CarolinaCoopers.net

OK…so the kids had already figured out that we were headed to the beach this past weekend.  But they had no clue that we were going to an airshow at the beach!  (Carlie was really amazed at those “snow-capped mountains!”  lol)

Yes, we traveled down to Destin for the weekend, and spent most of the day Saturday on Pensacola Beach.  We were standing at air show center at the beach when the US Navy’s Blue Angels started their routine.  In one pass they crossed over the shoreline from behind the crowd.  WOW!  What a thrill to have that diamond formation blast down upon us!  As I kept telling Alex, if you can hear them, it’s too late!  I can only imagine what it sounds like/feels like for our boys on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan and other locations around the world!

It was very hot, and quite crowded.  We ended up spending all afternoon on the island at the beach because of traffic tie-ups.  No worries–we were on vacation!  I’ll try to post some pictures in the next few days.

Later we got to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. 

Sunday morning the girls went down to the beach again.  Then after a lazy breakfast courtesy of our hotel, we were headed out of town but decided to look for that Disney store we had seen advertised.   Lo and behold, it was one of the Character Warehouse stores where they sell Disney merchandise 20-80% off.  For a while there I thought I had found the buried treasure at the beach!  lol  We picked up a couple of items…ok ok, a few items…before heading away from the coast.

Lunch was at Fat Daddy’s Pizza along US 98 and later we stopped for dinner at the one and only Lee’s Steakhouse in Daleville, AL.  (It’s adjacent to Ft Rucker.)  It may not sound or look like much, but ohmigosh they’ve got some of the best steaks ever!

Sure did enjoy lunch with some of my family over at Bill Spoon’s BBQ today.  Now that’s some of the finest Eastern North Carolina BBQ you’ll find anywhere.  “They cook the whole pig–it makes the difference.”  (Make sure you say that using your Jesse Helms imitation.)

So anyway, all my life I’ve been known as “Chris,” but I have been called other things at various times.  Sometimes it was “Jerry,” sometimes…well nevermind!  But if I were to be irritated by any of it, it would probably be when folks call me by my brother’s name, “David.”  I mean hey!  I’m in the family too, right?

Apparently David (who lives out of town) makes it over to Spoon’s more than I do, or else it was just a bad day for our waitress Cynthia.  She thought she knew what I wanted to order–but when I corrected her, I got an ”Oh yeah, that’s your brother.”  On the way out the door she asked if I was on my way back to Pittsburgh.  “Pittsburgh?!  No, that’s my brother.”

Ho hum…such is the manner of life for the last-born child. (-:

OK, so we completely fooled our kids with our surprise trip to Brevard (which is in the North Carolina mountains) to see the Canadian Brass.  Well, this weekend we’ve got another surprise trip.  They think they’ve figured it out already, but I can guarantee you they haven’t!  Woohoo!  Being a mean parent is so much fun!  lol

As one nephew named Andrew has recently moved out of US Air Force basic training and into technical school, our other nephew Andrew has just entered US Army basic training.  We wish them luck and godspeed, and pray for their protection.  Contact their mamas for mailing addresses.

Coullt is still in the Navy, stationed on the West Coast.

I hear Lane is taking a government job, with the local shool district.  Same old stuff, just closer to home.  (And something about more money?  Woohoo!  Go Lane!)

Alex is the vice president of his high school band and has been learning about peer leadership during marching camp.  He’s also 1st trumpet.  Can you imagine him telling anyone (other than his sisters) what to do?  lol!

I hear Vince and lil’P (Phillip) are exploring the South American rain forests and beaches.  Phillip enjoys comic books (in German?!) and Vince is wanting to play saxophone.  Maybe I could give him lessons?  What a commute that would be!

Yes honey, it’s almost that time again.

Please be sure to read the comments to get the latest posted updates!

Here’s an update about Anna, from Maw-maw (Sybil.)

————

THE GOOD NEWS: Anna has been chosen as one of the top
30 women baseball players in the country.

THE BAD NEWS: Anna has injury to left knee requiring
surgery. The ACL is completely destroyed and will be
replaced - not sure of origin of replacement ligament
at this time. Also, small tear in another ligament and
bone bruised. She will have surgery in 2 weeks, then
begin rehab 3 days later.

Baseball, swimming, basketball & ice speed skating
will be off limits for up to 6 months.

Not sure if she will participate in any way with the
USA Women’s Baseball team this year or not. Check out
www.usabaseball.com & www.awbf.org for additional
info.

I think I am more upset about all of this than anybody
- sure is hard to be a grandmother some days!

Sandy (our daughter & Anna’s mother) always says that
everything happens for a reason so we will just have
to trust the Lord in this situation. Please join us in
prayer for Anna and family.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks!

Sybil