Tampa's Annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest

Every year Tampa is invaded by a slew of pirates in the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Gasparilla events run for about a month long, but this past Saturday was the invasion of the pirates into South Tampa. Early in the morning a parade of pirates and boats invade the waters leading into downtown Tampa and then after the boat invasion is the parade where they throw tons of beads. It's Tampa's historic version of Mardi Gras. Stef's cousin Blythe and her family recently moved to Tampa and are living temporarily living downtown. Stef went over to their place for Gasparilla Day and enjoyed the boat invasion. Although this day of festivities is really geared for adults, we took their 2 year old to see the Pirates and Pirate ship come in and he did great! Here are a few pictures of the day and Parker experiencing his first Gasparilla. Welcome to Tampa Brue Family!

Here were some of the boats, among 100's of others, that invaded the waters of downtown Tampa. There were large yachts lined up along the embankment where we were standing as well.

Blythe, Jeff and Parker standing in front of one of the yachts. Some of the girls on top of the yacht were throwing beads down to Parker. He thought it was pretty neat.


Parker with some of his bead loot. He was such a good boy.

Here he was on the walk back home after the invasion. All tired out and ready for a nap :)

Meg's Recent Play Date

Meg had a recent play date with our friends dog, Brodee. Brodee is a 1 year old boxer that is full of energy :) Meg hasn't been too sure of Brodee because he likes to jump on her and play rough, but they are getting more used to each other and Meg is finally starting to instigate play with him. She still barks at him like she is "boss" but they are getting much better :) Here are a few pictures of them with all the toys out. Each time Brodee would pick up a toy then Meg would want that same toy. After a while you'll see in the first picture below that she had most of them right within her sight and reach :)

Isn't she so deprived??? They had the whole toy basket about emptied.

Meg playing but keeping her distance

I thought this was so cute... she thought she was getting a treat :)

Here was one very short moment when Brodee got close enough to bat his paw at her. As you can see she took it well... i think she let out a pretty nice bark back at him though.

Meg all tired out and laying amongst her toys. Is that the sweetest most innocent face you've ever seen???