Playtime at Playtowne

Rico and I have a very close knit group of friends here in Sarasota. We started out as a group of 6 crazy adults and it has evolved to a group of 6 "trying to be mature" adults and 4 sweet kids. This group consists of Rico, Jessi, Avery (16 months), Pat, Jamie, Jady (2), Chris, Carol, Camdyn (3) and Chloe (5 months). We all try to get together as often as possible. Last Thursday we all gathered up the children and went to one of the malls for dinner in the food court and to let the kids play at "Playtowne" in the mall. It was a great time had by all.


Avery crawling through the tunnel "hey, make way, Im coming through."

Jamie, Chris and Chloe. Chloe is still a bit too small to attempt that "play" thing.

Avery and Camdyn get in the car. "Cam, you better let me drive," says Avery "I have a much better driving history than you." Side note: sweet little girl on left brings Avery his blanket (A.K.A his sniffer.)

"Come and find me................."

Camdyn has already got out of the car and ran for dear life. Little girl still trying to tempt Avery with his sniffer. "But I don't need it right now," he says.

Avery and Jadyn both jumping out of the canoe. They both know what's good for them.

Although kinda blurry, Camdyn flashes her gray shark she attempts to scare the kids with.

At the food court. Can somebody please explain why Rico is ALSO at the kids table???

Privacy Please!!!

Those with children know that there is always something new about them, whether it is something they say or do or even don't do. Well, Avery's new "thing" is closing all doors whereever he is (yes, even in other people's houses.) This includes those times when he is playing in his room. When I walk in his room to see what he is up to he will stop what he is doing, go close the door and continue on playing. So, recently I have found a way to let Avery play in his room in his "own privacy" yet I can still supervise. I have set up the video monitor on a shelf to enable myself to see (almost) full view of his room while he plays. However, there is one corner of the room that is out of viewing range. Of course from time to time THAT ONE corner is the corner he is playing in. So today I went in to check on him and this is what I found.


He has taken EVERY book out of his book basket and climbed in it. When I peeked in he was just sitting there in the basket reading a book. By the time I came back with the camera he was done reading and attempting to climb out.

Pancoast/Alcala Family Vacation 2009

August 1st - 8th, we had the annual Pancoast/Alcala Family Vacation. Each summer we all pack up the cars and head to someplace new and fun, on the beach of course. This summer it was Destin, Florida. Great spot for family vacations. Below are a handful of the many pictures we took.

Avery and Rylie one morning. Rylie says, "lets go to the beach already" and Avery says, "uh, its 8:30 in the morning, can we at least have breakfast first?"

Ryan, Holli, Rico, Jessi, Camryn and Avery go for dinner at Baytowne Wharf

Ahhhh, what a cute pic. Holli and Cam waiting for dinner

Waiting on Rylie to bungie jump. Papa says "these guys are NUTS."

Mimi and Avery pose for a pic by the water. The weather was gorgeous

An afternoon swim after the beach.

The Whole Gang at the beach one evening

"The Outlaws" There really is NO explanation for them.

All the females of the group

Ryan, Phil and Rico.....yes they had consumed some cocktails by this point in the night

Rylie and Avery giving good morning hugs.

Just a view of the water. It is GORGEOUS in Destin

After the consumption of a few more cocktails.

Ryan and Jessi......we knew EXACTLY what we were doing.

Holli and Jessi chillin in the shade at the beach.

Ryan giving Camryn some smoochies.

The females at "the Track", an amusement park.

Rico and Jessi at "The Track"

Rylie on her own private jet.

Avery enjoying EVERY minute of "The Track"

Hello Sarasota

We are back to good ol' SRQ (Sarasota) and settled in. We were gone on vacation for almost 2 weeks and truthfully speaking we were not ready to come home. That "vacation" thing is pretty nice. However, we must say goodbye to say hello. We had a fabulous time in Destin with the entire Pancoast family and a great time in Amelia Island with just the 3 of us. Lots of great memories were made and of course, tons of pictures taken. I will get to posting them. Check back soon.

