Snow Interruption

Thursday another large snowstorm dumped over a foot in our area, so out we go to shovel...
"Look, pink mittens! Doesn't bother me! Boots don't fit properly either, oh well..."

Here's some shots of the snowfall...
Beautiful blue Jersey sky, even after a storm...

Here are the footprints of the large bear that had our whole family running into the house. Why was a bear awake in the middle of the winter in a snowstorm? We're not sure! His(her?) shadow scared Duane, who hollered for me to get the kids in the house, quick. No, we didn't stop to take pictures of the bear...

God's Creatures

Going to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo was definitely one highlight of our trip. There we soooo many pictures to choose from, but here are some of our favorites...A White Tiger soaking in the sun...
An Asian Rhino Daddy...
Touching the velvety sting rays that came to say hello...
One of of Florida's manatees doing somersaults for 2 watching boys...
Here's Selah's favorite animals- the flamingos who trumpeted loudly for us...
Adorable little creatures gazing intently at other creatures...
Fun rides...
Docile goats, who lost a bit of fur in Isaiah's fingers...
We were very proud of this little fellow who bravely rode a pony all by himself!!!
The riding helmet wasn't designed for such a little guy...
This play area gave Isaiah an opportunity to crawl around...
...and enjoy a slide...
Some people never seem to grow old...
Riding the sky safari...
A giraffe, up CLOSE!!!

Riding a camel, first the boys...

...and then the girls...

Peering down from the treetops while inside the bird aviary...

A Cool Pool?

According to some, Florida is experiencing the coldest winter in over 30 years, so this is how we dressed on the short walk to the pool...
But the pool was heated, thankfully, so we were able to enjoy the water (though we were warmest when submerged). Here's a very delighted swimmer ready for a swim...
...along with a very little boy with absolutely no fear of water...

Doesn't this little fellow remind you of his Daddy?

Enjoying the hot tub...

Very funny, Duane!

The Miracle of Flight

Duane and I haven't flown since our honeymoon, so we were a bit overcautious about taking 3 little ones through the air. But the miracle of flight thrills all ages, even those in the 3, 2, 1 categories.Elevators, escalators- anything's exciting at this age.
We got lots of looks and comments as we navigated our family through the airports. In a society that seems to push environmentalism at the expense of having children, it is encouraging to witness that children still bring smiles.
We even rode a 'train' (tram) at Tampa's airport...
"Look, Isaiah, there's another airplane!" (or, as Judah calls them, "a-pane")

You can tell that the picture below was taken on our way home- notice the cheeks ripened by the sun...

The BEST part...

We're back...and with many great memories (and documentation to prove it! We took 499 images, and that doesn't include the video camera, so expect many more posts of our trip).

The airplane trip was exciting, the Florida scenery was refreshing, the pool was cool, the zoo was thrilling, and the beach was beautiful (and all those posts can wait), BUT.........
...spending time with Grandpa and Grandma for a whole week was exciting and refreshing (for Duane & I) and cool and thrilling, and so, so beautiful!!! Above the boys are greeted by Grandpa in Tampa's airport. Below Selah & Judah are soaking in the attention.

...and this is what Duane & I did a lot of...
Selah latched on to Grandma like she always does (very refreshing for me)...
...and Grandpa got lots and lots of hugs...
Judah and his Grandpa...

Isaiah Henry is named after a man I deeply love and respect (can you guess who?)

Wrestling and tickling with Grandpa on the floor...so much for 'calming activities' before bed...

Love this shot! Pure joy!