Daytona, Cocoa Beach, and Orlando

We've had a VERY eventful week!

When we're scheduling a tour of any size, Paula tries to arrange a few days off when we're near somewhere of interest.  What could be better than the beach?  After performing in Jacksonville, we spent time in Daytona and Cocoa Beach before today's show in Orlando.

One thing the kids love to do at every beach is to go crab hunting at night.  There are usually lots of small ghost crabs that run across the beach all night long- you simply bring a flashlight and a bucket, and see what you can catch.  In Daytona, though, we didn't see any.  We only found this guy who we rescued from a tangled mess of fishing line:

In Cocoa Beach, though, we found quite a few!

We also went to "Cow Day" at Chick-Fil-A in Daytona.  Once per year, there's a day where you get a free sandwich by simply wearing something cow related.  In Cincinnati, we go all out- but in Daytona, we had to settle for cow spots that we drew on paper:

Surely you've been to Chick-Fil-A before but if not, well . . . every time we're there, I'm amazed at the VAST difference between them and every other fast food restaurant.  They understand your order, they get it right the first time, they're fast, they constantly check to ask if you need anything, they're friendly, they take your tray if they see you heading toward the garbage . . . they're just leagues above everywhere else.

We also got to do something really cool in Cocoa Beach.  This area is known as the space coast because this is where lots of shuttle launches happened.  July 20 also happens to be the 50th anniversary of the moon landing- so on Saturday morning, there was a parade which included 13 astronauts.  Here's Silas shaking hands with Rick Hauck, an astronaut who flew three space missions:

So, this morning's show was at Calvary Chapel Orlando.  These folks were very accommodating during our set up.  They rearranged their usual stage to make everything fit.  Here are Paula and Faith backstage- doesn't everyone spend their mornings behind a curtain sitting on a giant crate?

The show was great and the folks were awesome!  We had lots of fun.  Orlando is definitely a place we look forward to seeing again soon!  After the show, the Pastor and his family graciously invited us to their home for lunch.  We ended up talking for quite a while- it's such a blessing to make new friends all over the country!  Thanks again Pastor Juan!

Tomorrow evening we perform in Leesburg, Florida.  It's only about an hour away, which doesn't happen often.  We're really looking forward to it, so if you're in central Florida, come on out and say hi!