4 Years of Happiness

July 30, 2005....What a great day to remember, in fact, what a great weekend to remember. Rico and I celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary today. Our wedding took place in Mt. Vernon, Illinois 4 years ago. We look back at that day and the entire weekend as a whole and remember it as one of the best times of our lives. Since we leave for vacation tomorrow we are celebrating tonight by going out for a steak dinner. Happy Anniversary!!!

Checkin In

Is it almost August already? Where does the time go? Well, the good thing is, August means it is vacation time for the Alcalas and the Pancoasts. This weekend we all pack up the beach buckets, beach towels, sunscreen, swimsuits and coolers and head to Destin, Florida for a week of fun in the sun. The whole gang will be there, Mimi, Papa, Ryan, Holli, Rylie, Camryn, Erica, Rico, Avery and I. We can't wait!!!

After a week of pure fun, Rico, Avery and I head east to Amelia Island, Florida for a work conference for Rico for 5 days which consists of pooltime, dinners, relaxtion and of course a couple of meetings Rico has to attend. Luckily, this time around he is done everyday at noon, which leaves our days open for more R&R together.

Lots to look forward to and be thankful for. Here's to safe travels, lots of memories, bonding with family and COLD, REFRESHING SANGRIAS!!!

A Birthday Party!!!

Sunday we got to celebrate Avery's Best Friend's birthday party. Jadyn turned the big 2 and held her celebration at the YMCA Splash Park. It was a great day and the weather was beautiful. Here are some pics from the party.


Some of the dads with the kids in the pool. Chris, Pat and Rico supervise while Avery, Jadyn and Ava play
"Dad, if that is pool water in your mouth you better spit it out right now, and NOT at me." Says Avery

"Come and get me, Dad."

"This place is AWESOME. So much to see and do for a little guy like me."

Pat, Jamie and Jadyn strike a pose.

Yes, the adults can go down the water slides too!!!

"I just found another section of the water park, more water guns and fountains, WOO HOO!!!"

Singing to Jadyn with her Mickey Mouse cake. She wasn't a fan of the singing.

"Look son, this is how us 30 year old kids do it."

"Alright, Dad, I'll give it a try."

"I LOVE this place."

Siesta Key Beach on a Thursday night!!!

Thursday night we grabbed some beach towels, toys, sandwiches and the beach umbrella and went to Siesta Key Beach for a swim and to let AAA play in the sand. Of course, being the beach bums that we all are, he just LOVED IT. The water temperature was great for swimming.


Water was so warm you could just walk right in

"Let me play in the sand first, then we'll head to the water."

Just takin' a stroll............... "Hey Dad, can I feed the bird?"

Quick dip in the water and I'm headed back out

I got my game face on

"Mimi, this picture is for you, Yes, I still have my curls in the back."

"Let's fill this with water and pourit ALL OVER mom."

"Comin at ya."

And the sun getting ready to set. What a view.

Avery's Dream Come True!!!

For about 15 months now Avery's long, lost dream has been to get his little hands on a roll of toilet paper and GET CRAZY!!! Rico and I have strategically held him off of obtaining that goal for as long as possible. However, a few days ago, he was strong willed and sneaky enough to get that ever so tempting roll of toilet paper. See below.


Hiding behing the toilet paper, "sure enough you guys can't see me, can you?"

"Woo, hoo!!! I make the mess and mom, you clean it up!!!"

"Son, we are so proud of you for sticking to your goals and doing what it takes to achieve them."

Megan and Heidi's Visit

Last week we had 2 fun visitors at the Alcala House. Megan flew in from Indianapolis and Heidi flew in from Baltimore. They were handed some HOT, SUNNY weather and we enjoyed every minute of it. We did lots of relaxing in the pool on rafts, went out for some nice dinners and went to the beach. One night we went out for "girls night" while Daddy and Avery stayed in for "boys night."



Enjoying an italian dinner at Mama Onesties

Girls night out, at the Gator Club. (L to R) Carol, Jamie, Jessi, Heidi, Megan

Dinner at Bonefish.....Meg and Me

Heidi and Jamie enjoy their Key Lime Pie Martinis....I think this was probably their 3rd or 4th

A "preparty pic" Heidi, Megan and Jessi......what the rest of the night brought.......is left to be told