This is in my backyard??

Growing up in the South, we've vacationed many times in Florida.  I like Florida.  But, I have to admit that when our itinerary sent us toward the Sunshine State, I assumed a "been there, done that" attitude. 

But . . . oh no, I haven't.  Not like this.

From Orlando to Miami, Key Largo then Clearwater, Tampa, Crystal River, and St. Joseph Bay -- traveling this way yields an entirely new perspective.  Previous visits to Florida centered around Disney World and the beach.  It has been quite a new experience to explore Florida for the many other reasons that make this state unique.  I am falling in love with living and educating our children in this fashion.  We're studying United States geography and history.  So, while visiting Florida, we read Strawberry Girl for our literature.  Then we talk about Florida's climate, and how conducive it is to growing vegetables and fruit all year.  We went out to pick our own strawberries and veggies, to see first hand how and where they grow.  We talk about how Florida exports so many oranges and other fruits to the rest of our nation.

In the Redland farming district of Miami, Florida.

Fresh starfruit!

In Miami, we camped on an avocado farm.  Avocados were falling off the trees everywhere, but they were as hard as rocks.  Many people experienced some damage to their RV's from falling avocados.  As a protective measure, Mr. Fix-It climbed the trees each day and cleared out any avocados hanging over our RV.  We ate fresh avocado and guacamole for two weeks!




Mr. Fix-It throwing down avocados to CER.

We studied the swamp ecosystem.  We learned about the many birds, fish, snakes, and alligators that inhabit such a wetland, and how they all depend on one another for survival.  We also learned about the floating mangroves that help to protect and nurture the growth of surrounding land.  Then, we went to visit the Everglades to see it all first hand.  I learned so much!  I love learning in such a tangible way.






The kids wore their Junior Park Ranger vests with all their acquired badges to the Everglades.  The park rangers were so taken by their collection of badges from all over the country, they lined up my kids and photographed them to put their picture in the next issue of the National Park's newsletter.

We loved the Everglades!  What a fascinating place.

Check out all the alligators behind us. 

Everglades National Park.

LAR and "Alfred" enjoying the afternoon in Miami.

As a side note, South Florida RV parks are F.U.L.L. of retired snowbirds in the winter.  The RV park in the avocado grove had the funnest group of retirees!  They played beach volleyball all day, and spent their afternoons by the pool and hot tub.  Then, the whole place came alive at the daily 5pm happy hour.  The kids had the most fun meeting new friends (in the 65+ age range) in the hot tub every afternoon.  Their new friends are often hearing impaired, and never quite understand what CBR is saying when he introduces himself.  He became known in the hot tub as "Alfred."  It was hilarious.

We also studied dolphins, and of course, the endangered manatees.  To bring it home, we visited the Clearwater Marine Aquarium -- home of Winter the famous dolphin that stars in the movie Dolphin Tale.  The kids rented the movie the night before, so they were super excited to see Winter in person.

Winter without her prosthetic tail.  Here she swims using her peduncle.  We learned that word at the aquarium.  We think it's fun to say, and for that reason we work it into a conversation whenever possible.

 

Learning dolphin anatomy.



 

We met a gentleman at the aquarium who allowed us to examine Winter's prosthetic tail.  The white sock that fits over Winter's peduncle is a never before formulated gel-like material developed specifically for Winter.  When scientists realized how successful the material was for a dolphin, they began using it in human prosthetics.  It's been a wild success, and has provided a much more durable and comfortable fit for people using prosthetics.

The "Save The Manatee" slogan has become synonymous with Florida, so after studying manatees, we went swimming with them.

All suited up -- ready to float with the manatees.

If you're quiet and still, the manatee will come straight to you.  They are such gentle giants, but nothing can prepare you for the thrill of watching a 2,000 lb. "water-elephant" swim directly up to you.  We were able to scratch their backs and linger in the water with them for half a day.

Moo!

Tampa is home to MOSI - one of the finest Museums of Science and Industry we've seen.  It's great for adults and kids, especially if you're a little adventurous . . .

Mr. Fix-It learning about balance points by riding a bicycle on a wire.

Me exploring optical illusions.

MOSI also had a four story high ropes course.  Admittedly, we spent half a day playing.

CER "hanging" out.

I was so proud of CBR, his little legs were shaking with fear, but he persevered.

We received an interesting letter from the State of Florida during our stay.  It was just a friendly reminder to my personal driver that running red lights while towing nearly 30,000 lbs. is, indeed, a violation of the state traffic laws.  It is a violation they really frown upon, too, because they took the courtesy of including a few pictures of us during our stay in Florida along with a hefty fine.

Us approaching the red light.

 

 

Us totally disregarding the red light.  Oopsy.

