Izzy and really treasure it, and now I am lucky to have it with Willie. It's a whole new world going places with just one kid! My Izzy is headed off to preschool, to join the ranks of the "big kids". She is well-prepared, backpack, lunchbox, new OshKosh leather school shoes, little plaid skirts and matching shirts, headbands and hair doodads in all colors and varieties, and a new-found sense of self-confidence. My baby is leaving the nest! At least, from 8 till 2 every weekday she is! You should see her new jeans, rinsed, flared, ADORABLE! I'll be sure to get a shot of those first time she wears 'em. She's going to love preschool and she is blessed to have a fabulous teacher. And her sisters just one building over. And, if need be, Momma will be home, just two short minutes from the school.