Hunting Season has arrived

As fall approaches, my husband gets more anxious with each passing day and starts tuning his bow and arrow skills. Missouri season opened yesterday, but 1.75 inches of much needed rain that stayed with us all day kept him indoors. Yes, he has been hinting of much needed rain gear. So, if the kids are reading this blog, HINT, HINT!!!!

He was up early this morning (didn't know if was going to make through the nail biting MIZZOU game last night) headed to the great outdoors in his camo gear. As luck and patience would have it, he scored a nice doe. Way to go Looperman!!!





Will keep you posted (HA!) as the season continues, until then -

FINS UP!!!!!


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Location:Pontiac, MO

Memories

Last night the Looperman and I travelled to Mtn. Grove to see my Mom honored at homecoming halftime as a junior attendant in the Class of 1954 homecoming royalty. She looked proud and emotional as she was escorted down the 50 yard line. I noticed a white tissue wiping a little water from the eyes. Not sure where her thoughts were, but I think looking back over the years can bring many overwhelming thoughts of the journey that brought you into this very moment. I and my sister Neacie were very proud for her last night and she certainly deserved the recognition. Here's to you Mom, thanks for being such a dedicated parent and even a better role model for all of us women.








Along with my Mom was a long time friend (on the right) who seemed to enjoy the evening, also.
On a personal note, I realized that I had not stepped on the MG field since 2005, WOW, where does 7 years go. The football game brought back some great memories of watching our boys play football and our daughter march in the band. It also appeared to me that even though the stadium seating is a larger area than in my children's day, the closeness among the fans seemed missing, singing the Panther Fight Song is almost non-existent after touchdowns, which the Panthers had plenty of last night. That saddens me...................I have always loved the Panther Spirit.
I guess things aren't meant to stay the same forever, but some traditions should be carried forward. Here's the best to the future of Panther football and to especially #7, you did a great job last night.

USA - What a country

Sometimes I worry about how critical we can be of the beauty, freedom, and the right to do all most anything of value we choose while living in the best country in this big world. This week of celebration of this great nation for the Looper's have been filled with doing what we love most of all, spending time with family and friends, watching the old timers and new comers to this beautiful lake just enjoy hangin' in the water trying to beat the heat.




Buck and Lynda's twin grandsons enjoying a little lunch break on the water. While Mema (Lynda) watches over the play toys and occasionally breaks out in song "Soft kitty, warm kitty, etc". :)




And what is a beautiful day on the lake without the equally beautiful sunset to end a perfect day.





Our long time friends came across the big pond many moons ago and are getting the chance to return to London to visit family and attend some Olympic Games. We gave Brian so much grief over his American Flag on his boat that he surprised us all on Independence Day with this "Old Glory". Thank you my friend.




The 4th of July was one of the hottest, but bobbing in the water and other water sports kept the adults and kids busy and happy.









The Looperman got a big thrill that day as Dave took him for a ride in the Alison. For those of you that don't understand this machine, she flies across the water. But look who drove it back - yes that is the "L" man himself. Thanks, Dave - you made his day.



The Pontiac fireworks display was one of the best I have ever witnessed. There is talk for next year's 10th anniversary of the fireworks of raising $10,000 for the big event. WOW!!! I have seen this community come together for other events and I bet we hit the target. You won't want to miss this one!!!!!



Yesterday was filled with a long boat ride to view the new water system into the lake to supply fresh water to folks in North West Arkansas. It was a great calm day for the ride.










And on the way home, Maynard's girlfriend, Michelle, got her first boat driving lesson. She was very nervous, but did a great job. Way to go, Michelle.




Two more days left of this weekend to continue celebrating our great nation and I am grateful for being lucky enough to have been born in the USA.

Fins Up!

JML

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Location:Pontiac, MO

Photos on the Beach

Family photos on the beach are always a challenge, especially with a large group. The morning was perfect except for the wind, so why do the ladies even mess with trying to get their hair ready for the photos? These are just a few of the many pictures we took Wednesday morning.
















We had loads of fun for the remainder of the vacation, playing in the sand, eating great food and just hangin' with the family. I want to thank our good friends, Randy and Linda Layman for taking time out of their lives to spend time with us and for providing the kayaks for some fun on the water. I also am very grateful that we got out of Florida prior to tropical storm Debby's arrival.

Until next time, Fins Up!

