Other Attractions

A day at the Tampa zoo was thoroughly enjoyed by the children.

Sunset Beach at Tarpon Springs was fun, too.

Heather and Brea Visit

We love having visitors.

First Heather and Brea they welcomed us to their Disney-themed hotel and activities including ice cream were enjoyed by the pool.

Sea World was a lot of fun.  I couldn't believe how big the killer whales were and the show they put on.

Some of the attractions, like this one, weren't open so we will have plenty to see when we go back.

Other Random Photos

Halloween was a lot of fun with the mild weather and friendly neighbors spending time outside.  We had a fairy, a poodle, and a hawk.

While eating pizza one night James lost a second tooth.

On a Sunday afternoon ride Elly and James experienced a monastary and later got a tour from a monk.

Visit to Iowa

We've made one visit back to Iowa.

We love spending time with family.

And we prepared for Halloween.

Sunset at Clearwater

One of my favorite experiences here so far was an unusual evening at Clearwater Beach.  Since the beach is an hour-long drive away we usually go early, but this time went to see the sunset.  The other thing that made it unusual was that being on the far edge of Hurricane Sandy made it very windy.

We ate at the popular Frenchy's.

Now that Elly is old enough, it is nice to have her take pictures.

Of course her pictuers are not always centered!

It's a very wide beach and good for soccer.


Pictures of the sunset speak for themselves.

More Busch Gardens

Almost every time we go to Busch Gardens, Elly and James want to stop at the entrance for a picture.

A couple of the Orangutans came right up by the windows.  We spent a long time watching them up close.

The gorilla statues are fun for the kids to climb on, although Elly and James were in awkward positions for this photo!

Elly's Godfather, Tom, sent money for her birthday for her to pick out something, so she got her face painted.

Notice how the front tooth was so loose but she wouldn't pull it out!

Every hot day at Busch Gardens requires ice cream.

Here is one of James' favorite rides. 

The Sesame Street musical was a big hit.

Elly our Big Girl

Fun at the beach:

The first month of school she was recognized as a "Terrific Tiger" for good behavior.  I was so proud of her at the ceremony that I almost cried.

Since the school size keeps growing, after the year started new teachers were hired and Elly was moved to a new classroom.  We were worried about her starting all over again but now she is a classmate to the girl across the street and they have become close friends!

Last night we got a babysitter for the first time since June.  The kids were well-behaved so today they were taken to pick out a few new toys.  One toy Elly chose was twisty baloons.  I googled how to make some animals and we all had fun.

Quinn Silly as Ever

When Elly and James are gone to school, Quinn plays with their toys and even wears their clothes!

Of course she copies everything they do, including how they get ready to go out.

And we found out that if you leave a laundry basket near her crib, she will put on many layers!

The hair finally got long enough for her first ponytail.

 

And she enjoys frozen slushies!