Gaggle of Geisslers

We spent the long weekend in Florida and had a blast! Unfortunately Brett couldn't join us but myself and the kiddos still managed to have a good time with Papo and Nonna Barbara.

Before we left though, the kiddos received some fabulous post-Christmas gifts from my Aunt Liz and Uncle John. Owen was absolutely beside himself and took everything he received with him to Florida.

Thursday
On Thursday we arrived. We just relaxed and enjoyed ourselves.

Friday
Friday morning we headed down to the outlets in St. Augustine so we could get clothes for Maddi which was her Christmas gift from Papo and Nonna Barbara. It is SO much fun picking out clothes for her. So much fun, that poor Schmoo passed out on the ride home with goldfish in his mouth and hands...

After shopping we hung out and enjoyed being with each other. Owen especially enjoyed Papo's airpline rides.

Saturday
After a busy day of shopping, we decided to hang out and enjoy the nice weather. While I know everyone from Florida was cold, us Chicagoans really enjoyed the 50 degree weather!

Papo and Owen enjoyed a nice breakfast together

Shortly after breakfast, Maddi and the grandparents took a snoozer. Guess a day and a half of us did them in. I can relate. So, Owen and I went outside to enjoy the sun and look for lizards and frogs. There wasn't a whole lot of wildlife out due to the cold but we did manage to find one lizard and a bunch of ants.

Out on Papo's dock in the marsh, Owen enjoyed looking at some dried flower pods and dumping the seeds.

Once Papo woke up he joined us outside and watered the plants with Owen. Note, Owen is in a t-shirt and light sweatshirt. Papo is in a wool sweater and flannel shirt. I rest my case.

Maddi woke up and went about being cute.

In the afternoon, Papo and Owen made bread together. It was yummy!

Then, Owen and Nonna Barbara looked at her shell collection.

Owen learned to "listen to the ocean"

Maddi did some of her own learning which included learning to sit up from laying down. Yeah Maddi!

Sunday
On Sunday we went to the Jacksonville Zoo which is absolutely the most wonderful zoo in the country. We made sure to hit up all of our favorites. We rode the train and saw lots of animals out and about.

Maddi enjoyed her first train ride

We even saw the new baby giraffe!

Another one of our favorites is feeding the Lorakeets. Owen got in the action this year even though it took him a few minutes to warm up to the fact that a large bird was sitting on him.

After the birds we took a few rides on the Merry Go Round.

Maddi seemed to enjoy her first ride

The zoo got some new additions, penguins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They have a fun lower area where kids can go and watch the penguins under water.

After the penguins we went to feed the giraffes. It is my favorite exhibit.

Owen is having fun on the elephant statue

Later in the day we had lots of fun playing together at home.

Owen found some "minerals" thanks to Nonna Barbara. She saved herself after telling Owen we would go to Mineral City after his nap, only to find that Mineral City didn't actually sell minerals, but was really an interior design shop. He still talks about it but I think she redeemed herself with the loot she found him to play with.