I took the kids to Naples to stay the week with Nana, Grandpa, Auntie Emmy and Tea. We had a great time in the Florida sunshine and I truly relaxed. I didn't touch a computer except to briefly assist Layton with his new obsession, www.jigsawpuzzle.com, which Grandpa introduced him to. Every day we had a mini-adventure: from the coolest modern payground, to the beach, to the waterpark, the zoo and a fishing expedition. Not to mention dance parties and tea time and ice cream sundaes! Thanks to our Florida family for always making our trips special and fun!We went to the beach twice (once to Vanderbilt and once to Barefoot.). Below is an osprey nest at Barefoot. I believe babies were in it and you can see a bit of their heads. The mommy and daddy flew in and out replenishing supplies while we were there. Very cool indeed.
Layton was into shell collection and castle making. Kestrel liked getting in the water. But mostly they go to any place with water and begin non-stop snacking. Many crackers and capri suns were to be had on this day.
No trip to Naples is complete unless we have a cousin tea party. Tea was a great hostess and poured tea for everyone, but she especially liked filling her own cup :)
We spent a terrific day at the zoo - it is one of the best I have been to - and the kids had a great time. Kestrel LOVES animals (guess we named her right) and is fascinated by everything she sees.
Layton and Kestrel were looking at fish in the water....
Tea had to come and check it out.
The monkeys and lemurs are located on individual islands that you travel to by boat to see. It is a great habitat for them and the boat ride is super fun.
Layton was given the camera to document the boat ride. This was a special treat for him because it was the first time he got to operate the camera. He did a great job with it. I am not including the picture Layton took of the man's rear-end who sat in front of us. Layton thought the photo was hilarious. I have to admit, I giggled a bit too. But to show I shouldn't approve, I couldn't add it to this blog.Below are some blonde-faced gibbons.
And some other kind in the tree...
The lake we sailed....
After the boat ride I let Layton continue to photo document our visit to the zoo. He captured this one of Grandpa.
And this one....
And one of a ring-necked snake. It was only about 5 or six inches long. Very cute little snake.
Grandpa walking down the row of palms.
And the all-important self shoe shot.
I took the camera back and got these of the kids playing at the playground inside the zoo.
On Sunday, we headed to the waterpark!! It is a terrific park and is part of the county parks system. It was affordable, clean and very fun!! The girls played in the baby splash area, Layton took a chance crossing the lilypads in the mid-sized kid pool and we swam in the fountain pool. We also took a voyage down the lazy river (where I completely soaked Grandpa under a waterfall to save me and the kids from a similar fate). After we took the girls home for their nap, Emily, Layton and I went back and did some of the great waterslides! What a cool place and it will be very fun when all the kids are a bit older!!
Look at her push up! Goooo kestrel!
On our last day, Layton and I went out with Grandpa and Mr. Kent to do some fishing. Here Layton is getting psyched up.
A tri-colored heron at the dock. A very pretty bird and I had never seen one before.
Mr. Kent giving Layton a bit of a lesson.
Kent and Layton holding the fish I caught. I hadn't fished in 15 years, so it felt kind of good to be the first one to hook something. I can tell I haven't lost my touch :) As you can see, I am trying to be in the photo....
And, after several hours out Layton drove us back in.
We had a great time and can't wait to get to the sunshine again!!!This is a short video of Layton at the beach. Sorry it is not upright, but I do not know how to change that with my weak computer skills (really, I just don't want to take the time to learn). As you can hear, snacking is an important part of beach trips....
