The Floridian Gunnels

Newman Cousin Swamp Walk 2011

2011-11-27T12:47:00.000-05:00

The Kira, David, Anya, and Erin Newman came for a visit over the last two weeks. Brilliant fun. Among other things, we went on two swamp walks on the campus of FGCU.

Happy Halloween, editted.

2011-11-22T01:37:00.002-05:00

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T19:57:00.000-04:00

This past Halloween we were met by a gypsy ninja princess, a marine soldier boy, a WW I doughboy, and a baby. Much fun and much candy.

It was a "Monster Mash".

Troy kills his mother.

2011-08-14T20:16:00.002-04:00

Children,

You take a year off your Mother's life with each stitch.

Thirteen shots of novocaine, five stitches, and not a single tear. Pretty studly.

And, now the arts

2011-05-25T02:52:00.000-04:00

In addition to their wonderful science, the kids put on a great series of art shows, from Prairie's leadership on the ballet stage, to Troy's improvisation, and finally, Billy's virtuoso performance.

Enjoy.

Spring Creek Elementary School Science Fair 2011

2011-05-23T20:27:00.000-04:00

The kids completed fantastic science fair projects. Prairie compared how different brands paper towels absorbed water, and billy determined whether the colony size of a paper wasp affected the level of aggression (i.e. activity). Finally, Troy decided that he had a favorite science fair project as well.

Enjoy.

Prairie's first day in kindergarden

2010-10-13T21:50:00.000-04:00

Our little lady is a school girl. She loves the school and plays teacher all the time to prove the point.

She learned her bus and lunch number.

This is Spring Creek Elementary School.

Maudi at the Beach

2009-12-31T06:53:00.010-05:00

This is likely the last reference to Christmas 2009. We all had a wonderful time with Grandma Leslie and Grandpa Billy; Aunt Jamie and Uncle Barney were a blast on the day after Christmas; and Terry and Great Grandma Maudi made the weekend. (There is no mention of Abby, because as you may know Abby is a Floridian Gunnels.)

The kids are still ripping open boxes to rummage through their new toys. Katrina and I are cleaning (like that ever ends) and attempting to relax before the arrival of the next semester. In addition, we are all preparing for the arrival of Sara and Isabel. Life is good.

In this parting shot to Christmas 2009, check out this photograph of Maudi (with two of her daughters Terry and Jamie) on the beach. Brilliant - it was a great holiday.

Photograph came from Jamie Baxter's Blackberry.

Love K, B4, B5, P, T, & A (and A is spirit)

A Merry Christmas with the Fab Four

2009-12-28T09:26:00.003-05:00

We certainly enjoyed the Beatles: Rock Band.

Christmas with Jamie

2009-12-27T17:01:00.010-05:00

Merry Christmas to all.

Prairie Scores a Goal!!!!

2009-12-14T15:08:00.003-05:00

The title says it all - Prairie Scores a Goal on 14 Nov 2009.

Camera Face

2009-12-06T20:09:00.003-05:00

These are the faces that my lovely boy delivers as soon as a camera emerges. He is a charmer.

Advent Calender

2009-12-06T19:41:00.003-05:00

The kids have discovered the wonders of an advent calender; they give up a present and receive a small treat. It is clearly a win - win deal. Mom and Dad clean out some of the toy room, and the kids eat a little candy.

On an associated note, we have decorated this year's Christmas tree, a Jamaican Caper. Do not worry. This year's tree has met with Abigail Gunnels' approval; the tree has the AEAG stamp of approval.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-29T19:15:00.004-05:00

Costumes are spectacular when funds are lacking.

Tiny billy represented Scottish Highlander warriors well.

And, Stopper Girl with her sidekick dogboy saved us from the evil bad-guy boys.

MLS 2009

2009-11-29T12:09:00.005-05:00

Billy can not be consoled after Beckham's lose.

Photo Booth.

