Key West, Fl

We had the chance to spend a week in Key West with Jesson's parents. It was a ton of fun! The hotel was gorgeous and the city was so interesting! We saw performers on the pier one night, shopped on Duval, ate a ton of good food, went snorkeling, and even saw a drag show! It was a very fun and full week! Below are a few pictures of our adventures.

Jesson and I at the Southernmost Point.

Sign at Blue Heaven, one of the best restaurants we went to while we were there.

Jesson battled a sponge monster on Duval Street.

We found a cool shop selling masks.

Jesson got put in the stocks for jay walking....just kidding.

Jesson ordered a burger with shrimp on it, the waiter was very confused!

Hmmm......

Jesson is a pirate and I'm his wench.

Waiting for the drag show to start.

The fabulous Randy Roberts dressed as Cher.

Taking the boat out to go snorkeling.

Jesson's Dad checking out the fish.

Just a sign we found while out wandering one day.....

Hanging out on Duval Street before the sunset.

At the pier at sunset.

The last rays of the day.

Outta Gas...

Jesson has this rule. He calls it the 1/4 tank rule. Allegedly, when the gas needle reaches 1/4 tank, we are supposed to fill it up. The trouble is, if I get a little busy or don't feel like stopping I might let the needle get a little past a 1/4 tank. Well, when Buddy came to visit I let the needle get way past 1/4 tank, so far in fact that we ran out of gas on our way to WalMart. Luckily, there was a nice bench for us to sit on while we waited for the AAA guy to bring us more gas. So the moral of the story kids......always pay your AAA membership!

We managed to push the car off the main road onto a side street near campus.

Jesson and Buddy waiting........

.....and waiting.

My view from laying down on the bench waiting.

First Horse Show

Jesson competed in his first horse show a few weeks back. He rode Maggie who he has been practicing with in his lessons. They entered 3 classes and earned a 1st, 3rd, and 4th. I went along as groom, photographer, and horse holder. Below are a few pictures from the show as well as a short video of Jesson doing part of his course. Unfortunately, before he finished the camera ran out of space. Jesson said it was a very rookie photographer mistake! It's true, he never runs out of space while he's taping me competing!

Jesson and his trainer, Pat Deasy, discussing the course ahead of time.

Jesson and Maggie ready to go in the ring.

Taking a jump in nice style.

The results of lots of practice and hard work!

Graduation

Below is a short video of Jesson's name being called at graduation and him walking across the stage and shaking the President of UF's hand.

Commencement Ceremony

Below are a bunch of pictures from Jesson's graduation ceremony. We were so glad that Grandma and Grandpa Bateman, Aunt Terri, Eric and Taylor Fletcher, both set of parents, and Ryan and Buddy were able to come to the graduation.

Graduation Pictures

Below are a few of Jesson's graduation pictures. We let Jesson and his dad loose on the campus and they came back with some great pictures. I especially love the one with the pom-poms and the feather boa that they borrowed from another graduate! Enjoy!

Congratulations!

Jesson is owed congratulations on two fronts this week. First, this Sunday he will graduate from the University of Florida with his Bachelor's Degree in Health Science. Second, we just received his letter of acceptance into the University of South Florida's Molecular Medicine Graduate Program! This means we are moving to Tampa this summer to begin a whole new chapter of our lives. We are very excited! Way to go Jesson!