Myrtle Beach Madness

Have you ever been in the ocean and said I am gonna die? When I was in my 20′s I almost did with some horrible rip tides and a long day of beach volleyball. I was tired and swam a little too far out and kept getting pounded by waves and pulled back out…I just couldn’t get back. A friend helped me out and here I am a daddy of two….So, enough of that!!

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My family had a little beach adventure this week. I had to work late on Sunday but as soon as I got off work we jumped in the car and took a nine hour drive to Myrtle Beach….that place was Amazing!!! Now, Gabriel my oldest has been in the ocean as a toddler but Isabella has never entered the water before…..Oh, what an adventure it was!! First day…we enter the water and I have a kid holding on to each arm because let’s face it…the ocean is a little intimidating. The water is a little cold at first but I know as soon as the first wave hits us it’s not going to matter because we will be drenched!!! I didn’t think about the salt….Bella got the first mouthful and you would have thought she had something stuck in her throat….she gagged and spit something awful…Gabriel was laughing until he turned around and got a face full himself!!! Ha Ha Ha Laugh now!!! I start laughing at both of them until I step off in a hole and fall down in the water!! Hey, I’m from Tennessee Lakes, Rivers, creeks, and ponds don’t act this way! We still had a few hours of fun when we got those issues out of the way.

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Well, we went in and took a little break to eat lunch and it was a good thing too….a little afternoon storm came through and ran everyone off the beach. It didn’t last too long but it really made the waves look cool and we couldn’t wait to get out there. So, we get our suits back on and headed on down to the water and I quickly notice that this is a little bit more rough than earlier…it kind of looks like the water did 20 years ago when I almost died….what could go wrong….so we jump in and quickly find out that it was too rough especially since Bella said…I don’t want to go in….so Gabe and I try to get going but the waves are pounding right at the shore and the water has risen quite a bit….No sooner than we realize this does a huge wave hit us…Gabe gets knocked forward now I still have his hand….the undertow starts pulling him back into the ocean….another wave hits us and let me just tell you….my son doesn’t have wings because I have checked before….BUT….this boy flew over my head with his hand still in mine….meanwhile my pants get ripped from my waste and down around my ankles…..there I am 300 pounds of Tennessee white butt!! I couldn’t save my pants but I never let go of Gabe..We decide that we had enough so we walk up onto the shore…or get thrown out of the ocean…either way we are out. Thank God!!

As we walk up to where the girls are hanging out…my dear wife Kas states that my daughter said that I told her that she could not get in the water….WHAT?!….I said Kas, Did you not just see what happened out there? She said, I saw you guys get knocked down but you need to take her out there….I said…WE ALMOST DIED!!! She still insisted, so being the obedient husband that I am…I took my eight year old daughter by the hand and headed to the water. When we got there…she bailed again….she wasn’t having any part of it! I walked into the water up to about my knees…safe enough right…turned my back to the ocean and called for my daughter to come to me…she would not…so I put my arms out to my sides to motion to my wife that I tried and she would not come in…..did I mention that my back was to the ocean? I got hit with another monster wave that flipped me over, took my pants again, and then had me on my knees while it pulled all of the sand and shells underneath my planted knees like sandpaper and gravel……RUG BURN!!!!

I gathered myself and exited the Ocean for the day!!

Wondering What It Would Be Like

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Wondering what it would be like if my dad were still around. Would we be hanging out all of the time? Would my son hang on his every word? Would my daughter climb on his knee and hug his neck tight while he gives her a dollar for the snack machine? I wonder how our family would be if things were different.

I’m also wondering what it would be like if loved ones in the family didn’t have so many demons. Could we all just have one of those Leave it To Beaver families? I wonder if our family reunions would be just over the top. My children may grow up to know a huge loving family like I had as a child.

I’m wondering what it would be like if I had moved to California that time. Would my heart lead me back to my soul mate and we have the children that we do now? How would that all work out?

I’m wondering what it would be like if I had stayed at that job back in the early ninety’s. How far would I have gone with that company? Things may really be different for me now. Things may really be different for my family.

I’m wondering what it would be like….BUT…as far as my life goes…I wouldn’t change a thing!

Disney’s Planes-I Just Got Cold Chills

I am so ready for this movie…I just got cold chills watching this trailer…LOL…cold chills from an animated movie! I don’t even care if I have to go by myself!! Watch the trailer for yourself.

SO…what did you think? You are ready to see it now too…I know it!

“From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013.”

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Wordless Wednesday I don’t Know

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I don’t know!!

Follow Big Daddy for a $50 Amazon GC GIVEAWAY

Big Daddy Wants To Go TO Disney

I still haven’t made my goal, but if I can at least get 2500 facebook likes and 2500 twitter followers she said she’d think about it. So…..time for a giveaway!!! $50 Amazon Giveaway!

