Morgan's Birthday

Niceville High School Football Game
(photo by Morgan)

Alan and I were looking forward to the arrival of our niece, Morgan, for the weekend but that didn't stop us from going to the pier for our daily early morning walk!  It was a good one too!

We saw a whole school of sting rays, 3 dolphins leaping out of the water, herons, an osprey and a mother and baby dolphin. This is in addition to the high numbers of Monarch Butterflies we see every day.  I thought this must be the time Monarch's pass through Fort Walton, but the link I am adding says they really start in October! Maybe they are early.  It has been a long time since I have seen them here!

Not a great photo, but an amazing experience to see this carpet of stingrays moving through the water!

Three Dolphins jumping out of the water together! 

 Morgan appeared right in our parking lot! I never thought she would be able to find Steamboat Landing on her own, even with Sat Nav (GPS).  The location is sort of difficult!  But she did and it was fabulous to see her.  We took her right back to the pier and the dolphins put on a great show for her!

Although it was Morgan's birthday, she had been warned that she would have to go to the Niceville High School football game since that was one reason we timed this visit the way we did!

Before the game, we met one of my classmates, who I had not seen since high school!  Thanks to Facebook, so many people are connected - who would never have remained in touch.  It is lovely and fun to catch up with all these people, but even better to meet someone like Gail in person!  We met at Po Folks Restaurant in Niceville.  This was a great choice too, just good Southern food.  I got Country Fried Steak with green beans, mashed potatoes and white gravy, delicious!

This was Niceville's homecoming and my first time attending a game here since I graduated many years ago.  The stadium is the same, but the traditions and energy are new to me.  I thought it would be fun to be there for Homecoming, but it was actually a disappointment since their amazing band merely marched onto the field and then had to stand still while the Homecoming court was presented.  I feel like we will have to come back another year to see a regular game and their half time show.  I was one of the original Flag Corp with Niceville High School and feel the best part of any game is the half time show!

After the game, Alan and I surprised Morgan with a Birthday cake!  We got it from Publix and were advised to put it in the freezer to make cutting it easier.  It worked a treat and was also a very delicious cake!

We then called it a night because we had a busy day planned for tomorrow.

"Cakes are special. Every birthday, every celebration ends with something sweet, a cake, and people remember. It's all about the memories."

Buddy Valastro