JML
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Location:Miramar Beach, Florida

Happy First Day of Summer

I thought by today, the little ones would be tired of the beach and I am happy to say they still love it. Kort is in the water constantly and the baby takes his best naps on the beach in the shade.





















This week has proven to be a display of many "feeding frenzies", with huge balls of bait being chased and herded by too many dolphins (Flippers) to count. Jared and Maynard decided to take the kayaks out into the pods. Jared got a photo of just one, he had a hard time getting a picture with the rolling waves. They had one jump into the air about 12 feet right in front of them.





The girls weren't too interested in the water activities, but enjoyed their books on the beach.





A perfect ending to another perfect day on the Emerald Coast, or was it????? Daddy Nathan had just picked up his baby boy, Levi from his wonderful snooze on the beach. Levi was so happy that he gave his Dad a present that only a father could love.




Yep, those wet spots are not ocean water.

Fins Up!!!!

JML


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Day Six of the Looper Clan vacation adventure

Don and I have been searching for pelican statues to set atop the driveway columns that we want to get completed this year. Until this trip, I have been unsuccessful in my quest for what I considered the "exactly what I want" pelicans. On our way to our destination, I spotted two or three different spots around Navarre Beach that looked promising. So yesterday, Don and I along with Jared and Ashley headed back west to those shops.





Meet the new Pontiac, MO bound pelicans, they are not completed, but will be as we stop by to pick them up on our way home Saturday. I will be thinking about names, any suggestions are appreciated :)

After a few more stops, we made it back in time for more fun on the beach with the family. Somehow, Kort convinced his uncle Jared to enlarge the hole in the sand that RJ, Annie and Kort had started.





Sis and Kort seem rather impressed by his abilities.

It is amazing how a hole in the sand can entertain kids for hours.





Annie, RJ and Kort




The evening was topped off by a delicious meal prepared by Beth and Schuyler - fish tacos. Many thanks to them both ( I missed the photo-op).

Fins Up!
JML

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Happy Father's Day

Coffee on the balcony, flags have been downgraded to yellow and the purple one has disappeared altogether. Randy and Linda Layman along with their youngest daughter Kaylea joined our family on the beach for Father's Day.
I had to have a picture of all of the Dads :)




Then one with Poppa and his boys - Sis must have been in the house.




Annie and Kort buried RJ in the sand, while others enjoyed games. Jared and Maynard kicked everyone's backside in horseshoes.








Another beautiful day in paradise - enjoyed by all












Fins Up!
JML
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Day three - First time for everything

As parents, the fun cannot begin until the last kid arrives. They all finally made it to the house safe and sound:) Our 5 year old grandson has never seen the ocean and I didn't know how he would react, after all, he was conceived in Belize, need I say more.





















This is one happy Palapa Baby.


Maynard and Michelle flew his plane down for the vacation time and was happy to hit the beaches





I love Zac Brown music and I think he would have been proud of my efforts to symbolize his "Toes in the Water" I will let you be the judge.











Our newest grandson, Levi has also never been to the beaches and ocean, again, he is our grandson how could he not fit right in with the clan. I loved seeing his reaction.





So I am returning to the beach walking down our access when, are you kidding me? This places a whole new meaning to "sex on the beach". This guy was one happy fellow!





I am one happy momma at this point, there is nothing better than having your kids and grands for vacation. See you soon.

Fins Up,

JML



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Day Two - we made it to Florida

Day Two found us on our way for our most important stop of the trip - US Customs and Border Patrol. No, we were not in any trouble, just a stop off to obtain our local boaters cards so that when we travel with the Captains' Morgan and Morgan, we don't have to go to the customs office in Key West for check in upon our return from the Bahamas.

This one is for you CTM and CJM!





And yes, the background for the cards are what you think, we stopped into a local establishment for lunch and libations and Jared convinced Ashley is was time to try oysters on the half shell. I don't think she was impressed.





Okay, almost there. Ashley wanted a picture of her families vacation area to send to her sister just to rub it in. I think her sister had a few choice words for Ashley and Jared :)






We finally made to the Layman's house where as you might have guessed, first night in town syndrome made it's way to their house. We had some great (made from scratch) pizza for the evening and libations. Thank you so much for your hospitality Randy and Linda, love you!

All the kids should be here today and we are patiently waiting to get into the beach house. See you later.

Fins up!

JML

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