President's Weekend

Eric and Colton went down to Orlando last week, while I had to work and have 2 nights of conferences.  Blake stayed with me and went to daycare during the day, and hung out with me at night during my conferences. He was a hit, and I was so excited to see him walking around everywhere.

On Friday (school was closed), Blake and I made our trek down to Florida.  We decided to give our seat up on an overbooked Air Tran flight, and hung out at the airport a few extra hours in the morning.  But, I did get 2 free roundtrip tickets anywhere Air Tran flies, so TOTALLY worth it.

Eric picked us up at the airport around 4:45 when we landed, and we met Colton, Grandma and Pop Pop (G and PP) at the Florida Mall.  Colton had spent the night with them the night before, and had a great time at the local library picking out books, finding spanish moss, and driving Grandma's golf cart around her and Pop Pop's neighborhood.

On Saturday, we woke up and drove out to G and PP's house.  I helped rearrange some furniture for them, and then we all headed to New Smyrrna Beach.  Even though it was chilly (about 65 if I had to guess), we had a great time.  This was the first time that Blake was able to walk in the sand, and he really enjoyed it (even though he also tried to eat the sand)!

The fam

Blake LOVES his grandma!

Ready to throw sand...  He is so BAD!!  lol

On Sunday, we spent the day at the Aycock's house... one of our favorite stops when in Florida.  It was Sebastian's 3rd birthday, so the boys spent the day running around with the kids, while the adults chilled out (actually...  made food, cleaned, made food, cleaned, made food, cleaned....) and took a nice walk around the neighborhood.  This was Eric's first time at any of their homes in Florida, so it was extra-nice to spend time with him there, and he enjoyed spending time with them too.

Colton, Tripp, Isabelle, Schuyler and Phoebe on our walk

Blake (in stroller), Isabelle, Schuyler and Ainsley in front of one of Phoebe's friend's homes a few doors down from theirs.  Let's just say, I could definitely live here!

Blake, Eric, Ainsley and Steve looking at Scott Lake.

Isabelle and Schuyler

The kids looking at the lake.  I LOVE this picture!!

Daddy, Blake, Tripp and Colton waiting for our dinner BBQ

On Monday, we decided to take it easy during the day, and go to Animal Kingdom Lodge.  A student of mine went during winter break, and told me what a great time she had looking at the animals on the property.  G and PP met us there, and we spent time looking at the zebras, storks, antelopes, giraffes, cattle, wilder beasts, elands, and speaking to a staff member from Africa, who filled us in on any questions we had.  We had an African/Indian lunch at Sanaa (here) and then headed to the pool, so that Colton could go down the waterside (here)

Colton, Daddy and Pop Pop chillin in the wild life area

Pop Pop and Daddy

Blake and Grandma watching the zebras

Here's a video of Blakey eating a lemon at Sanaa, where we ate lunch.