Camping with the puppy..

So let me just explain that normally we go camping for New Years. This year we were forced to go during Christmas since we both have to work the day after New Years day. I have a picture of grumpy drinking his coffee..






Capone was lucky enough to join us on our Thanksgiving trip to the Smoky Mountains.


Since he was so good we decided to give him a try on a camping trip.

This year we went to Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka Florida. They had so many trails for hiking, biking and
horseback riding.







We decided to hike the White Blaze trail which took us almost all day. We saw so many different terrains in our 13.5 mile hike.









The dog surprised us by keeping up the whole way. He stayed right by our sides.


He did decide he wanted to roll in the mud to get cool. At night he kept quiet and slept so he has won himself a lifetime of us taking him on future camping trips.











The springs area was beautiful.

We had lunch by the springs and walked on the board walk before moving on to Sand Lake.
This was a really nice and quiet area. It was hard keeping Capone away from the water.











He wanted to go swimming and become gator bait.












We headed back home after that.

Next year I look forward to Joaquin and Karen joining us.. Mark your calenders guys!! New Years camping is back on in 2009!!

The Spirit of New Orleans..

New Orleans is always a fun place to visit. The flights were tight so I sent Jesse ahead while I tried the next 3 flights for availability. I ended up getting there by 6:30 pm and Jesse had checked in and had wine waiting when I walked in the door. We listened to some great blues music that night. Sunday was spent riding the trolley through the garden district and stopping at the Audubon Park. From there we walked about 4 miles through the district looking at all the houses.











After a short rest it was off to the French Market and Jackson Square where the local artists sell their art.










A friend of mine told me to go to the Cafe Du Monde for Biegnets and coffee. I recommend it to everyone.
That night we hit Harrah's Casino and made 120 dollars on roulette. Feeling good we walked away and had dinner at ACME. After it was scary hurricane drinks and since we didn't remember much after that we have pictures to fill in the blanks. I guess I was playing the water glasses with Santa before getting back to the hotel.
Monday we walked around the water and spent some time at the cemeteries.

Lunch was spent at Johnny's eating the best Po Boys around. Tuesday came and even though I was exhausted I wanted to stay a little longer.

Let the holidays begin!!

We finally got the lights out and set up the courtyard. We are ready for Christmas!!