Alligator Farm

We wrapped up our trip to Florida with a morning trip to the Alligator Farm. I'm not quite sure why the photo op included a tortoise, but these pictures turned out better than anything that had an alligator in the background.

If I had known that millions of alligators lurking through a swamp would bring such joy to my little boys, then I would have gladly avoided the entire Kung Zhu fiasco and the struggle I had on aisle 31 of Target last month trying to score a Kung Zu Battle Arena. I would have spent two days at the alligator farm to avoid the mess with toy rats that wear shields and battle for supremacy in an octagon - even if it meant forty degree weather and a komodo dragon had to accompany the alligators in a Florida swamp.



I think it's safe to say that the boys loved the alligator farm, and Keagan deemed this year's trip the "best Christmas trip ever!"

I'm hoping the plush rats and the battle arena bring the same level of joy on Christmas morning.

Christmas Break = Christmas Trip

Christmas Break is here! For two full weeks we have no basketball, no homework, and no schedule to keep. 

Every year we try to take the kids on a small weekend trip prior to Christmas; our intention is to spend time together, experience something new, and just get-a-way from the stress of the holiday. We also use the trip as a family gift; it replaces toys and "things" that no one really needs. It is one of my favorite family traditions. 

This year we chose Saint Augustine, Florida.

Stop #1: Fountain of Youth
I drank the water that bubbles from a rock, and I'm holding fast to the idea of the magical waters keeping me young. At the very least, I am hoping it keeps me from finding any more gray hairs this week.

Stop #2: Castillo
I've seen so many forts in the past four months, that there wasn't much more I would want to know about fortifications. But this one was built by the Spanish and had a cannon firing; we couldn't resist.

Stop #3: Pirates Treasure Museum
This was a wonderful museum about the history of piracy. We shot cannons, raised the Jolly Roger, searched for treasure, and learned about female pirates. It was all very fascinating.

Stop #4: Ripley's Believe It or Not
Boys loved it. It's an hour of my life I will never get back. 

Stop #5: Santa Train Through Nights of Lights

We took the Santa train through the downtown area that is decorated with Christmas lights, and we stopped at Santa's Workshop to make snow and crafts. The evening was topped off with a visit with Santa.

We arrived having no idea that we would have so much fun. It has been a perfect get-a-way.