Lori & Mike's visit

My dear sister and brother-in-law came down and visited us for the weekend.  Mike had a convention in Orlando on Tuesday and Wednesday.   So they flew into Tampa Friday night and spend 3 whole days with us.  The weather was COLD (well for Florida) so we dressed warm and saw the sights.

On Saturday, we were going to go kayaking, but because of weather ended up going to John's Pass and visiting Alligator in "Alligator Attraction".  It was different than expected.  But we enjoyed watching the baby alligators jump out of the water to eat a hot-dog off a paper-clip. 

Mike and Lori

 

 

We then walked around John's Pass, watched dolphins, shopped, had lunch, and visited the beach.  That night we played some really intense games with Leif, and laughed when Lori tried to shave Leif with the buzzer.

Sunday was another cold day so we bundled up again and visited Heritage Village.  Heritage village is a park with dozens of old homes and building built in the 1800's.  Leif got off work early so we all took a tour of an old doctors office, post office, store, church  and house.  The twins loved the old toys, and we loved the company.  It was a nice afternoon. 

Enjoying the 1800 grocery store

The crew

Having a tea-party

Mike & Lori

Rachel & Leif

Monday was a warmer day so we went to Bush Gardens.  Lori & Mike got the "play & dine" pass.  So we rode rides and ate all day long.  It was a perfect day to go because there wasn't any lines.  We rode a lot of roller costars and saw a lot of fun animals.   The twins loved watching the turtles eat.  Mike loved riding "Shekra".  Lori loved watching the dancers.  And I realized that it doesn't matter how many times I go to Bush Gardens, it is always fun!!!

 

Thanks for coming to visit us... we love you and had so much fun.

 

 

 

Love my Babies

On morning the twins were helping me put on my make-up.  Micah looked up at me and said, "Mommy you have beautiful eyes"

I got down and told him thank-you.  He then walked over to Savannah and said, "Sanna, you have beautiful eyes too"

 

I sure do love this little guys.

Pillow Case

Mommy built a big Pillow Case for us.  She sewed two sheets together and threw in a lot of pillows.  Now we get to climb into the pillow case and play.  It can be a fort, a boat, a bed, or a jumping pad.  We have so much fun playing in it together.  Sometimes mommy and daddy come in to play too.  It has been a very fun toy to have around.

Written by; Micah & Savannah 

Valentines Week

Valentines week Leif worked nights.  So we didn't get to celebrate with Daddy. 

BUT I realized Valentines can be way more entertaining with kids.  Micah & Savannah helped me put up Valentines decorations in our house, as I explained this was a week for kisses and hugs to loved ones.  We made cookies for all our friends, and distributed them on Valentines morning.  Valentine heart-people were made in Story-Time and home-made cards were made at home.  Feb 13th was Activity Days, and we hosted a Daddy/Daughter Valentines Dance.  The twins came with me, dressed up, and had so much fun dancing.  I was the DJ and had a blast dancing with my kids, and watching everyone enjoy themselves.   After the dance we all bejeweled Daddy Room, so he come home Valentines morning to a room full of heart decorations and valentines on the bed.  Together the twins and I had a wonderful, lovely Valentine week.

Making cooking with the kids

At the Daddy/Daughter Dance

Daddy's Valentine Room

 Leif and I celabrated our Valentines on his day's off.  We went out to eat at a restaurant that we had a gift card to.  It was called ShipWatch, and was on a Tennis Club.  Well, we were the ONLY ones in there for the first hour.  So we really did have the "place to our selves".  The food was good and we appreciated our coconut shrimp!!!  After our dessert we strolled around the area, and then sat and talked while looking over the bay.  It was a very pleasant, low key, and romantic night. 

    

The next day we went kayaking in Weeden Preserve.  We had hiked there before and saw some people kayaking, so after some research found that there is a 4- mile-marked-kayaking-trail.  AND IT WAS BEAUTIFUL.  The trail goes through 2 lakes, a mile of mangroves, ocean shores, and around island.  We saw amazing birds, fish jumping, sting rays, raccoon crossing, an eagle, and lots of lots of baby crabs.  We had so so much fun. Happy Valentines to us.

Touch-A-Truck

There is an awesome park here called, Largo Central Park.  It has the best playground, great grass, a 1/2 mile walking trail, 9 beautiful statues, a train that runs once a month and fun monthly events.  Saturday Feb 9th they hosted what was called Touch A Truck.  So we went and touched trucks.  Micah and Savannah loved sitting inside each vehicle.  Leif enjoyed  it just as much as the kids.  After the trucks we rode the train, and visited booths.  The twins each got a free yo-yo which they now love.  It was a fun family day.   

Big Girl

My little Savannah is "Potty Trained".  She wears big girl underwear all day long, and pull-up at night.  She doesn't tell me when she has to pee.... she just goes into the bathroom, turns on the light, undresses and GOES!!!  I am so proud of her.  And she is very proud of herself. 

And you might wonder about Micah.  When I ask him IF he wants to use the potty he says, "I go pee in my diapers!" 

While we were away

Micah & Savannah had a lot of fun with Grandma & Papa while we were away.  And I know that Grandma & Papa had fun with the twins.  We really enjoyed hearing the stories of their adventures.  And we were very thankful for such great baby-sitters.

 Here Micah and Savannah are watching "shows" on Grandma I-pad.  Grandma had 5-8 more baby games on her I-pad by the time we came home.

 Here is Papa and the twins at McGough Park.  They went day and feed the turtles.  I can tell they all had a lot of fun.  Micah's smile is my favorite in this picture.

 Thanks Mom and Dad for watching the twins.  We truly appreciated it.

After the cruise Mom & Dad stayed for another 3 days and we all got to spend time together.  It was nice to have them stay longer.  And we filled each of our days with adventure, food, and fun.  On Sunday we the boys and I went to Largo Nature Center.  It was fun walking the boardwalk and looking at wild life. 

On Monday we all went to the Manatee Viewing Center.  We saw 2 Manatees right under the bridge.  But we saw a dozen or so swimming in the distance.  There also had largo tarpon in the water that were fun to watch. 

On Tuesday we drove down to Saint Petersburg and walked along "Coffee Cup Trail".  Our destination was The Pier.  It was a beautiful clear day, so we had great views on top.  We then walked back on the trail, had a picnic at a park, and then spent a couple of hours on the beach.  The twins had a lot of fun chasing the seagulls and playing in the sand.  Jeanne and I played freebie. And Tom took pictures.  I was a great day.

Wednesday was a sad day because Grandma & Grandpa had to "go on the airplane".  We took a walk in the early morning.  Then after a shower I walking into the front room and saw this.... I think the twins and all our adventures wore the Grandparents out!!!!

Thanks again for the wonderful visit.