Auntie Sunny Comes to Visit: Lowry Zoo

Hey Monkey!

We had only visited the Tampa Lowry Park zoo once before but from what I remembered it was a really neat place.  So, we were sure to visit with Auntie Sunny and your cousins. 

The one thing I did not anticipate though was how HOT it would be!  We were all pretty toasty and so that made it hard to walk the miles that this zoo required.  We had fun no less!  I really like that this zoo has so many "hands-on" exhibits. We were sure to enjoy each one-- like feeding the birds, touching the sting rays, petting the goats, etc.  SO FUN!

 

 

We ended with a ride on the carasouel and ice cream! Mmm.

This is one of my favorite pictures of us together:

 

I, of course, had to include this picture of Aunite Sunny... Isn't she beautiful?

 

Love you!

Mom

Auntie Sunny Comes to Visit: The Pool

Hey Girl,

Being in Florida has definitely given us a love and appreciation for WATER!

We enjoy the beach and one of our favorite things is to visit the pool.  Our apartment complex has two pools... both of which you show no fear towards.

You scare me with every quick step you take running circles around me and daddy as we play pool volleyball.

You need swimming lessons!

When Auntie Sunny came for her visit, we got to play at the pool a few times.  All you kids gathered your boats and balls and we bravely marched to the pool.  I say "bravely" because not one of you knows how to swim.  Not to mention, I am not a good swimmer (AT ALL).  A little fact about your dear old mom-- I've never taken swim lessons.  Everything I can do has been self-taught and water is actually a little bit of a fear of mine.  Saving someone, even a small child, would probably not be on my list of capabilities. To be honest, during Sunny's visit, we had all you kids at the pool.  Luckily Aunt Sunny and Daddy were with me.  You and I were in the deep end and you (SILLY GIRL) pushed away from me.  I let go of the edge of the pool and then had no idea how to stay afloat while holding you.  We began to sink.  I yelled for your daddy as I went under and tried to push you up above the water.  Daddy was quickly by our sides, helping us.  It was one of those "bad mom... shame, shame" moments.

The experience didn't seem to phase you though because you got right back in.  That a girl!

 

Christian was the most brave of all you kids.  He was awesome!  He would let his mommy dunk him under water while he held his breath.  He'd also sit on the edge of the pool and jump in... on his OWN! Wow.

 Emma took more convincing at times.  She was very comfortable in her boat and didn't really care to be "held" in the water.  I think, like me, her nerves sometimes got the best of her.  But once she saw her little sister, Hallie, bravin' the waters she put on her warrior face and joined in.  It's funny how when you decide to do something that you had been so set against doing, you usually end up enjoying the experience. I should try harder to involve myself in things that are good but might make me slightly uncomfortable... it could be a good lesson for me.

 

 

After our almost-drowing experience... I made you wear your bathing suit with floaties every time we went to the pool/  No chances!  It's scary how fast something bad can happen.  Especially when you think it could never happen to you.

I love you.  I'm glad we're both safe.

Mom

Auntie Sunny Comes to Visit: The Beach

Hey Girl!

Aunt Sunny and your cousins (Emma, Hallie, and Christian) came to Florida to enjoy the beautiful state and to help us pack up and move back to New Mexico.  They got to stay for an entire month.  There was so much to do in such a short time but it was certainly the BEST way to spend our last moments in what became a treasured home to us.  To be honest-- I sometimes wonder if moving back to NM is the right choice.  We've found so much independece and our little family is so full of love.  I like that there is little distraction from my motherhood role and have really come to embrace it while being here.  Hopefully I can take all that I've learned and use it in the great Land of Enchantment.

 

I'm certain you will miss the Sunshine State.  Most especially, you'll miss the beach.  We got to visit the beach a few times in the month Aunt Sunny visisted.  It was MOSTLY nice!  The first day they were here we went to Redington beach, which is the closest beach to us.  But, with the recent stroms, there was a ton of sea grass that lined the beach and it was kind of yucky.  Needless to say, Emma was not entirely impressed at first and the waves frightened her a little.  As her trip went on though, she began to fall in love with it.  Christian and Hallie enjoyed every moment of it.  You were good at showing them how to play at the beach :).

 

Here are a few pictures of everyone visiting the gorgeous Florida beaches: