Best laid plans often get changed, right? Usually our first stop on our way to see our Florida family is to spend an overnight at a campground in Lake City, Fl., just over the state line. This trip, however, kept us at Buc’ees near Warner Robins Air Force Base. We went in to get lunch, and when we got back to our truck, this is what Barney saw.
Oh no, a BIG puddle of oil.
So he checked out the oil issue and determined that we had a problem where the dip stick meets the oil pan. Oh my.
The next morning a tow truck took Barney and our truck to the Five Star Ford Dealer to get some help.
We ended up staying two nights in the Buc’ees parking lot. waiting for our truck to be fixed and had lots of company over night.
Matt was in the area for work and stopped in a couple of times. Who would have thought we could meet up like this?
Late Saturday afternoon our truck came back to us and we took off for Florida.
Our campsite in Port St. Lucie wouldn’t be ready until Monday, so we spent two nights relaxing at our Lake City campground where we’ve stayed a number of times.
Port St. Lucie
We love visiting our family in south Florida. Finding a spot close to them for our RV is always a challenge. This year our campground was about 30 minutes away from them, but it was one of the nicest parks we’ve stayed in and one of the most affordable. Luckily we got there before the winter crowd descended.
We’re in a campground that will soon be full of winter residents getting away from cold weather in the north. Our 10-day visit in this spot is perfect before the crowds come in late October.
Time to start using our new air fryer. Perfect size for our RV.
beautiful sunset from our campsite
fall fun night at their church
Brian and Jana’s church had a fun fall night while we were there. All of the kids wore their costumes, played games, and won candy prizes.
Colson in his scary costume.
Brian got matching costumes with a young girl at their church whose father isn’t in the family’s life. What fun for both of them to meet up tonight.
As a middle school student, Cash got to volunteer at running some of the games. This young man is catching a bag of candy as it shoots toward his bucket.
At this other game, TP is going into the toilet hole. Perfect game for kids, right?
basketball and flag football
Like their cousins, our Florida grandsons love to play sports.
Colson is really good at basketball. Here he’s waiting for the free throw rebound that will come his way.
This shot earned his team 2 points.
At the end of the season, his league team won the championship!
Both boys love flag football on Sunday afternoons. Here Cash is ready to pull off his opponent’s flag around his waist.
And Colson is ready to run once the play begins.
Brian’s birthday
Rarely do we get to be with Brian on his birthday in October. This year was a treat for us!
This family celebration is with Jana’s parents, Joe and Vicki.
Brian hates to be the center of attention, but he had to be when it’s his time to blow out the candles. Yes, he’s 48. Barney told him and Jana that in 7 years, they can move into a 55+ community.
For Brian’s birthday, he wanted the family to go see The Phantom Tollbooth at the high school where Jana teaches. Brian read this book and loved it when he was in grade school. Barney and I had never heard about it but really enjoyed the play.
family times
Whenever possible, family games fill the evening. We’re playing a new favorite, Skyjo.
Colson is our comedian and wears props whenever possible. Every time you see him in glasses, he’s wearing a prop.
Brian is officially a Special Deputy Sheriff of Martin County (where he lives) so he can officially work at polling places. Jana’s mom, Vicki, is in charge of the elections for the county.
Before we said good-bye for a final time on this trip, we got this great picture.
lunch outing
One of our favorite lunch places when we visit our Florida family is the Harbor Cove Bar and Grill. It’s close to the Navy SEAL Museum and Camping World.
This view is one of the reasons we love coming here since we can sit outside and look at the big boats in the harbor.
one view of the harbor
another view of the harbor
Inside the women’s restroom is this poster of advice from the ocean. So cute!
Across the road from the restaurant is the harbor’s working area for cleaning up and fixing these beautiful large boats. My husband loves anything “water,” so this is a great place for us to visit.
With the previous post and this one, autumn is almost in the books. After Thanksgiving with our Georgia family, we’ll turn toward Christmas and hopefully a visit to Raleigh to see our long-time friend Susie and watch Montana play in a soccer tournament.
