From June 20 - 28 The Bishop Family made our normal trek to Florida for vacation. This was a very special occasion! Everyone was able to go except Jennifer's husband, Jody. I was happy to have Jill join our vacation. There were 9 adults and 3 kids staying in a 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath condo. The condo we had this year was absolutly crazy! In the living room there was a 50+ inch plasma tv, it was well used. In Mom & Dad's master, they had a 40+ plasma for them to enjoy. Jennifer and Noah flew into Dallas the Wednesday before we left. She rode with Mom & Dad to Florida. They left Thursday and took 2 days to get there to enjoy the drive and to make it easier on Noah. Brian, Katherine, and Ava left on Firday and drove half way friday and arrived Satrday before we check in tothe condo. Brent, Sheri, and Beck Left Friday as well. They drove half way as well. As Noah was only 2 months old. Jill and I flew in on Saturday morning to Pensacola. We were only able to stay till Thursday, more on that later.
Saturday: We checked into the condo around 3. We all settled in and started unpacking and exploring our the condo. Mom & Dad did their annual grocery shopping for essentials and non-essentials (JUNK FOOD). Part of our week was foreach couple/family to cook one night. Saturday night we had pizza and crashed. I brought DVD and we watched Jumper.
Sunday: Everyone slept in and starting roaming and exploring the building and heading to beach. The kids were a constant center of amusement. Noah and Ava were so cute. Ava called Noah "my buddy" all week. We could seat and watch them all day. Jill spent about 2 hours laying out and relaxing. She is a real sun worshiper. Sunday night Jill and I asked to do our diner night. We decided to have "BRINER"! We cooked Jill's world Famous Pancakes, eggs and sausage. It was really fun to be able to do this for my family. After dinner, Mom and Dad organized a Family Home Evening. It was really nice together together as a family.
Monday: Dad and I left before anyone was awake to play golf. We played the Perdido Key GC. Dad and I always play golf in Florida. There have been several years I have not touched the ocean because I would rather play golf. We had a good day at the course. I played well and Dad worked on his game. We got to play alone and that is always nice because we do not have to be bothered watching other people who do do not play as well as us. After golf we headed back to the condo to meet up with the family. Most had been spending the day on the beach. Ava and Noah got their first taste of the ocean. It was awesome to see their reaction. Brent & Sheri cooked diner. They cooked Hamburgers, Brats, and fries. Brent loves to grill! The food was so good.
Tuesday: Dad and I were able to play Pensacola CC. This is the oldest country club in Florida. I was able to get us on to play thru one of the members I had met through work. We teed off around 8:30. While we were warming up on the range, the Blue Angels, who are stationed out of Pensacola, were flying their morning practise runs. They flew right over the driving range for 30 minutes. At one point one of them did a straight dive down on top of the range and banked up about 200 feet above us! What a way to start a round of golf! We played with 3 other gentlemen. It was a really good time. Above is a picture of Dad and I on the 18th tee box. It is a par three that goes out into the bay. I had to hit my ball 30 yards right of the green tohave the wind push it back onto the green. We both made par. After our round, we headed to Winn Dixie to order 8 pounds of shrimp for the guys shrimp night. Every year the boys have shrimp night and the girls have there nice diner night. While Dad and I played golf, everyone else went to the Outlet mall in Gulf Shores. They spent 5 hours walking around.
Wednesday: Dad and I were suppose to play golf, but i had a gout flair up and was not able to walk. Jill and I decided to go to see a movie, Love Guru. We all met at Lambert's Thrown Rolls for diner. After diner we all raced back to the condo to surprise Mom with a birthday cake. Every year vacation is around Mom's birthday. She was really surprised.
Thursday: Jill and I had a 9:30 flight back to Dallas. We were traveling to Sacramento CA for Jill's brothers wedding in Oakland.
The rest of the Family stayed in Florida thru Saturday when they headed back to Texas. We all had the best time being able to gather together and spend time as a family again. We truly have the best parents. I am so greatful for Wes and Kath for spoiling and loving us.
