Wonder Works

Troy flew out of Orlando on Friday. His flight didn't leave until late afternoon so he took us to Wonder Works. It's something we have always wanted to do but have been too cheap.

We had a super time. Reese especially loved running from place to place.
Thanks Uncle Troy we always have a great time when you come to visit.

Honeymoon Island State Park

We ended our Tampa day at Honeymoon Island State Park. Reese loved playing in the waves. He also enjoyed flying his kite, finding shells, and playing with his dump truck.

The sun set was beautiful. The sand was so nice to dig my toes into. I love the beach! I can't wait to take Dylan to this fun new place.

Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center

Our second stop on our fun trip to Tampa was the Manatee Viewing Center. It was pretty cool. It's so strange to walk up to a gigantic power plant to view nature. We saw one baby Manatee I would like to go back sometime in the winter months to see if we could see some more. I don't think it will happen this winter, we will be far far away in a cold place.

Hillsborough River State Park

Wednesday morning Troy, Reese and I set out for Tampa. I thought I was in for a nice relaxing day at the beach, Troy had other plans. We made a few stops along the way. Our first stop was Hillsborough River State Park. It was really beautiful.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

On Tuesday we floated down the Ichetucknee with the Tripp family. The water was a little chilly but the view was fantastic. The best part is we were the only people there. The big boys snorkeled and the pregnant moms rode in the boats with the kids.

Silver Springs State Park

I believe the entire reason for Troy's visit to Florida this time was to see the Monkeys. When he came in October we ventured out to Silver Springs to see the above Wild Monkeys with no such luck. It turns out we just didn't go far enough up the river.

So with me and my big belly, Reese, Dylan and Troy we rented a canoe and paddled up the river. The funny part was calculating how much weight each of us had gained or lost since our last trip to see if the canoe would be safe from tipping. It was safe but the edge sat uncomfortably close to the water.

It was a super exciting trip. We did not see the monkeys until the very end. Some one told us half way up that we were going the wrong way. Dylan was sure, he had seen them before. Troy and I were not convinced. Dylan kept saying, "just around the corner" or "they will be on this island for sure". We made it all the way up to the spring and were on our way back when FINALLY we saw the monkeys. It was worth the wait, suspense, and second trip. We saw baby monkeys, a monkey poop in his hand, and a monkey fight.

My little Reese was so excited, Troy got some great pictures, and I got some crazy video.

Loblolly Woods Nature Park

Uncle Troy came to visit us again. Dylan picked him up from the Tampa airport on Friday the 13Th (he is brave). They spent the night in Tampa and went to Bush Gardens on Saturday. I think they had a really great time. I did hear a little something about Dylan vomiting on a ride. I'm happy I missed that.

On Sunday we went to Loblolly Woods Nature Park with some friends. It is one of the parks here in Gainesville . It was beautiful. A stream and lots of trails, I'm pretty sure we took the trail less traveled. Shaun saw a tic and the kids all wound up in the stream. We had a great time.
Later we took Troy to Palm Point Park.

Haunted Ghost Tour

I know what your thinking. After all the fun we had in St. Augustine so far our day must be over right? Nope think again. We went on a haunted ghost tour. Yep on a trolley Reese was so happy about riding on the trolley I was so happy about not having to walk.

We got to go to the haunted Light House, grove of trees, grave yard and many other haunted sights. Walking back to the car was a little scary.

We didn't get home until midnight. Troy said I made him sleep in the next day. You bet I did.