Welcome, New Orleans friends

When Katrina brutally damaged New Orleans in '05, there were dozens of families who moved to our area - some for months - until they could repair and rebuild their homes. We found out from WaterColor yesterday that they are close to 100% occupied, mostly with families from New Orleans and surrounding areas. The beaches were packed today with tourists who fled Gustav's path. We wanted to welcome the evacuees to our area and let you know we will be praying that Gustav will not do much damage.

Thanks for the shout out!

It's always nice to find out someone is talking about our pizza place or linking to us from a website or blog. Big thanks to these onliners for sending people our way this week:

• Sowal Scene
• 30a.com
• Williamson Family {Baby Hemming is here!}
• CVHN
• Lucky Dog Love
• Marla & Shane
• Sarah & Chad Wedding {Cool! Congratulations!}

It was also great to discover this couple in the rockers in front of Movies by the Sea eating our pizza.

The Lickety Kricket

Kristen and Lyn created their own pizza and named it the Lickety Kricket {Kricket is Kristen's nickname}. It's pesto, pepperoni, ground beef, Feta cheese and Ranch dressing. It took some convincing for me to try it, but I have to tell you that it was delish! Next time you're wanting to try something new, just ask for the Lickety Kricket.

Hurricane Party

We love supporting our favorite local charitable organization, the Children's Volunteer Health Network (CVHN). Many of you joined the Circle of 100 earlier this year and attended the event at Alys Beach.

Their 4th Annual Hurricane Party {which originated after the hurricanes in '05} is Saturday, September 13, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at The Red Bar. Tickets are $50 each which includes food and entertainment by local favorite Cadillac Willy {including super duper star John David Sullivan}. Tickets are on sale now at Pizza by the Sea and Movies by the Sea, so come get yours soon. All of the proceeds will benefit CVHN, which provides medical, dental and mental health needs for children in our area.

We have attended every year and I can assure you a good time. There will be oodles of fun auction items from local restaurants, shops and artists. If you would like to donate an auction item, please contact Jane Bahr at jbbahr@aol.com It is great exposure for your business and goes to support a wonderful cause.

Hope to see everyone at the party!

See & be seen

Rain Dance

The family hadn't eaten dinner and it was late, so we headed to the pizza place and my husband got to be a customer for a change. We expected it to be pretty empty because of the late hour, but were thrilled to bump into some friends, including the Johnsons. Their son played with our little girl for a while. In fact, they basically fed and entertained our child while we had a few minutes of conversation. We headed outside to let the kiddos play and when the rain started to pour, they begin to twirl around and dance and catch raindrops with their mouths. What is it about growing up that makes us run in from the rain instead of dancing in it?

How cool is this?

Check out the new button Jill from Sowal Scene designed for us. We love it!!!

Hannah vs. Fay

While some hunkered down and others closed their doors for dinner (What?), Pizza by the Sea and a bunch of fun folks told Tropical Storm Fay to take a hike! Charisse turned 8 in style with a Hannah Montana party. She and her friends made their own pizzas and noshed on her Hannah-themed cake. Grace and her beautiful kids (including Jake, now a TEENAGER) dined with us and everyone was excited to welcome Colby back from his vacation to Russia.

Shultz Family Capers

Some of our dearest friends, the Shultz's, were in town from Texas last week. When I tried to "blog" them, Daddy Shultz got camera shy. So, alas, photographs of his children covered in pizza and Ben & Jerry's will have to suffice. Scott is a pretty fun Dad, though. Check out the photos of him playing Speed Racer down the aisles of Publix. We love you, Shultz Family!

Tetherball, anyone?

Remember tetherball? Apparently, my husband does, because he bought one for the pizza place. It's fun for all ages and the kids are especially hooked. Goodbye, video games!!!

We won! Thank you!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who voted to help us win the Hottest Spot for Pizza on 30A. We found out there were hundreds of people voting for us everywhere from right down the street to Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas {Thanks, family and ex-coworkers!}. Thank you almost doesn't seem like enough - especially to those of you who told us you faithfully voted every hour you were awake! According to Mike at 30a.com, the poll generated the site's highest number of votes ever - 7,000! Check out Mike's site if you haven't yet. It is great as are his new 30A bumper stickers that you can get free at Pizza by the Sea. Thanks again to our voting friends. Our little one is so excited, she's handing out hugs all over town!

"L" is for Locals

It was a great night to catch up with locals at the pizza place. John David gave rides on his cool new space mobile, JD cared for his "virtual" baby and all the kids were abuzz about school starting.