We also stayed in St. Joseph Bay, Florida.  It's a gorgeous plot where the Gulf Coast Beach meets State Park on a shallow, crystal clear bay.  We relaxed, played on the paddle board, rode bikes, met new friends, and just enjoyed each other. 



Playing at St. Joseph Bay, Florida.  Mr. Fix-It paddle boarding in the ocean.

Our campsite sat directly in between the Gulf of Mexico and the bay.  In either direction was gorgeous water.  Seriously, most hotel resorts don't hold a candle to some of the amazing views we've discovered by camping in our country's parks.  In the early evenings, we'd watch the deer come wading through the bay water in search of a place to graze. 

Home sweet home.

The kids on the paddle board in St. Joseph Bay.  They are the white speck out on the water.

One afternoon, we let the kids all three pile on the paddle board and go as far as they pleased in the bay.  They did.  They went really, really far.  When they finally returned, they were all wet from having been diving for sea urchin.  They paddled, dove, and discovered the gifts of the sea.

Returning from their sea urchin hunt. 

In addition to all the outings and the things we're learning, there are so many other aspects that make this journey so very worth it.  They are found in the quiet moments.  The silly moments.  The unexpected.  Sometimes its a feeling -- a rush of gratitude, or the warmth of the closeness as a family.  I've had so many "Oh, I hope I always remember this" moments.

Like when . . .

We drove to spend the day on the beach in Key Largo.  First, LAR tells me she needs to use the restroom.  It's not a close walk, but I take her.  When we return, CBR needs to go.  When we return, they all want a snack.  When they finish their snack, they all want to go to the playground.  After a few minutes, they want to go home.  I don't think we even had a chance to unfold the beach chairs.

Or, like when . . .

Billie Jean jumps in the back seat because she saw something exciting outside.  She apparently doesn't notice the back seat is full of children, and just keeps jumping and trampling them.  We couldn't stop laughing.

Or, like when . . .

I'm worn out from the day and glad the kids are in bed for the night.  I'm excited to have a few hours of quiet.  I open the cabinet for a washcloth, and see three glowing eggs.  The kids got these toothbrush sanitizers for Christmas.  Something about opening my cabinets and being greeted by this makes me suddenly wish the kids were awake so I could hug them -- just for being cute.

Or, like when . . .

Mr. Fix-It and I woke up at 5:00 am one morning to this blinking green light floating through our room.  Talk about startled!  We turn on the lights and realize . . .

It was just CBR wearing this crazy light up hat he got for Christmas -- he was just looking for Billie Jean so he could snuggle with her.  I'm still confused about why he was wearing the hat.

Or, like when . . .

I find this.  LAR reading to CBR. 

Or, like when I find notes taped to the walls.  Sometimes they are advertising a business the kids are trying to get off the ground.  CER has been trying to save money to buy her brother a birthday present.  She put signs up for her back massage business.  It stated services, prices, hours of operation, and then had an arrow pointing to my room, and said "over there."  So professional, yet not. 
My most favorite note of all, however, was the one she left for Mr. Fix-It and me.  Her note told us in the most lovely way that she desired to be baptized.  I cried.  We spent a long time talking with her that night.  Thankfully, it all worked out so that her grandparents could all be there for the baptism, just as CER wished.  On February 14, Mr. Fix-It baptized CER.  One happy day!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.

After the baptism we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and visit with our families.  Julesy and Rollo drove up to be with CER, and Grammy prepared all of CER's favorite foods -- with enough left over for us to take back on the road with us.  We are blessed.

Our time in Florida would not have been complete without our trip to Disney.  We'd promised the kids since departure from South Carolina that Disney World would be on the itinerary.  Never did we imagine, though, that we'd coordinate our stay in Orlando with some of our dearest friends from Charleston, the "G" family!  We spent five days in a condo right next door to the "G" family's condo, and enjoyed all the Orlando attractions together.  Kennedy Space Center, mini-golf, the pool and waterslide, and, of course, Disney World.  It was so great to reconnect with friends from home.  Many thanks to the "G's" for arranging all the details!

This crew was SO excited to see each other!

Miniature golf with the "G" boys.

Kennedy Space Center.

We got to meet an astronaut!!  Here, with Ken Cameron.  Captain Cameron has made three tours into space.  He's the man!

At the resort.  Orlando with the "G" family.

I'm pretty sure this is also in violation of Florida traffic codes.  The "G" family had a dead car battery.  We all had to pile in -- Disney World was waiting!

"W" and LAR.

Me and "C".  For the life of me, I can't remember why we were posing this way.

I can't say enough about our time in Florida, but as I look over the length of this post, it looks like I have.

See ya later.