Two weeks ago Parker started taking swim lessons and after just two lessons she began swimming! Her instructor Mrs. Ship has been teaching kids to swim for over 60 years. Her instructor wass a Navy seal, so you can imagine what the classes are like.

Parker, Julie and I went swimming today at Jazmines pool for over an hour. Gotta keep preacticing. Check out the video for her swimming to me from one side of the pool to the other.

A little father daughter bonding time, playing ball in the front yard.

Guess Grandpa Nick and I will have to take Parker to a Marlins game sometime this summer. Maybe we'll get lucky and catch a ball!

As you can tell from our smiles, we had a lot of fun!

For those of you who don't know, Parker's birthday is approaching. Several weeks ago she told Grandma Karen and Grandpa Nick that she would like a new bed. After searching online for the better part of 2 hours over several days, she decided on a Little Pink Corvette! We contacted Grandma Karen And Grandpa Nick and within several days one of the largest boxes ever delivered arrived on Friday. We were glad the delivery guy brought it in the house. When Julie called me to inform me that the gift had arrived, she said it seemed more like a sarcophagus containing an Egyptian mummy than a bed.

As you can tell from the video, Parker is quite excited. Like her mother, she was happy to get the gift early and happy that it was something of her own choosing.

Thank you Grandma Karen and Grandpa Nick. See you at the party! Don't forget your fishing rod.

Yesterday I celebrated my third Father's Day and my dad's 41st, sorry Gregory. By the way, how are the forties treating you?

Parker and I at the beach. Parker loved her Maine lobster raft.

Anyway, we went to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park to relax and eat. In attendance were, Bubba Greg and Annie Girl; The Little Man, Josh; Julie Sita, PacAttack and myself (Captain Gordito). The name will make sense after I tell you what I ate! Six drum sticks, 3 hot dogs, 2 cheeseburgers, 2 slices of watermelon and 2 sodas, pop for those in Pa.
Check out Colbin & Josh in the water! Josh's 4th Father's Day. While Bubba Greg cooked, I headed out for a snorkel and took some photos of the marine life. Calamari anyone.

The video below was taken in about 10 feet of water. I tracked several gray angelfish and an assortment of other fish. Julie tells me that there is no reason for her to go snorkeling if I continue to bring back such great footage. As you will be able to see, the area has some good activity.

Below we have Parker with a large decorator sea urchin I found.

Probably saved him from the Southern Stingray on the prowl below.

And in our last photo of this post, I think this picture of the Little Man about sums up our day...

Can't wait for next year!

Today we celebrated Gram's birthday. It was a fun time had by all who attended. Even more fun once the kids got ahold of the cake!

Here is Parker and Colbin getting ahold of the cake.

The surprise gift of the evening was this beautiful accordian. Thank you Autumn, great listening Bubba Greg.

I enjoyed the accordian as well, Colbin enjoyed all of the peanuts that came in the packaging.

Check out the birthday singers!

Just in time for summer, the Curry's have another pool! I know what alot of you are thinking, "won't be long until there are fish swimming in it". Not this time I tell you. As you can tell, Parker nd Colbin couldn't wait for it fill.

Honestly, I couldn't either!

The question below is, how long til the big guy goes over the edge and empties 700 gallons of water? I am happy to say that it was not today.

Great form huh?

Once or twice or a month we make a trip to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for a day of relaxation. As you can see, Parker has the relaxation part down. Wonder what that little mind is thinking as she looks out into the Atlantic Ocean. In case you are wondering, Fort Zachary has the best beach and swimming available on the island.Whether it is lounging on the water or on the beach, Parker has got it down. Thank you Autumn for the beach chairs!
Speaking of best swimming, just off of the jetties is an artificial reef with lots of sea life ranging from tropical fish, corals and of course grouper. I am sure all of the grouper are aware that they are safe in the protected waters of the state park as collection is prohibited.
I think we are going today, definently next week for our annual Father's Day picnic.

On Friday, June 12th, 2009 Key West High graduated its 102nd class. This class was special for Julie as several of the graduates were in her first class back in 1999 - third grade at Poinciana Elementary. There were 269 graduates in all. Hard to believe 17 years have passed since we graduated from high school.

The night started out dry, but as you can tell, turned wet. One of the biggest down pours of the year cleared the stands of about 800 people. Not us though! That is Jose holding a program over Mrs. Curry trying to keep her dry. In all actuality though, Julie was not going anywhere until she saw all of her students receive their diplomas!
After the ceremony was over, we walked out onto the grounds at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium and found one of Julie's students - Morgan Fraga. I don't know who was happier!
Congratulations to all the graduates. We will be back next year.

Parker had one of her favorite food items at dinner tonight. Usually it comes in a can, but tonight I went all out. As you can see, she was quite appreciative.

Just finished celebrating the 27th Anniversary of Conch Republic Independence. Julie, Parker & I went down to Mallory Square for the "Bloody Battle" and guess what...we won again. While we were there we took in some sights while the battle for independence was taking place in Key West Harbor. As you can see the MG's made it down this year, however my was not in the show. Something about the brakes and fuel line not working. Maybe next year.

As the Conch Republic Navy engaged the U.S Coast Guard...

the Conch Republic Air Force was providing aerial support... to be followed up with the eventual surrender as the Conch Republic Army got in one last shot...

...nice shot Larry! See you next year.