Perdido Key

Here are some pictures from our visit to Perdido Key today (about a 15 minute drive from our house- this is where most of the Josh's friends live....I guess you can figure why!) We decided not to live on Perdido key because, it is just that (a key)...and it would make my commute to work 15 minutes longer. However, we enjoy visiting the key frequently!

Obie fishing

Josh and Bo...fishing



I was a little chilly sitting on the beach, so I went for a swim for the first time at the indoor pool onboard. It was crowded!

After the beach, Josh, Bo, and I came to our house for a delicious roasted Chicken made in the slow cooker. I discovered today that the slow cooker doesn't need all sorts of liquid (i.e. canned soups, creamy liquids, etc) to cook something. This made me very happy. I sprayed the slow cooker with olive oil and voila- a roasted chicken stuffed with thyme, lemon wedges, and a bay leaf! We also made spaghetti squash for the first time. Bo and Josh were very apprehensive but appeared to enjoy it! It was definitely a night of "firsts" in the kitchen....I've been scared up to this point to make any sort of large piece of meat (i.e. lamb, roasted chicken, a turkey, etc)...but it was quite a liberating and hands-off experience.

That's all for now! We hope you all are having a great week!

West Palm Beach Visit

After a long week of studying and taking my boards, Josh and I headed south to visit his Aunt Gail, Uncle Jasper, Uncle Richard, Uncle Richard's work buddy, Cousin Lindsey, Lindsey's husband, and "Mama" (Uncle Jasper's mother). It was a full house! Four dogs, nine people, 18 hours of driving, lots of food, and two rounds of golf!

9 hours of driving each way- lots of conversations, good music, and fun adventures. We laughed until we cried when we discovered that the highway we were on had a windshield cleaner at the rest area. You drive in front of the spigot thing and it sprays water all over your windshield. Really, it's the little things in life! We also discovered some old mix cd's from when Josh and I first began dating and had a blast singing along.

Uncle Richard relaxing after a long week of work with "Jackson" (on the right) and "Bella" (on the left)

(Josh and "Bella")

"Mama" (Uncle Jasper's mom) arrived from CT on Saturday with lots of Italian goodies (here Josh and Uncle Richard are exploring homemade salami (I forget the correct name for it).

"Mama" holding deep fried eggplant (so good), Blanton (Uncle Richard's work buddy who lives with Aunt Gail and Uncle Jasper right now), Aunt Gail....confused yet??

"Mama" and Uncle Jasper

"Bianca"- too precious

The dogs and I...they are so beautiful!

Good old "Duke" and Aunt Gail

"Bianca" sure does like to sleep

Sisters- "Bella" and "Bianca"

looking at our wedding album

"Blanton" with a golf book, a club, and a beach themed bed after a long day of caddying for Payton Manning and his buddies

Aunt Gail and Uncle Richard (Brother and Sister)

Aunt Gail on the golf course

Josh and I cheesin on the golf course. I made an "almost hole in one" that turned out to be a par...I was excited (haha...don't ask how that works)

Golfin in January

While it has been a bit chillier here, I don't dare complain, as I have heard about the weather up north! I thought I'd post a few pictures from some fun outings (and innings):

comforting Edgar after the "big boys" came over to play some Rock Band in his room.

Cosmic Bowling- it's a great deal onboard (Saturday and Tuesday nights). Josh is thinking of joining the intramural league after the basketball ends.

We discovered that Pensacola does have some nicer restaurants downtown (other than your classic Ruby Tuesdays and Sonic). This place, "Dharma Blue" was kind of cool- creative sushi in a neat atmosphere with all sorts of artwork from local artists. We'd like to try the place next to this one some time- it's Italian.

Outside the restaurant

Josh's flight school buddy and his girlfriend at the restaurant

On Josh's favorite 9 holes of the Navy course, "Bayview"

Josh and I on the course- I only managed to play a few holes- my wrists are hurting from all of the mouse clicking I've been doing for my practice tests (600 questions the day before)

"Bo"- just taking up golf but you wouldn't know it!

Isn't he handsome? I think so :)



A video of Josh swinging right by the bridge that goes to the "main gate" onboard. Pretty view!

As you can see, I am "tapering" for my exam, haha. I will take my exam Wednesday and then Josh and I are looking forward to a weekend away at Aunt Gail and Uncle Jasper's place in West Palm Beach. If my temporary license arrives in time, I hope to start work next wednesday (Jan 28). If not, I am sure I can find plenty to do exploring our area.

Well, thanks for taking the time to visit!

Portuguese Man of War

Mom Albright confirmed that the creatures we weren't so sure about onboard are probably Portuguese Man of Wars!! Apparently they are very dangerous. I looked for more pictures of them and they looked just like what we saw. I don't know if I'll be getting in this water any time soon!

washed up on the rocks

floating like bubbles on top of the water

Click here for more information on these scary creatures!

Whitney

All Unpacked!

Here are some pictures of our new home all unpacked and decorated for the most part ;)

View of living room from the front door

View of living room from dining room

View of living room from kitchen

View of living room from backyard door

View of kitchen from living room

View of kitchen from dining room

View of dining room from kitchen

view of dining room from living room

view of dining room from kitchen

view of hallway to bedrooms/bathrooms

View of guest bathroom

View of guest bathroom

View of office (on the left of the hallway)

View of office into hallway

View of bedroom (right from the hallway)

Another view of bedroom

View of bedroom into bathroom

Master bath

Master bath

Guest room/childhood memories room

Guest room (no bed but you can believe the closet space is being used!)

Garage

Backyard (I believe this bush in the center will turn pinkish/red). Josh already has plans for some sort of golf net, haha.

Tree in backyard

View of house from backyard


Well that's all for now!...Now onto studying for my boards!