2009-01-29T18:08:00.005-05:00

Apple computers have this application called photo booth which Billy 5, Prairie and Troy seem to love. We took close to a hundred photo and a few videos using this application. I picked out my favorite two photos and my favorite video. An important thing to point out with the video is that Billy and Prairie turned on the video player by themselves (don't know where i was), be patient and watch the entire video because the ending is great. I miss all you Floridians.

The Birthday Week 2009

2009-01-29T17:24:00.018-05:00

Shortly after returning to Denver I received a phone from the Floridian Gunnels asking if I could return and help out by babysitting the little folks, they seem to be having some babysitter troubles. So I headed back to Florida to do a little babysitting but by returning this meant that I got to celebrate each birthday with my favorite niece and nephews. Which was a week long celebration of cakes, a park, Chucky E. Cheese and a Medieval Fair.

First we celebrated Troy's birthday who is now one years old. He was a little unsure about the cake but was very happy to have lots of people in the house that were singing happy birthday to him. A couple of days later we all ended up at the Medieval Fair, where Billy 5 road a camel and fought a knight and won! Prairie and Billy had to find a magical fairy and perform the fairy dance and then they each received a magical stone. Billy and Prairie, with their birthday money, bought a new wooden sword and shield so that could defend their house against all those bad guys.

We all went to the park on what had to of been the coldest day ever in Florida, seriously. And then we all went home for some more cake. Prairie is now four and Billy is SEVEN. We also went to Chucky E. Cheese (Billy's choice) which was a lot of fun, I think we all liked the skee-ball (sp?) the best, you can get a lot of tickets with that game. Thank you for sharing your birthdays with me, I can't believe you are one, four and seven!??!?!?!!?

The Florida Keys 2008

2009-01-29T16:57:00.013-05:00

Before the New Year and before I had to fly back to Colorado we all went to the Keys and stayed in cabin at the Bahia State Park. We stayed in a small cabin over looking a inlet of the bay. The weather was perfect and the area was beautiful. Oh and someone might want to point out to Prairie that it is easier to drive with you hands.

We did a little exploring before going to the beach and found an alligator, an iguana and most important a few key deer. Why is the key deer so important to this family, well it is the first animal billY researched when he was a senior in high school.

I don't know who wears the orange hat better, they both look pretty good in it. I am happy to report that I think Troy is going to like the beach as much as the rest of his family does. Thank you guys for a great trip to the keys.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-29T16:27:00.013-05:00

It was another great Christmas at the Floridian Gunnels' house, Santa was good to all of us, especially the little guys (Billy 5, Prairie and Troy) Though, Santa if you are reading this I think Troy would of been happy with just some paper and a few boxes.

I don't know if Billy and Prairie were more excited about their presents or the fact that they were allowed to eat as many sweets as they wanted.

Jameson and Barney joined us for a few days. Barney, I have to give you props, as we all know Troy is a little bit of a squirm worm and you told Troy one day that it was "time to sit still" and he listen. Amazing.

Terry brought us all a good luck pink pig. First we had to put it in a red velvet bag and then we all took turns beating it with a small metal hammer and then we ate it. Hey what ever works, I am looking forward to some luck this year.

It was great seeing you all this year and I am already looking forward to next year. It was a wonderful Christmas, thanks.

Gap-Tooth Gunnels

2008-07-27T14:24:00.005-04:00

At six, tiny has passed his first right of passage into adulthood: he has replaced his first baby tooth with a permanent tooth.

Grandma Diane 2008

2008-07-20T11:31:00.008-04:00

We just finished a wonderful month of June/ July with the visit of Grandma Diane.
She flew in from bitter cold UT to take in a month of fun and sun with her boys.
Grandma Diane also secured some time on the Xbox, where she challenged tiny billy to a game of Worms (for the uninitiated Worms is a game where you attempt to destroy your opponents worm army, with guns, bombs, and air strikes).

By the way, notice the ability of Grandma Diane to teach her granddaughter.

We celebrated the 4th of July with family and friends.
We loved our goofy, fun time. Thanks Grandma Diane.

