Remembering Florida

On these frigidly cold days, I try to remember how nice it was in Florida. We had beautiful weather for the most part. The boys spent so much time in the pool, they might be considered amphibians at this point.

I was worried about the plane ride, mostly Gavin on the plane. But he was content on the way there, with enough suckers and fruit snacks and even watched a movie for a while (see below). On the way home, he slept most of the way. Easy!

Gavin and Jacob watching a movie on the plane.

The first day we arrived at about 5 or so at our hotel. It was dark by the time we got to the pool, but still warm enough out to go swimming and the pool was about as warm as a bathtub, so in we went in the dark. We did a couple night swims, since daylight did not allow the boys enough time for swimming (I guess).

Jacob and Fred in the pool.

Fred and I would take turns getting up and out with the boys in the mornings, neither of us being morning people. Lots of wandering the beach and picking seashells. Gavin was a good seashell hunter. I have visions of a Christmas wreath made of shells, but they haven't gotten that far yet.

Me and the boys on the beach.


Our family on the beach.

Honestly, Gavin was an attraction at the pool. Everyone at the hotel knew him. They'd say "oh, he's the one that's been jumping in the pool." Yes, he would jump in whether we were near or not, swimmies or no swimmies. At least he could kick himself up to the surface and by that time we'd be there to grab him. Kept us on our toes to say the least and entertained many a sunbather that week. Gavin particularily liked to perform for a family with four young and pretty girls. Oh, they start young.

Jacob also strengthened his swimming that week. He was soon swimming across the deep end and from the shallow to the deep end. Chasing new found friends and playing marco polo and whatever other games they made up.

Here they go jumping in.

Gavin liked Fred to hold him "up high" and then be dropped into the water.

Fred and Gavin on one of the night swims.

One afternoon we walked over to the marina on the intercoastal side of the island (we stay on Singer Island in West Palm Beach) and fed the fish. It was the one rainy day, so this was a good activity during the break in the rain clouds.

The boys at the marina, by a pelican statue.

The last full day we were in Florida it was only 70 degrees (what I wouldn't give for 70 degrees now). So we headed to Lion Country Safari for the day. It was a drive thru safari and we saw all sorts of horned and feathered animals along with lions, elephants and a water buffalo that walked too close to our van for my comfort. At the end of the "safari" there was a small amusement park and more animal exhibits.

Here is a rhino munching hay amongst the zebras.


Gavin on a paddle boat ride at Lion Country Safari.

Jacob feeding Bobby the giraffe.

The boys and I waiting to board a ride.

We should really go to Florida in about February, but the weather was so perfect there over Thanksgiving we won't complain. I wish we could have bottled some of that weather for days like today, or yesterday when the boys made me go outside and "play". Brrrrr.