Amazon Gift Card

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Up Up and Away with Dusty in Disney’s Planes

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Have you ever gone up a mountain only to find out that you were afraid of heights? How about going up in an airplane for the first time….man, the anticipation…my hands started sweating, my heart started beating fast, and I even dug a hole in the armrest of the plane. You want to do it but inside you are just a mess. I remember wearing my magic glasses on my first flight and then years later had Kas wear them on her very first flight out to LA….Hey, they work!! Well imagine being a plane and being scared of heights…kind of like an ice cream man being scared of ice cream. Dusty, in Disney’s Planes, is all about racing and some high flying action…BUT….he is just a little afraid of being up in the sky. Check out the trailer again.

Dusty, come and get me I will fly with you…my bet is on the plane dressed in orange…Up Up and away Dusty.. You can take them!!!

Here is a fun printable for the little ones

Download Coloring & Connect the Dots

From above the world of “Cars” comes “Disney’s Planes,” an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar. “Disney’s Planes” takes off in theaters on Aug. 9, 2013. For more information, check out Disney.com/Planes, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyPlanes and follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures.The film takes off in theaters in 3D on Aug. 9, 2013.

***Disclosure: Information provided by Disney. All opinions are 100% mine. ***

The Clankin Spankin!

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1. Rolling of the eyes
2. stomping up the stairs
3. slamming of the door
4. The mean grunt when you ask a question
5. continuous back talk
6. throwing an object to the ground and storming off
7. screaming in a pillow
8. yelling at a sibling
9. always right
10. about to get a clankin spankin!!! (sorry, A timeout)

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My oh my what a wonderful day…who knew that being a parent was so much fun? LOL…I would not give it up for anything! NO…I do NOT beat my children. I can count on one hand the number of spankings that I have given to both children combined. Sometimes it just gets to that point and no other method is going to calm the situation. Then there is always the make-up period afterwards…all the cuddles and hugs. I wish we could just skip the first part…..WELL….WAIT…..sometimes it can be funny! Just don’t let the kids see you laugh because then it gets much worse. I think that I can find a little humor in most situations. I just try and not laugh at the wrong times…LMAO….sometimes I just can’t help it.

Anyway, what is your method for correcting your child? Are you the type that uses the time out? Are you the type that takes things away? Do you offer rewards for good behavior? Do you ground your child? what are some good ideas that you use I am willing to try new things and catch the kids off guard with a new approach. The funny thing is, my children are AMAZING out in public….they start torturing us behind closed doors…It’s always refreshing to hear…they don’t do that at my house…Well they do it here and I have a head full of gray hairs to prove it!!!

Oz The Great and Powerful on BLU-RAY 6/11 and Awesome Bonus Clip

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I recently took my daughter to see Oz the Great and Powerful on our Daddy/Daughter Date and we couldn’t take our eyes off the screen. Everything was so vivid and imaginative. Not to mention, the storyline was really creative. I can’t wait for the Blu-Ray release with the special features!

A must-own for any home entertainment collection, the Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) of “Oz The Great and Powerful” brings the epic adventure to life on June 11th with its vibrantly colorful picture and sound, and boasts a sensational variety of never-before-seen bonus materials including: “The Magic of ‘Oz The Great and Powerful’ Second Screen Feature” that provides viewers with an immersive opportunity to journey into the fantastical lands of Oz; James Franco’s personal story of his journey to the land of Oz that is produced and directed by the Oscar® nominated star himself; Golden Globe® nominee Mila Kunis’ makeup metamorphosis which is hosted by Academy Award®-winning makeup artist Howard Berger; A back-stage journey through each of the visual effects process that brought China Girl to life including an interview with Joey King; and much more. Additionally, all Blu-ray and DVD products include a digital copy of the film allowing consumers to watch “Oz The Great and Powerful” at home, in their car, and/or anywhere they go.

The film is directed by Sam Raimi who helmed the record-crushing “Spider-Man” trilogy, and produced by Joe Roth who fashioned Disney’s billion dollar-plus earning “Alice in Wonderland.” “Oz The Great and Powerful” boasts a stellar cast that includes Academy Award nominee James Franco (“127 Hours”) as Oscar Diggs, the predestined wizard; Golden Globe nominee Mila Kunis (“Black Swan”) as the tormented young witch Theodora; Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz (“The Constant Gardener”) as Theodora’s older sister, Evanora, the witch who rules over the Emerald City; and three-time Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams (“Brokeback Mountain,” “Blue Valentine,” “My Week with Marilyn”) as Glinda, the Good Witch.

The Lone Ranger

Hi-yo, Silver, away!!!

