first catch.

Grandpa took the kids fishing in the pocket. Jack was excited to be reeling in his first fish. What a catch! We didn't throw it back but didn't eat it either.

Adios.

I just got the word that we've been waiting nine months to hear...done. That simple word minutes ago was uttered by our realtor. Whew, it's been a long go and we've been holding our breath until the deal was completely finished.

It's all done, closed and recorded. No longer our home but someone else's. I was so exited to hear the good news that I went straight to the computer. I wanted to find a photo of our (past) home upload it to the blog and share my feelings of excitement. That was the plan until, I opened the above photo.

I took this photo on my way out the door in August. This small sticky note managed to hold strong for almost two years. It was placed on that window by Ella during the first few months of kindergarten. Her Spanish teacher sent home a list of Spanish words and suggested we place them appropriately around our home. This was the only sticky note that remained. It still does, I think. I've thought about taking it down but I never could. I wonder how long it will take the new owners to remove it. Maybe I should have someone go to the house and reclaim it. Just a thought.

So anyway, I wanted a cute photo of our charming little house and instead I opened this. La ventana, the window. I'm not as excited now. Now, I'm a little sad. Sad or not it's done. Our SLC home is no longer ours it's someone else's. Take the good take the bad it's done. Moving on.

Spring is in the air...

In Florida spring means training camps and around this time of the year a handful of major leagues swarm the state. Those of you that know me no that I'm not the biggest sports fan. However I do enjoy baseball and love a warm day out at the park.

The New York Mets spring train about twenty minutes north of us so today we spent the afternoon enjoying a game. We went with our friends and neighbors and watched the Mets play the Braves. We left a bit early due to the demands of young children but we had a good time no less.

discovery comes at all ages.

Put the lime in the coconut and stir it up...duh...duh. Sorry, just can't seem to get that song out of my head. I'm not sure who sings it and have no idea what verse comes next. That's it. Moving on.

Since relocating to the sunny state I've learned a few things about the tropics. One of which is that coconuts grow on palm trees. A certain variety of palm tree. I guess a coconut palm tree. Who knew? YOU may have known this but I never thought of it. Why, I don't know? Never payed much attention.

What kind of coconut comes from these palm trees of Florida? It can't be the normal coconut I'm accustom to seeing in the produce section of the local grocery. It can't be the normal coconut because these coconuts look different. These coconuts are large and have wooden type husks. Too big. They must be a type of coconut but surely not the edible ones...right?

Wrong...they are.

The coconuts of Florida are in fact edible. They ARE the coconuts with sweet white meat. I learned this while on a mission. I can't divulge just yet what type of mission but I will say it involves grandpa and grandma, a carrier service and a certain type of nut. Humm...

Anyway, if anyone happens upon a large round wooden husk and wants to discover the nut inside see below. We uncovered the mystery.



1. Be on the look out for a coconut palm. Search the base of tree for fallen coconuts (fallen coconuts are easier to obtain for obvious reasons).


2. When unable to find fallen coconuts take matters into your own hands.


3. Place coconut on a gripping surface and saw into woody like husk. In our house this step calls for power tools.



4. Crack, peel, rip. tear or turn your four year old loose with a hammer. Do what you need to to shred the woody surface and get into the hairy "grocery store" nut.


5. Viola! Coconut uncovered.


6. Uncovered the nut but want to keep going? Hammer works great!


7. Well done! You've got it sweet fleshy coconut meat. Eat raw or shred and toast...enjoy.

no pinching in THIS house...

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hope everyone had there fill of corned beef and cabbage. We stuffed ourselves like always and retired the "big pot" until next year. Fun day.

lift off.

We made the trek north to Cocoa Beach on Sunday. Watching the launch of the Discovery was amazing. Even more amazing was the colors left behind as the shuttle disappeared. I'll upload the digital images soon but for now take a look at this.

They're here!

Grandpa and grandma have arrived. We have been counting down the days and finally they're here. Welcome to Florida...let the fun begin.