Finally Florida! (With a little delay)

Florida! 

Just kidding!  We stopped overnight in St. Louis because our flight was canceled.  Luckily they got us on another flight first thing the next morning.  The kids were disappointed at first, but we got to go see the arch and out to eat, and stay in a hotel, so everything was fine.

Gracie and Owen enjoying themselves.

Gracie can be our photographer

Finally Florida Part I

Sorry for so many pictures, but we did SO MUCH while we were visiting Tampa!  The following pictures get us through Tuesday, I think.  I'll post another update with the last half of our trip when I get a chance; hopefully soon.  I just wanted to make sure I uploaded everything and didn't have to start over again, as I've had to do before.  

Saturday morning we had round two of checking in at the airport in Belleville, IL.  This time we were only delayed for about an hour.  I guess that's better that not going at all!

Waiting at the airport.

Ready for departure

Nick and Owen, ready to go!

We're here!

First things, first!  The whole family picked us up at the airport and transported us directly to Madeira Beach for lunch and a dolphin cruise.  We arrived to a beautiful, warm, sunny day!  We ate outdoors and the kids saw dozens of dolphins on our boat ride.  After a great afternoon, we headed to Norm and Deb's to let the kids swim and get ready for Easter.

Nick and Owen waiting for their food.

Dolphins!

Easter Day

What a great way to spend Easter!  The Easter Bunny came and everything!  I got to go running in the wonderful Florida humidity (I actually prefer sweating over bundling up), and after breakfast, we headed to the zoo for a few hours.  It was another great day to be outside.  No complaints here!

Owen and Gracie thought it was pretty awesome to be able to touch the stingrays.

Gracie gets a turn.

Owen looking at the manatees.

Gracie found the fountains.

After our Easter dinner, Deb took us to a really neat park with lots of huge climbing trees.

Nick guides Gracie across the long branch.

Just chilling in the tree.

Owen and dad found another one.

The whole family

Gracie and Nick 

Easter wouldn't be complete without an egg hunt!  Gracie and Owen were very persistent in their requests to hide and find Easter eggs.  They had colored some that Deb had boiled and were so excited to go find them.

Owen getting some help from Grandpa

Gracie found plenty!

Day 3

Everyone had to go to work and school on Monday morning, so we went to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) for a few hours after lunch.  The kids loved it and found tons to do there!  I think visiting the moon was Owen's favorite. (He did this twice).  They had a dinosaur display, and a natural disaster area.  Gracie enjoyed learning about foods by playing a matching game that was provided and Owen watched a video of eye surgery with Nick.  It was all pretty neat. 

This was supposed to simulate a hurricane.  It simulated winds of almost 80 mph.

Gracie enjoyed the dinosaur exhibit.  They used pulley systems to make the dinosaurs move.

After a full afternoon of the science museum and a brief rain shower, we returned to Norm and Deb's house.  After much debate of where to go to eat, it was decided that we would go to a nearby Greek restaurant.  Of course, our kids ordered cheese pizza.  Ugh.  However, I completely indulged and loved the gyros, spanakopita, saganaki, and of course, the baklava!!!  I think it's a good thing that I don't do this every day!  I would eat way too much!  While the kids and Nick may not enjoy Greek food as much, I certainly appreciated it!  THANK YOU DEB!

DAY 4:  Busch Gardens

The kids had so much fun last summer at Busch Gardens, we decided to do it again.  We were able to do a few different things, like go see the kangaroos, since Owen was old enough this time.  The kids also remembered their favorite rides, so we made sure to try to get to those.  However, Gracie didn't get to ride the Cheetah Hunt, which she was really disappointed about.  It started raining around 2pm, and while we were hoping that it would stop, it continued and eventually they had to close all of the rides due to thunder.  She did get to ride the Pirate Ship ride that looked like a big boat and went completely upside down.  They both got to ride the Scorpion, which is Owen's favorite.  I'm so glad that our kids like to ride the rides!  We got to do bumper cars, too, since that was under a shelter.

Car ride to Busch Gardens

Owen petting the kangaroos

Owen and Gracie waiting in line for a ride.

Riding the train

Grandma and Gracie riding the train

The kids found Big Bird and Elmo in the Sesame Street area.

Tigers!  We watched the tigers for quite awhile.  By that time, it was raining quite a bit and there was a sheltered viewing area.  We had a good day, despite the rain, but I think their first experience was better.  Last June, the lines were not nearly as long and we got to do more with better weather. Oh, well, I guess.  We still got to see a lot!

After returning home, pizza was ordered and the kids watched Big Hero 6 for a night in.

I think this sums up the first part of our vacation.  There will definitely be more to come.  The trip wouldn't be complete without the ocean and beach!