Rowan and Ava's Achievements

This week saw Rowan testing for and receiving her Yellow Belt in mixed martial arts and completing another session of both gymnastics and swimming. Ava has now started eating pablum, and is now trying to eat everything she sees her sister eating!

Last Fishing of 2007

The last of 2007 fishing in Tampa came to a close today without anything for the table. Last week saw Spanish Mackerel for supper and we have seen shark, tuna (bonito), rays and grouper off of the pier. The big ones just keep from coming in (or break the line when on). Most of the larger top fish have been scared off the past two weeks with a small group of dolphin hanging out chasing the schools and taking the live bait fish directly off our lines. How they do not get hooked is puzzling. Although we have had fun, we hope for the big one in the New Year!

Thanksgiving in Savannah, Ga

During the holiday long weekend, we packed up the car and drove up to Savannah, Georgia to visit Kathleen Mills and the kids, Lauren and Josh. We had a great time looking around the old town (second oldest city in the US), visiting with our friends and will not forget the 0300hrs shopping spree on "Black Friday"!

Fishing on Skyway's North Pier

Another day of fishing with Rowan, this time off the fishing pier on the north end of the Skyway Bridge in St Pete. While the fish were not very big, Rowan kept up her claim to the most fish caught during the day as we reeled in large Pin fish and Yellow Jack.

Rememberance Day

It was a nice "cool" day at MacDill AFB as members of the Commonwealth here in Tampa came together to remember our fallen. Small, but meaningful ceremony and we went out for lunch with our UK friends to round the day off.

Rowan's Activities

Rowan has been busy with a number of activities during the week to include gymnastics, swimming and martial arts.

Pics of the girls

A Warm Halloween

People came out of the woodwork for Halloween in the neighbourhood. With Rowan dressed as Cinderella, we made our way around the local streets and took in the party atmosphere. Houses were all "dressed" up with large and elaborate decorations and due to the warm weather, people were set up on their driveways with not only candies and treats for the kids but beer, wine and food for the adults. Halloween Florida style!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is actually a facility for the rescue and rehabilitation of dolphins, sea turtles and sea otters. Rowan was able to see some of these animals at the center as well as other exhibits.

Rowan's First Fish

It wasn't the hottest weekend but it was nice and cool for a fishing trip to the Base. With our UK friends, we took a few hours to try our luck and Rowan caught a good sized Saltwater Catfish. Her first fish ever with her own rod!

Chris turns 40!

With Sep 07 closing, Chris finally crossed the line to 40! We think Rowan enjoyed the cake more than anyone and Ava helped blow the candles out!!

Visit to "Big Cat Rescue"

Just down the street is the "Big Cat Rescue", run by volunteers and dedicated to providing homes to rescued cats...and not the house hold variety!

Tampa Florida Aquarium

Taking full advantage of the places to go in Tampa, we purchased an annual membership to the the Tampa Florida Aquarium. Rowan had a blast with the open tanks and watching all the fish.

New blog site from the Florida gang!

Taking the lead from Steve's "Action Crew", here is the new blog site with the ongoing adventures of the poor Allens stranded in Florida...