Watch (out for) the birdie!

While at Discovery Cove, we all had a great time walking through the bird aviary. There were so many beautiful birds flying and walking around -- many I had never seen before. To add to the excitement, we were able to take little cups of food and feed the birds. These birds were completely unafraid of us, but I can't really say the same was true in reverse. Not that we were afraid exactly, but they sure could take a person by surprise! One bird landed right on my hat and then walked right down onto my camera lens. Of course from that angle I couldn't get a picture and Amy was behind me and missed the shot also. But, as you can see, there were other photo ops!

How to make a memory...

Leah wanted to celebrate her 11th birthday by swimming with the dolphins at Discovery Cove in Orlando. So, reservations were made and bright and early on the big day we piled into the car ready for some fun and adventure. And we found it! Will and I, armed with the camera and his stroller (laden down with towels, snorkels and all the necessities), took our position on the beach while the rest of the crew donned their wetsuits and met their dolphin, Hutch. It was an amazing thrill for all when they held on to Hutch's fin and were given a ride of a lifetime!






But before it was over there was a birthday surprise for Leah. Lester (a special dolphin trained for the task) swam right up to Leah, pushing a buoy the whole way. He presented her with the buoy -- a birthday memento with "Happy 11th Birthday, Leah!" inscribed on it. A special portrait was taken of Leah and Lester -- a wonderful reminder of the day we swam with the dolphins!
(I missed getting a picture of John taking his ride with Hutch. At that moment Will and I were having a "discussion" about why he couldn't go in swimming by himself...)

Happy Birthday, Precious Girl!

"Celebrating a birthday is exalting life, and being glad for it. On a birthday, we do not say: 'Thanks for what you did, or said or accomplished.' No, we say: 'Thank you for being born and being among us.' Celebrating a birthday reminds us of the goodness of life." - Henri J. M. Nouwen in Here and Now.

Some R and R from the 3Rs

Amy decided the kids could take a little home schooling break. It was a beautiful day, so we hopped in the car, headed over to Chick-fil-a to grab some takeout and proceeded to the park for some food, fresh air and fun. Leah and Jack had a good time doing the exercise course and Will was more than happy to walk around, over, under and on the jungle gym. A nice break in the day!

Field Trip

With Leah and Jack armed with their clipboards and a list of "scavenger hunt" questions to search out the answers to, we traveled to downtown Orlando to visit the Orange County History Center. We all had a lot of fun learning about Central Florida's history -- from the first inhabitants, European settlers, the birth and growth of the citrus industry, and Tin Can tourists to real estate booms, space programs and good old Mickey Mouse and Disney. It is a beautiful museum and we all want to visit again!

Another Halloween to remember

Well, I flew down to sunny Florida just in time for Halloween. (No, I didn't fly in on a broomstick!) The kids all looked terrific and even Amy got in on the fun. A great time was had by all and the kids have even been kind enough to share some of their loot with their old grandmother!