Forest Fire 2008

2008-06-24T17:52:00.013-04:00

We had some excitement earlier today (24 June 2008). At 4:30 pm, lighting struck a patch of forest directly across the river from our home, ~ 200 feet from our front door.
This is our swimming, kayaking, and bat roosting river.Fire - Cool, cool fire.Smoke - Not as striking as cool fire.

Fire engines - Super cool fire engines.

The fire was quickly put out by the firemen on the fire engines.

Slip n Slid

2008-06-18T17:23:00.001-04:00

The neighborhood came out to watch silly mommy slip n slid.

I love this picture! Do you think he is hungry?

2008-06-16T19:44:00.003-04:00

what a nice photo.

2008-06-15T14:27:00.003-04:00

Troy eats solids

2008-06-01T09:42:00.005-04:00

Troy has begun eating solid foods this past week. He is particularly fond of bananas, melons, and sweet potatoes.
Knowing what to eat can be confusing as we all know only all to well.

Bonita Springs Charter School Fair 2008

2008-06-01T09:25:00.004-04:00

Prairie, billy, & their mother enjoyed Saturday morning at the Bonita Springs Charter School Spring Fair.
Prairie initiated her singing career with a public performance of the always popular "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

billy put on a Taekwondo demonstration for the students of Bonita Springs Charter School.

After all of this work, the kids relaxed with a little golf. For those who are unfamiliar with this game, golf is a regional game to Southwest Florida where masochists attempt to hit a tiny ball into an even smaller hole hidden many thousands of miles away. For the uninitiated, look out for this game coming to your region; beware, golf may overwhelm your soul.

tiny billy's spring concert

2008-05-27T21:33:00.002-04:00

Bonita Springs Charter School held their spring music concert earlier this evening. Please enjoy Mr. Grove do his thing.

Bye-Bye Abby

2008-05-24T09:15:00.023-04:00

The Floridian Gunnels are filled with sadness today. Our favorite Abigail Elizabeth Adkins Gunnels has left the state of Florida. She has moved on to a new exciting chapter in her life, but her departure has left us with weepy eyes.

Check out our celebration of AEAG's time in Florida.

Abby surprised us when she moved to Gainesville, FL. After the initial shock, we were all thrilled by her arrival.

Soon after her move to Florida, Abby became the godmother to Prairie LaFlamme Gunnels (who is held by Susie Heimbach).

The kids were always taken with their Aunt Abby, whether they played with stickers, their tongues, or the ocean. They love their Abby.

Although Abby enjoyed Florida where she learned, loved and played, Abigail did lose her color on occasion.

Abby graduated from the University of Florida with her MFA this past May. Congradulations to your Abby.

Abby is moving to Denver CO after an art resisdency in Greensboro, NC. We eagerly await her success in love and the art world, but we also look forward to her quick return to Florida. The Floridian Gunnels love you Abby.

Here is looking at you.

Who do you think Billy is battling? The Romans?

2008-04-20T19:22:00.001-04:00

what a happy kid, that Troy.

2008-04-20T19:21:00.002-04:00

Prairie and Abby meet Warhol.

2008-04-18T16:14:00.000-04:00

Troy's first art show, lucky guy!!!

2008-03-31T23:53:00.000-04:00

yummy?!?!?!!!?!?!?!

2008-03-31T23:51:00.000-04:00

I love to procrastinate

2008-02-26T01:01:00.003-05:00

what a cute pair.

2008-02-17T00:24:00.002-05:00

do you think anyone was getting an rest?

2008-02-17T00:22:00.001-05:00

Not the car again.

2008-02-17T00:10:00.003-05:00

Soccer Billy

2008-02-13T21:08:00.004-05:00

Billy recently found a new soccer buddy.

Gunnels Family

2008-02-12T17:53:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't been around the bonita springs crew in a while I haven't been able to take any new pictures for posting. And since the bonita springs crew doesn't seem to be posting any new pictures of the family taken by their fancy new camera I thought that I would draw a picture of what I think the family is looking like these days.

