Florida!

I know it has been another month again, since I posted last.  I had really good intentions, but the last couple weeks have been so busy.  There has been a lot going on and I have many more pictures to post and activities to write about, but I thought I'd get our Florida trip done first.This trip has snuck up on us and seemed to come out of nowhere!  We started counting down at least a month ago and all of a sudden the week of departure was upon us.  Fortunately, the kids only missed 1 1/2 days of school and the flights worked out perfectly.  We picked them up just after lunch on Thursday, drove to Kansas City, and arrived in Tampa around 10pm that night.  

We made it to the airport in plenty of time, so we got to sit around for awhile. 

Just waiting...

Finally!  Ready for take off!

Nick's mom met us at the airport and we were at their house by 11:00.  No sleeping for the kids though!  Regardless of the late night, the kids were up by 7am (I think that was earlier than me) and wanted to swim in the pool.  The air temperature was only 52 degrees outside, but that did not deter them from jumping in.  I think they're crazy!  It was much warmer later in the afternoon and the hot tub was also wonderful!

Owen swimming

Gracie in the water

Next on the agenda was an airboat ride.  We boarded and were on our way through the swamp and lake it led to.  We saw several large alligators, and at the end of the ride, Gracie and Owen took turns holding a small one.  Gracie was reluctant, but I knew she would do it, once Owen did.

Owen enjoying the ride

gliding through the river

Ready to go!

This is one of the larger gators that we were able to see

Here is another one, just watching us.

Owen is holding the little gator

Gracie's turn

After returning to the house and participating in another swim session, we went out to eat by the ocean at sunset.  The kids walked out on the pier and found the sand.

Gracie walking through the sand

Owen out by the water

They found some shells.

I'm not sure why, but when I uploaded all my photos, they showed up randomly, so I've tried to group them together, but they're not in chronological order.  The tree park was actually our last day there.  We had wanted to go to the same park that we visited last year, but it was under construction.  This worked, though.  They still had fun climbing trees even if there weren't as many.

Kayaking in the ocean!

Our second day was spent at the beach/ocean.  Nick and his mom loaded up kayaks and we paddled across the ocean to a nearby island where we found shells, crabs, and built sandcastles.  I was planning on paddling with Deb, but Tony decided to go and took over. So I just got to ride.  The water was a bit chilly, but the sun was warm and provided a nice burn on my back where I couldn't reach with sunscreen.  I will definitely ask for help next time.  Gracie swam and didn't seem to mind the temperature.  But Owen mostly played in the sand and chased seagulls.  I love watching him do this.

Getting ready to go.

Owen found the water

Owen's castle with a crab on top.

Picnic on the kayaks

Owen showing Gramma Deb a shell that he found.  I think that one had a live crab in it.

Owen next to his kayak.

After we returned from our island excursion, we stopped at a snack shack to get snow cones.  

Waiting for our snack

Gracie's blue mouth after eating her blue raspberry icee.

After the ocean, beach, and kayaking, we headed back to the house.  The kids slept the whole way, but ready to get in the pool when we got back.  Nick and I took advantage of Gramma and went out to eat for the evening.  Nothing fancy, but it was nice to go on a date.  We weren't too late and watched the end of a movie with the kids when we returned around 9:30 or so.

Last day in the sun.  Why do we have to go?

The kids swam again on Sunday morning and we went to a park for a little bit before grilling burgers for lunch.  The weekend went very quickly, but it was so good to visit!  I wish we could go once a month!  I thought Gracie was going to cry when she was packing her stuff to leave.  I think she knew it would be a while before she gets to see her Gramma again or come back to visit.  I was kind of hoping our flight would be canceled, or something that would prevent us from getting back for another day.  Unfortunately, that didn't happen and we are back in Missouri.  Everything went smoothly, which, I guess I should be thankful for.  

I have a lot more to write about and I hope I can get that done soon.  Like I said, we have had a very busy month!