I remember this being my favorite show on television when I was young. I loved The Lone Ranger!! I would have rather watched this then cartoons back then. When this movie hits the theatres I will be there and sharing the moment with my son the way my father shared the TV show with me so many years ago. Johnny Depp is playing Tonto….that is going to be crazy!! That guy is awesome in everything. Armie Hammer is playing The Lone Ranger. He was in The Social Network and J. Edgar.
Anyway…check out the new trailer!

“From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

“The Lone Ranger” also stars Tom Wilkinson, William Fichtner, Barry Pepper, James Badge Dale, Ruth Wilson and Helena Bonham Carter.

A Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films presentation, “The Lone Ranger” is directed by Gore Verbinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski, with screen story by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Justin Haythe and screenplay by Justin Haythe and Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. “The Lone Ranger” releases in U.S. theaters on July 3, 2013.”

So should you go see it?

Um, that right, Kemosabe!!

Pretty Cool Daddy Son Moment

You know that moment that people are sometimes lucky enough to have that you don’t really plan for but it just happens? We had one yesterday!

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My son Gabriel had a chance to compete in the state Science Olympiad competition at the University of Tennessee yesterday. So Kas, Gabriel, and I took the three hour drive East to Knoxville for the competition. The event started really early and Gabriel was in four events this time….three of which were Back to back to back. Now I don’t know if you’ve ever been to The University of Tennessee Campus…BUT….I now have and it is full of hills and stairs! You are right by The Great Smokey Mountains…so one event would be up the hill and the next would be down the hill…get it? So when we got there at 7:15, he needed to impound one of the items for his Egg drop event so we went to that building first….after trying to find the building for 30 mins…anyway it ended up being right next to Neyland Stadium. The instructors were like 3 hours late but that is another story for another time. Gabriel had his first event at 8:00 AM so we had to leave mom there to check the item in and Gabriel and I were off to his first event….where was that event? You guessed it….at the TOP of the hill and 15 flights of stairs….so we get to the building and room just to find out that the room and event have been changed to another building…..so we ran….AFTER the long walk up the hill….notice my blog name…Southern Bella’s BIG Daddy….anyway we got to the class in time and I had an hour before he was going to come out…..SO…..back to the bottom of the hill to get my wife who we left behind to check in the item for a later event. When I get there, she is still standing in line outside of the locked building…still no one there and no one has any ideas. I get a little nosey and walk over to the stadium gate to see if I can get into Neyland Stadium to sneak a peek….but….all locked up can’t get in. Anyway, I go back over and wait with Kas in the line at the locked door only to realize that time is flying by and I have to go get Gabriel and get him to his next event which starts at 9:15.

I leave my wife in the line at the Locked building and you guessed it….climb back up the side of the hill and the 15 flights of stairs to the building where he is and wait for about 5 minutes when he comes out……we ask for directions to his next even which is now about 12 minutes from starting and it turns out that it is only about four blocks away from where we are….Remember we haven’t been on the campus before so you can make the event in time….as long as you know where to go……We start walking in the general direction that they pointed and it is down hill so far. At the bottom of the hill we ran into our teacher and asked for directions and he gave perfect directions of the location that we were looking for and then said…..”if I had a car, I would drive you there”…..this is going to be a hike and the roads were being repaired around where we parked so the car was not an options. Gabriel and I took off following directions with now less than 10 minutes to get four blocks…….down a hill…..up a long stretch that was a hill….over the other side finally reaching our destination right on time!

After this event it was time to get back to where Kas was waiting for the next event….so back over the long hill….down the other side crossing four blocks. We then climbed back up another huge hill and went down to the bottom of another to the building she was at. This event only took like 5 seconds….Kas has been waiting there for 3 hours now….anyway it is over and we now have a break for lunch and whatever until his last event at 1 PM.

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We come out of the building and hear music coming from Neyland Stadium and now I notice that the gate that I tried to look through earlier is open. Now, I am a life long Tennessee fan which has now rubbed off on Gabriel and it was exciting to think that I could show him the field really quick and that he would never forget that experience. Gabriel and I started walking over there expecting to get turned away at any time……BUT…..no one ever stopped us until we got to a table where they were handing out guest badges for press. This gentleman asked me if he could help us….Halfway expecting a big no…..I said that I was kind of hoping to give my son a quick peek at the field…..the man came over and took my son by the hand and led him out to the turf to look around. The team was having spring practice and there were a lot of press and coaches out there….he asked if we had a camera and he would take our picture….we gave him Gabriel’s phone and posed and then I thanked him so much for letting my son look and that it meant a lot as I shook his hand…..he then asked me my name and I told him and he introduced himself……Condredge Holloway……and he also introduced his son to us but I smiled and said my friend I know that Name!! I thanked him again and explained to Gabriel about who that was and…..AT THAT POINT…..nothing else that we did that day would make him forget that moment…Well he did win a medal so that was great too….but he talked about it the rest of the day and on the 3 hour drive back home…..Pretty cool Daddy son moment!

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WHAT A DAY!!!