Dodie Border

2008-01-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

In the same week that my wife and I celebrated the birth of our son (Adalard Troy) as well as the birthdays of other our son (tiny billy) and daughter (Prairie), we wanted to recognize the passing of Dodie Border. Dodie Border is my great-aunt, and she was an extraordinary woman.

As a child, she spoiled me with butterscotch brownies: these small cakes filled with riches made my Christmas every year. I would hoard them in a fashion typical of all spoiled children.

Throughout my life, Dodie spoiled me with her time and stories. In the Adirondacks where she spent her summers, she told me stories of her youth, the Great Depression, the war, and the history of Limeklin Lake all while sharing a plate of crackers and pepperoni. I discovered the significance of my parents' and grandparents' generations through these stories. I had been spoiled by the time of my birth. I had been born into a time of relative comfort and security. Her perspective always encouraged me to do more and try harder.

As a young adult, Dodie with her husband Paul helped me understand life and death. At 25, I stayed with my grandfather at Limeklin Lake so that he could die in his home. I did not know my grandfather's intention at the beginning of the summer. During the intervening weeks, I came to realize that my grandfather made the trip into the Adirondacks to find peace with his mortality. He found his comfort within the surroundings of the north woods. Dodie and Paul were my source of wisdom. They helped me understand the trip that my grandfather was making. They gave me insight into my grandfather's experience that helped me support his decision. He passed away at the end of the summer.

As a newlywed, Dodie oversaw my honeymoon. My wife and I spent our honeymoon on Limeklin Lake. We were surrounded by friends and family. Dodie ensured that we had some privacy and a basket of fresh, warm blueberry muffins every morning. Needless to say, we were both happily spoiled.

Take these words as one man's characterization of an extraordinary woman. Dodie Border was the mother of four and wife of one. She lived in times that I hope we never experience again. To me, she was my great-aunt. Thank you Dodie. billY

Prairie and Billy's Birthday Party!

2008-01-20T16:39:00.001-05:00

Mom and Troy.

2008-01-20T16:38:00.001-05:00

more of little troy.

2008-01-16T22:31:00.000-05:00

January 13th 2008

2008-01-13T23:25:00.000-05:00

Adalard Troy Gunnels decided to come join us today, he is a handsome and healthy little guy. He is 8 lbs 1 oz and 19.5 inches tall, I might be remembering this information wrong, basically he looks perfect. Everyone seems to be doing great, though extremely tried. Both little Billy and Prairie are excited to have a new little brother to play with; Prairie showered little Troy with hugs and sang him ABC's. Little Billy informed all of us that Troy is beautiful and he is right. Everyone is doing well; hopefully mom, dad, and baby Troy will get some sleep tonight.

Adalard Troy Gunnels decided to join us!!!!!

2008-01-13T23:20:00.000-05:00

Troy takes his nap.

Still napping. This is a strange behavior for such a young one.

Troy's brother billy and aunt Abby try to get the party going.

Troy gets a little snuggle time with his sister Prairie. Prairie is super excited to get a new, active, crying, drooling baby doll.

Farmer Prairie

2008-01-11T21:22:00.000-05:00

Prairie has enjoyed her time at home waiting for the birth of her new baby brother. To pass the time, she has pursued a career in agriculture.

Soccer Practice

2008-01-09T18:04:00.000-05:00

tiny had his first soccer practice this past Monday (7 Jan 2008). What do you think? Can we expect a bid from Barcelona?

Hukweem 2007

2007-12-29T08:59:00.000-05:00

We spent the summer of 2007 with the Adkins and Changizis in the Adirondacks.

This is a long video, but you really want to watch the sequence where Grandma Leslie plays hide-n-seek.

There is a short 4th of July celebration at the end of the video.

A Gunnels Christmas 2007

2007-12-26T23:18:00.000-05:00

Needless to say, we had a wonderful day with Great Grandma Maudi, Great Aunt Terry, Grandma Leslie, Grandpa Billy, & Aunt Abby.

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