Tuesday, June 21, 2011

A Warm Tampa Welcome To ZANDER

Zander arrived here last week after spending a few days with Sarah, Dustyn, and Carsyn.  We tried to give him a warm Tampa welcome.

Wandering the World with Zander If you don't know about Zander, he is a sock monkey who has heart full of love for children with special needs.  He is just one part of the much larger FAITH Project, founded by Amy Gomes.  You can read more about this wonderful project and Zander's wanderings HERE.  

As many of you know I enjoy working with children and adults with special needs, so this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart.  It is something I don't do now that I live in Florida, but I spent several years volunteering with a group at my church in Kentucky.  You can read more about that HERE.

Kayla Faye of Struttin' My Stuff Photography launched Wandering the World with Zander.  Kayla has been (and continues) gathering a group of photographers and friends from all around the world to photograph Zander, as he travels.  Kayla will then compile these photos into a book that will be published via Blurb, and the proceeds from the sale of these books will go directly to the FAITH Project. 

We figured since Zander was a tourist in Tampa we should show him some of the tourist sites.

We started by showing Zander "Crew Art."  This area is a very popular location for rowing crews, particularly Collegiate rowing crews.  The art you see along the sea wall is the way various collegiate teams leave their mark.  Little did we know he was going to get to see rowers in person.


Then, we visited Bayshore Boulevard.  You can't come to Tampa without enjoying our 4.5 mile sidewalk that winds along the waterfront.  It is the world's longest continuous side walk (at least, I think it still holds the title) and is an excellent place to walk, run, bike, roller blade, or just stroll along looking for sting rays, birds, dolphins and the like.  


While we didn't make a stop at the pirate ship we did visit some pirates (another Tampa must). 


We showed him the skyline.


Then B needed a break, so off we went to the park.  

I guess Zander needed a break too!!

Today, Zander is off to Pennsylvania where he will be spending a few days with Allison.  However, stayed tuned for more photos of Zander's Tampa experience.  

**If you would like to host Zander be sure to click over and Kayla will get you signed up!

Today I am linking up with My 3 Boybarians, The Happiness Project, Communal Global, and Ruby Tuesday

25 comments:

Sandy said...

These are WONDERFUL, Amber! I had looked forward to your Zander pics, wondering what spots you would pick and certain your creativity would give me fresh joy. I was not disappointed.

These are delightful...picking a favorite is hard, but I especially liked the crew art, and Zander "hanging out" on Bayshore Blvd. and taking a break with "pippie made me laugh out loud. I like the way B is patting Zander. Just delightful.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Looks like Zander had a lovely day out!! I think you did too. Great fun photos!

Mira Crisp said...

Oh man! I am so glad you stopped by cause I get to follow you now! :) This was a great tour for me too, not only Zander, since I am planning to settle down in Tampa. I love seing pictures of Tampa! :) Thank you!

Susan said...

OK, these were just amazing!! So glad he got a break in his busy day.

PRECIOUS!!

Hope you have a blessed day♥

Ashley Sisk said...

Looks like you really showed Zander a wonderful time. If I ever get down to Tampa (we have an office down there), we are totally hanging out. And is he going to see Michelle or Allison (just asked because of the links).

Unknown said...

great shots! He looks like he's having quite the adventure - it will be hard to top, but we're excited!!

Anonymous said...

Looks like you guys showed him a great time. I didn't know that the sidewalk holds such a unique title! Learn something new every day!

deb duty said...

Such fun photos and beautiful scenes with Zander! You live in a wonderful place!

Buckeroomama said...

Such a cute shot of B holding on to Zander while on the swing! :)

Tamar SB said...

Such a fun adventure! He is the cutest sock monkey around - hope he enjoyed Tampa!

Jessica said...

Love these!!! How fun!

Kelly Lund and Kids said...

Looks like Zander is having a Blast!! How fun!!! Happy Tuesday!

mommy to many said...

i was confused too Ashley Glad it's fixed now =0) I clicked on the link and realized it wasn't Michelle.


this is such a Wonderful idea though (wink-wink)!!

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Those pirates look altogether too friendly!

WOMAN IN THE SCARLET COAT

Woman in the scarlet coat,
Are you heading for a boat?
Or perhaps you need a bus
To get far away from us.
Whether wheels or sails you take
Don’t forget the chocolate cake
To sustain you on your way;
Red-clad damsel, now we say,
“Go with grace, enjoy the ride,
See you on the other side!”


© 2011 by Magical Mystical Teacher

Faded Red Sidewalk

Kindra said...

These are so creative! My favorite is the bayshore shot - I LOVE it! Zander sure had an eventful visit!

Susan Anderson said...

I love touring with Zander...
;)

Carolina said...

Looks like Zander had a blast! These pictures made me smile :)

Gina Kleinworth said...

Seriously fun shots- I am loving this Zander thing.

Cropped Stories said...

These pictures are a riot! I am lovin' the skyline pic!

Little Hatchlings said...

How fun for Zander! You know that I live right in Tampa and I've yet to visit some of the places that you took Zander to!

Nicolasa @ {My}Perspective said...

Looks like Zander had a great time! I can't wait until he comes to visit me!!!

Sarah | Coffee and Cabernet said...

Your blog is just precious! I love Zander the sock monkey. Your little guy is adorable, too.
I'm excited to be a new follower and looking forward to reading about your upcoming adventures, especially from your faithful point of view.
My "blog home" is Coffee & Cabernet -- hope you can stop by sometime soon.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness. Awesome shots. Wish I lived in a cool town like Tampa. Our town is pretty boring. Great job Amber!

Anonymous said...

Love Zander and the skyline! Look like fun adventures with him!

Jill LIVING TO DO HIS WILL said...

Oh my goodness your shots of Zander are beyond cute and fun! Great job and looks like you all had a blast with him!

I just moved from an area not too far from where Zander is now!

Hugs and love,
Jill