Road Trip Part 3 (Cont.)- Gatorland

Gatorland

Gatorland was created as a side attraction along the freeway for tourist. It has grown quit a bit since the early days and is also a w. How can you make a trip to Florida without seeing a Gator or two???Dont' worry...I'll save us!

Jared sitting on a real alligator. He had NO fear!

Rachel sitting on the same alligator. She looks like she has a smile on her face. Crazy girl!


The kids feeding the Gators some hot dogs! Yum! I'd rather the hot dogs than my kids.

Trying to stay warm in the 40 degree weather.

Walking along the swamp path. We could still see the damage of some of the hurricanes that have passed through there.

My mom was so excited to be a part of the exotic animal show. haha


We took a train around the park.


The alligators didn't bother Rachel but the snake sure did!


Yep, that's a real alligator and snake. Ellie loved holding the alligator.

Road Trip Part 3 - FLORIDA!!

We finally arrived in Florida. We were so excited to spend the next few days with my parents. The last few times I had seen may parents it has been surrounded by weddings or holidays. Just really busy & hectic times of the year. I know it's selfish of me, but I was glad to have my parents to myself. It doesn't happen very often, so I enjoyed every minute of it. We stayed at a beautiful time share, Marriott's Cypress Harbour.Jared fishing in the lake at the resort. Didn't catch a thing. He had fun though.

Look...a bike that fits our entire family. While we were out cruising around it started raining on us. We were covered so we just kept going.



We came to Florida hoping to thaw out a little from the cold of Idaho. But the entire nation was feeling the effects from an Arctic blast. It was in the 40's the entire time we were there, minus one day that got up into the 50's. Whahoo! But it was still warmer that Rexburg, that had temps of -15. So, most of the pictures are of my kids with jackets, hats, and gloves. We didn't pull out any of the shorts I had packed. We didn't let the cold stop up. We even headed to the outdoor heated pool a couple of times.


UNIVERSAL STUDIOS


Heading to Universal Studios.
The Jurassic Park area was really fascinating. It had an area for the kids to look for fossils, hatch eggs, and learn more about dinosaurs. Outside was a huge rope climbing area.Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you?

Jared trying to fit that entire Dagwood into his mouth.


Ellie go to met Dora, the explorer.

My kids ran into a lot of the Marvel Characters. I already posted tons of pics, so I just posted this one.

This is for all you Harry Potter fans. This attraction is going to open sometime in May of this year. It looks incredible.


Am I trying to save Jared from Jaws or feed him to Jaws????



Dr. Suess land...Ellie was thrilled to meet Dr. Suess. She also got a picture with Sam I am.

We spent 6 days in Florida and 3 days at Universal Studios and still didn't do everything. I can't thank my parents enough! We had an amazing time!

Road Trip Part 2- Independence and Liberty Jail

When you are on a road trip you want to stop and do it all but there just isn't enough time. So, we had to choose where to stop and what to do. Our trip from Idaho to Florida was already 36 hours that didn't include any stops, just straight driving. We got to see a lot of really amazing things along the way there and back. Of all the states I drove through, I thought Tennessee was the prettiest. It looked straight from a postcard. Kentucky, even though we drove through it twice, both times was at night, so I still have no idea what Kentucky looks like. We got to see the the St. Louis Arch and a herd of 100+ deer in Wyoming. Even though it was a lot of driving and it seemed REALLY long at times. I love road trips, they are always an adventure!

The kids at Liberty Jail. It was a great experience for the entire family.

Liberty Jail. As they retold the events that took place at Liberty Jail, the Spirit was so strong.

We stopped at the visitors center in Independence, Missouri. The kids were able to see how the early saints lived when the were in this area.

The kids enjoyed all of the interactive videos.

They had a copy of the Book of Mormon in all the different languages around the world.

I am so glad that we were able to experience these things as a family. I hope the kids will remember a little about the places we visited and the things they learned along the way.


Next stop...Florida!

Road Trip Part 1- New Year's with Bill's Family

On our way to Florida, we stopped in Nebraska for New Year's to see his family. It was a short visit but it was fun. We haven't been able to make it out to Greg & Alycia's since they moved to Nebraska.

New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, Auntie Mame and Grandma Denos had a cake making contest with the grandkids (minus Gabriel and Jared)
Ready...Set...Go...

Team Auntie Mame with Ellie and Sammy.

Team Grandma Denos, with Rachel & Sierra.

They decided to make a cake, easy bake style.

Decorating the cake.

Team Auntie Mame and their finished cake.


Team Grandma Denos and their cake.



The judging. Uncle Drew, Bill, and Grandpa Denos having a little taste. Completely non partial. HA HA! And the winners are...

Rachel & Sierra showing off their easy bake oven masterpiece.


New Year's Day
Pile on!
Ellie fell asleep with Grandma Denos by the fireplace.

Sammy & Ellie

The brothers: Greg, Andrew, & Bill.