The Alligator Farm

Today we went to the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine with our friend the Meseke family.  Taft will always tell me that CJ is his best friend and he loves getting to see him.  We started with lunch at Sonny's  I am thinking that after four adults and four children ages four and under, the waitress was very happy to see us go.  The boys enjoyed their hot dogs, green beans, mac-n-cheese, and fries.  Taft was very happy to sit beside CJ. 
Our original plan was to go to Blue Springs State Park to see the manatee.  But - when I checked yesterday, there were only four left in the run.  They come to the springs in the winter and then as it gets warmer, they swim back out.  They are usually gone by March.  We just thought about a trip there too late in the season.  We will plan on going next year.
The boys were able to look at all the gators, turtles, tortoises, birds, monkeys, and snakes.  Taft was worried on our way in that the alligators would eat him.  It took a little while to convince him it would be okay.  Taft was also very excited to get a two seat stroller when we made our way in.  That way, he was able to ride with CJ. 

These two are so funny together.  When they first saw each other today, all you heard was, "Taft!!", "CJ!!", even Brandt got in on the action.  It seems that he really likes Taft too and vice versa.  Sweet Sami was just happy hanging out in her stroller taking everything in.
A lot of the pictures that I was able to get are of the boys backs.  It seemed that they were always watching something and would not turn around for pictures.  It's okay.  They have pretty cute backs.

After strolling around for some time, we took the kids to the Kid Zone.  They have a little play area with picnic tables.  Jamie and I got the kids animal crackers and juice for them to have a little snack.  All three loved the turtles!  We even had a few upsetting moments where all three wanted to ride at the same time.

We had a great time and even found a way to make that two seat stroller work for three.  I am pretty sure that this photo will be posted at the entrance to show people what not to do.

The Alligator aka Lizard Farm

I know that I have said it before but Taft loves lizards. One day when I picked him up at school, he was on the playground at the fence with the teachers and kids. The kids were so excited to show me the "lizard". It was a baby alligator in the pond behind the school. Children really don't know the difference in sweet little lizards and big killer alligators. A plan was formed. Taft must go The Alligator Farm.

Today seemed like a great day to go. Good weather. Cooler than it has been and everyone had a good nights sleep.

Taft was in shock I believe. He just stared at them and would not move to close to the glass. That only lasted for a few minutes and then he was loving the "lizards". I let him call them lizards. Another little boy was calling them dogs so I think that we got it closer.

We got to watch them feed the gators. A little upset to find that they feed them big hamster like things from South America. Children could be upset by that. I was thinking maybe raw chickens would be better. I am just glad that Taft didn't think they looked as much like Lenny from The Wonder Pets as I did.

I think that his favorite thing was going in the enclosure that had lizards and snakes. He kept waving at the Komoto Dragon and telling it "Hi, Lizard". It kept looking at him like it wanted to eat him. He also liked the girl that let him touch a baby alligator. He leaned in like he wanted to kiss it and then started to pet it. He seemed to love it all. Then we enjoyed a quick lunch and came home for a nap.

Thanksgiving 2008

Shane and I decided to stay at home in Florida for Taft's first Thanksgiving so my sister, Kristi, and her family came to visit. We were so happy to have them here and also that they were able to bring my brother's son, Gaven. They all arrived on Wednesday and the boys could not wait to get in the pool. Thank goodness that the solar heat was working! We had trouble keeping them out of the pool all weekend.

On Thursday we stayed at home and had Thanksgiving dinner and the boys swam. Friday, Shane took us all to Fort Matanzas and the boys enjoyed the boat ride over. Poor Mallory dropped her shoe in the intercoastal but it washed up on the beach after we got back. When we were finished at the fort, we traveled on to The Alligator Farm. All the kids seemed to enjoy it there, as did Shane. Taft slept most of the time in his stroller and we hardly knew that he was with us. We then went into St. Augustine for great pizza at Pizzalleys and turned in for the night. On Saturday, Kristi, Taft, Mallory, and I were able to go do some outlet shopping and buy out Gymboree and Osh Kosh while the boys went fishing and of course back to the house to swim.

All in all it was a great trip and Taft loved having his cousins here. He really got warmed up to Gaven and was always hugging him and smiling at him. I know that he liked having kids around. We hope that maybe they can all come back next year for the holiday also.

The boys in the pool.

You know you're from Alabama when you wear cowboy boots with PJ's and carry around an opossum.

The boys with the Fort Matanzas tour guide.

Taft and Mommy

Gaven and Travis
Justin and Kristi

Travis saving Gaven from the alligator
Shane and Taft

All the kiddies

Gaven, Kristi, Taft, Mallory, and Travis playing in Taft's room.