Florida Trip

Yeah, I know. Its been a long time coming on this entry. I hope its worth the wait.

In mid-April, we took a family trip to the Orlando, Florida area. I entered a pie contest there. We added a few days for a family vacation. Most of you know that there is no way we went to Disney. We spent our time visiting Cocoa Beach, Kissimmee, and Gatorland. We didn't set foot in a major theme park and had a great time. Actually, as I think about it now. A major theme park sounds like more trouble than fun. Crowds, lines, not to mention the exorbitant and completely unnecessary cost! Anyway, moving on...

We loved Gatorland! It was a beautiful day, and the park is amazing! Its 110 acres of beautiful landscape with alligators crocodiles, snakes, birds, even feral rabbits! They have a train to circle the park, a reasonably priced cafe (that we didn't use because we ate before we got there), and a fun little splash and play water area! Thomas and Thad especially loved the water area.

One of the loveliest parts was the breeding marsh where the alligators, croccodiles, and several species of birds nest and raise their young. It was spectaular to be that close. Sometimes the gators and crocs were within 10 feet of us as we walked on the wooded walkway above.

They had 3 shows the day we went but we only got to the Gator Jumparoo. They hand fed the gators and crocs chicken by holding it over the water and the gators coming to eat. I thought this would be a little exploitative but they were really interested in the animals and their habits. Its a great experience for anyone but would be awesome for a homeschool trip!

Here are some pictures of our day:

On the train. Lily had rubbed sun screen into her eyes. She wasn't comfortable but had a good time anyway.

Playing in the water with Daddy.

I can't tell which one of my guys is having more fun!

The water guns were his favorite.

Yes, I was as close to this egret as it looks. Probably 3-5 feet. What an experience!

Feeding chicken to the gator during the Gator Jumparoo.

These guys were right below us. You can see the edge of the walkway rail in the bottom left corner of the picture. They were pushing each other for better position in the sun.

Funny Stuff!

My fearless Gator Wrestlers!

Now for Cocoa Beach. It was georgeous! It wasn't crowded like Daytona would be. No drunken anyone that we saw, especially college kids. Thad and Thomas both got buried in the sand. Lily didn't like the seagulls at all. She wasn't fond of the ocean either because it was a little cold. We parked in a public access area that made it very convenient. No paying to park then walking 6 miles for a scrap of sand. Just a short walk on a pretty trail and over the boardwalk. It was a fun day.

Cocoa Beach pictures:

Thomas got buried first.

Daddy's turn!

My little Sand Baby was completely covered by the end of the afternoon.

Lily wanted to suck her thumb and go to sleep. She couldn't because it was covered with sand. Every time I tried to clean it she would stick it in the sand again.

Rinsing off and playing in the crashing waves.

Finally, in Kissimmee, we went to a place called Fun Spot. It had go carts, kiddee rides, etc. Just a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Fun Spot pictures:

Thomas loved the monster trucks on display!

One of the few times I got her to keep her hat on.

Go-Cart Crazy! They had such a great time.

Flying high. At least Thomas was. Thad and Lily apparently rendered that part of the ride unusable.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. We certainly had a fantastic time. Love to all!