Florida - Pool and Aquarium

As usual, we spent a good deal of time at the pool. The pool was a bit smaller than we would have liked, but we almost always had it to ourselves, so it worked out alright. Kelson's favorite thing to do at the pool was hoard toys. And then whine when anybody tried to take one of his treasures. By the end of the trip he did get more brave, and was pulling himself around the edge of the pool.

Here is the top of Koleman's head. He's very happy that he can swim.

The thing to notice about this picture is the water in Eli's goggles. He always seemed to have his goggles half full of water.

And here's Eli just being cute.

And here's Kelson being a bit manic.

Milena was there too, of course. Just floating along.

Koleman doing his drowned rat impersonation.

One place that we go to every time we're in Florida is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It's a place that focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals. Here Kelson tries to get some tips on how to properly be crabby.

Stingray butt!

Milena tries to pet the stingrays.

And here are two dolphins, um, "caught in a net", if you know what I mean.

More Lowry Park Zoo

So, we are still at the Lowry Park Zoo. This is Sandy. She's a camel. She is going to bring all of us on a lovely camel ride.

There is Sandy with Eli, Kelson and Grandma.

Milena and I are on Sandy. Trust me. Grandpa is in the front. Trust me. You're not going to get many pictures of me in Florida, so enjoy this masterpiece.

Camel butt!

They had a little ride for the kids to go on. Look at how happy all of the kids are!

The ride is going! Milena thinks it's a blast!

Uh oh! Kelson isn't happy anymore.

Milena is still having fun, while Kelson has resigned himself to the torture.

I just like Milena's hair on this one.

Eli thought the ride was lots of fun.

Kelson attempts to make himself invisible. He did survive the ride, although he said he didn't want to do it again.

The last animal we saw on our trip to the zoo was a caterpillar that attached itself to Grandpa's leg. Maybe there's an endocrinologist who can identify it for us. It might be rare!

Lowry Park Zoo

Thanks to our Minnesota Zoo membership, we were able to get into the Lowry Park Zoo free of charge. The place was so nice, we visited it twice! Near the entrance was a goofy little series of fountains with some kind of flying manatee statue in the middle. Kelson is clearly uncertain about the whole thing.

Eli and Milena think the fountains are cool.

Wheee!

Eli is really getting into it.

It seems that Eli got himself a bit wet. Thankfully it was a nice warm Florida day.

Koleman gave himself Foamy Feet.

They had giraffes. But those giraffes are too far away...

Ah, yes, that's better. Feed the giraffes some kind of giraffe wafer, right out of your hand! The kids thought that was pretty cool.

Even giraffes are allowed a 15 minute smoke break.

It's Tamani, the baby elephant! So cute that she is slightly out of focus.

Elephant Butt!

Ahhh, how cute. Mom and baby, having a tender little moment.

Speaking of tender moments and elephant butts, I am extraordinarily disappointed in myself for not being quick enough to get this picture in focus. It could have been the single best photo of the trip, and I blew it. I'm not sure if I will be able to recover from this devastating failure.

Happy Anniversary!

On our first day in Florida, Jason's parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. That evening we had champagne and sparkling grape juice for the kids, a steak dinner, and celebratory key lime pie. But no milestone anniversary is complete without the happy couple taking a picture next to a flying harp-playing sea turtle in front of the Chapel by the Sea.

And it begins...

I haven't even been home for 24 hours, and I'm already being harassed about Florida pictures. Fine, I'll humor you - but just this once! Here is Michelle with the kids at Grandma Lund's house. Everybody is ready to head to the airport!

Just like last year, the kids are excited to see the planes. Where is ours?

Air travel doesn't make Koleman nervous - he's Mr. Cool.

We made it to Florida! (You'll have to trust me, because no pictures were taken on the airplane.) After a long travel day, we made it to our place, ate at Frenchy's, and got the kids to bed. Eli, after finishing his light reading, dreams of glory in the Olympic Luge competition.

Walter guards Kelson.

Koleman and Milena snuggle up in the second bedroom. The mission of our first day was completed - we got to Florida.

Now leave me alone!

Koleman Had a Birthday Party

Koleman brought two of his best friends to the Science Museum for his birthday party. They checked out the museum and watched an Omni Theatre movie. And, just to be clear, his friends really aren't short - they're probably average sized second graders. Well, this picture will have to suffice for a couple of weeks, because we're off to Florida tomorrow!