Feeding the Alligator at our Hotel (Shingle Creek) and Bidding family farewell

Grandpa Terry went and bought a muffin that the kids could throw into the water. The alligator swam right out from under the pier and munched away. The fish wanted the food as well, and you'd think the alligator would go for the fish, but he didn't. He was content with the muffin and later the bread that we fed to him.
Look at me, not the alligator...
There he is. He was about 4 1/2 feet long.
It was fun to watch him float...
On the pier...

Then it was time for goodbyes. We only got to see Grandma and Grandpa Olson and Aunts Tara and Kelly for 4 days, but we are so grateful for families and the time we had to spend with them.
We may not see them again this year...
Goodbye. We love you!

Orlando and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

We just got back from visiting Orlando, FL and more specifically Universal Studio's Islands of Adventures. We were able to experience first hand the Harry Potter area they have created there. It was crowded, but lots of fun. Butterbeer was great. I recommend getting the frozen (icee/slush type). The Dragon Challenge ride was great. The flight of the Hippogriff was good and the Forbidden Journey smiulated broom flight made me sick (unsettled stomach). But Kate, Jordan, Kammie, Zack and my sisters loved it. We ate at the three broomsticks, braved the two hour line to get into Olivander's Wand shop, sent mail from the "Owl Post" and got goodies from Honeydukes. It was very fun.


The Hogwarts Express



Entering Hogsmeade...



A view of the Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry behind us.



A view of Hogsmeade...


Watching a DVD back at the hotel.

Jedi Knights

Kammie got Sidnie all decked out for a game as Jedi Knights. Aren't they cute?

Obviously Kammie is trying to seduce Sidnie to the dark side.

4th of July parade (on the 3rd)

Our little community had their Independence Day parade on Saturday. It is a small affair, but we had fun. The fireworks were Saturday night and we enjoyed being able to watch those just down the street from our house.

Waiting for it to start.

Still waiting.

A shot of the whole family--conviently in front of the store sign. A bit of advertising I guess.

And this one is for my sister.
Just say it...Pizza Pizza...No...Delivery Delivery. (From an ancient TV add we use to laugh about.)

Jordan lost a molar

Jordan wiggled her tooth out with her tongue.

Splash Pad Fun

My friend and I took our kids down town to the River Market Park area and let the kids play at the park, in the splash pad, on the bridge and other areas they found to explore.

My girls near the splash pad's waterfall.

Kate the Great!

Kammie (and Jordan)

Jordan helping Sidnie.

Spencer

Zack and Spencer again.

Zack and Spencer The boys were so sure there was some sort of button they could push to make the water turn back on.

Over looking the Arkansas River.

Near a little "waterfall" area they found to play in. We had to watch them, because it dropped down to the river below and they were getting too close to the edge.

Climbing down the rocks and into the water.

Kammie was thrilled to say "peace" in the Arkansas River.

Zack on the rock wall.

We wore them out (and ourselves too), but we had a lot of fun.

Big shoes to fill

Kammie got a new pair of Sunday shoes that have a little bit of a heel on them. Of course, that appealed to Sidnie, so here she is trying to "fill" her sister's shoes.

We were sorting through some donated clothes and organizing it for delivery, when Sidnie came across some items that she liked. She modeled the rain boots and a black belt. Watch out!