If it feels like we are always traveling, it's because we are! But, it's fun to be able to spend extra time with each set of Parents/Grandparent's and to see friends so it's worth it.
We just finished a trip to Florida. It was HOOOOT. Of course. Why wouldn't it be. I think the lowest the temperature was on one of our vacations this year was about 95. Although, I know I'll be wishing for 95 come about February so I'm trying not to complain too much.
Anyway, onto the details of our trip.
FridayWe got in on Friday evening and just enjoyed some good food and fun. It was nice to relax after traveling with the kiddos. A thank you to both of them for being such good travelers.
(When you are teenagers I'll need this as a reminder.)SaturdayUnfortunately our illness followed us to Florida. Maddi's congestion was getting really bad so after a phone call with the doctor we decided to take her to the ER. She had an ear infection and thankfully nothing else, but a trip to the ER took a good bit of the day so we didn't do much else.
SundayAfter laying low we were ready to go! So, we headed out to the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine. None of us had ever been there so we weren't really sure what to expect. It turned out to be spectacular. And a little scary. There were SO many alligators and crocodiles.
Gator Man
Owen showing off the little alligator that he got in the gift shop.
In the middle of the park is a giant pit that houses about 25 or so gators. This is where they do the main demonstrations which was really cool.
There was one that told you all about the "farm" and the alligators.
He looks like he's smiling!
And a feeding demonstration.
There were some other animals at the place too.
This sign was cool I thought since it's the wingspan of a vulture. Owen looks so tiny!
Let's say these turtles were "wrestling."
Poor little monkey.
Slithery snakes were one of Owen's favorites. Barbara took a picture of us holding one which I'll share when I get her pics.
Papo and Owen enjoyed feeding the duck and the swans.
One of the things Owen is great at is using his imagination and finding fun in everyday things. He quite enjoyed this caution sign for about 5 minutes which brought a smile to everyone's face around him.
There were cool wood carvings all over the park.
They also had a section that had an example of each of the 23 crocodile species which was pretty neat. I took a sampling of the odder looking ones.
I took this shot to showcase how hot it really was. The alligator, a reptile, was panting. Rediculous.
They had an albino alligator which was pretty cool.
One of the most amazing things that the farm had was a boardwalk that went over a large swamp. There were hundreds (no exaggeration) of them below the boardwalk. It was exciting and scary all at the same time. You could even feed them pellets (I'm pretty sure it was dog food) and watch them go all crazy.
Later in the evening we hung out and enjoyed some quality time together.
MondayWe finally got to enjoy some time at the beach. It was a gorgeous day.
Owen loves trucks. Plain and simple.
They also had a bounce house. For some reason Owen was really scared to go in by himself. So, Daddy got to join in the fun. Owen still didn't want to bounce so really they just sat there and looked silly.
In the evening Daddy headed back home to Chicago:(
TuesdayWe hung out around the house on Tuesday. They were doing some demolition work down the street so of course we had to check it out.
Owen was a little freaked out because I don't think he's every been that close to a moving one before. He kept saying he wanted the man to get out. There was even an extra attachment which I thought he'd be all over. He was scared of that too.
After a bit of coaxing though (and Papo getting in with him,) we managed to get a good shot of him standing in it.
WednesdayOn Wednesday we went to a local park. The equipment was fantastic and Owen had a great time.
ThursdayWell, by Thursday I was pretty convinced I had a sinus infection so I went to the Walgreen's clinic. I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. Got in, got my antibiotic and went on my way.
In the morning, Owen and Papo climbed around outside and looked for bugs and lizards. Owen found a few lizards earlier in the week. One which lost his tail thanks to our little boy and one that sadly lost it's life. Squeezed with love a little too hard I guess...
Owen LOVES Maddi. For those of you who haven't had a chance to witness it yet, it's adorable. Here Owen gives Maddi Eskimo kisses. It makes me melt to watch them together.
Before we headed home, we decided to hit the pool. Owen is doing really well swimming with his life jacket on and is getting a feel of what it is like to actually swim.
We also stopped by the beach one more time.
And, thankfully, we all survived the ride home from Florida without Daddy. It was pretty easy actually. Owen is "helping" Maddi get her picture taken. Poor Bean.
It was a great time!!! I'll post more pics. once I get them.
Allison and her Dad walking down the aisle
Allison and Joe (Utah)
Exchanging vows
Exchanging rings
You may kiss the bride
The happy couple
Cute shot of me and my honey
First dance
Allison and her Dad
Cutting the cake
Tossing the bouquet
"People at the party" as my mom likes to say.
Steven and Sarah
Robin and Rob
Pat and Dale again
Mike and Kristen
Mallory and Erin
Lindsay and Joey
Jen, Katia and Grace
Ed and Amanda
Cindy and Mike
Brian and Sarah
Brad and Kerri
Dance Party USA!
Lots of fun was had by all.
Owen stayed with my Mom all weekend and was so happy to see Maddi when we got home. First thing he said when he saw us was "Where's Maddi?" Too cute.
Thanks Mom for babysitting Owen!
