Visiting the Manatees

Manatees are these really cool mamals that live in areas with warm water. Their nickname is "water cow" but their closest relative is actually an elephant, how about those facts. The local energy factory has built a whole visitors center because so many manatees hang-out in the extra-warm water outside the factory. We had an enjoyable time learning about the manatees and an overall wonderful trip to Florida!

Hummm, I wonder what makes the water extra warm in this location?

Can you see the manatee? They come up for air every 7 to 20 minutes but mum got this photo just as the manatee was diving back down into the water.

Don't look daddy, there's a scary stingray in the water!

Fun at the Seashore, in January!

Still have some Florida pics I needed to share. Pam and Brian picked a great spot for lunch on Sunday overlooking the bay. In fact, we could see all the way to St. Peterburgs from where we were sitting. I love, love playing in the sand, finding seashells and throwing stuff into the water.

Build it, destroy it. Not sure which is more fun.

The restaurant.

More From Florida

I got spoiled rotten in FL. The Sandifer's got me this super cool remote control dinosaur, I LOVE dinosaurs! And Mrs. George, AKA Memaw (Pam's mum), gave me a super fun book for the plane ride back. Score!
Ian "The Super Scorer" after his soccer (football) game. He scored 5 goals to help his team win.

Mulberry Park in the Fishawk neighborhood. Mum really loved all the spanish moss hanging from the trees.

An ibis near one of the many local ponds along the trails in the neighborhood.

Look closely, it's an alligator.

Hanging Out in the Fishawk 'Hood

The Sandifer's live in a neighborhood outside of Tampa called Fishawk. It's pretty much a town inside a town, has everything you need, all in walking distance. I very much enjoyed my time with Ian and Ashley, playing hard inside and outside. Our secret hide-out.
The Sandifer family, Brian, Pam, Ashley and Ian, posing outside the neighborhood chilli cook-off.

Fishawk Town Square. Dad wouldn't let run out into the water, not warm enough, even in Florida.

Making a "snowman" with Ian using soccer balls,

He shoots, he scores!

Daddy Sings the Exponents

While We Were Sleeping

I always suspected that after we kids are put to bed the adults continue on late into the night having lots of fun, without us! I think these photos prove my theory. I also think I need to go to bed later, what do you think of that mum and dad? It's not fair that I should miss all the fun!

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

I have driven past the Asheville Airport at least 100 times but have never gone inside, so I was very excited to be allowed inside the GSP (Greenville Spartanburg Airport), my first airport, my first plane ride, oh the joy! Of course, all did not go as planned. Our plane was delayed, so I got to know GSP pretty darn well as we spent 4 more hours there than we planned too. Mom is not happy with Allegiant Airlines, so I think the next time I go on an airplane, it will probably be the Asheville Airport, which is good I say, it's so much closer! Anyway, Florida here I come!

Is that our plane? I hope it doesn't leave without me!

Helping daddy get to the gate. Can you beleive they made me carry my own luggage?(check-out my backpack) Child labor!

We were supposed to board our plane at 4:33pm, we didn't board until 10:20pm. So while I was waiting I found some kids to play with. Mommy took out some books and we had story time, right there at the gate, fun!

This airport had a nice outside area as you can see. We hung-out a bit while the sun was still up.

Airport Antics

Why walk when you can ride? I tested out mum and dad's new rolling carry-on luggage piece they got special for this trip. It works well! Hey, it's a long walk from the car to the gate.

Thanks NZ Family

The snow has lent itself to some quality inside time. I've been putting all the wonderful Christmas presents I received from Grandma and Grandpa Coadwell and Auntie Denise to good use. Like my cool hoody? Canterbury colors are my favorites!

Our VCR doesn't like "foreign films" but the computer can be talked into playing them, you just have to tweak one of the settings. I love dancing to the Wiggles and the Winnie the Pooh video.

The Last of the Snow (photos)

Gus had a much faster sled than me, but he seemed to like mine better. We had a great time in the snow together, catching air on some pretty gnarly downhill slopes! Two peas in a pod!
Gus had no fear, me? I had a little bit of fear. Ms. Geraldine encouraged me onto the sled with her and Gus and I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't admit it to mum!

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Snow angels.

More Snow Memories

The snow is melting "as we speak." It is 46 degrees F. outside now. The roads are good, but there is still lots of snow on the ground of course. I think I've had my share to sledding and playing in the cold stuff, I'm ready for spring, or at least a trip to Florida. Just six more sleeps till my first airplane ride! Day 1 measurement of the snow.

Here Kitty, Kitty, come out from under there and play with me!

Chiilin' (literally) in the new sled.

A stick is a great snow toy!

Re-creating mum's favorite snow photo from last year.

Testing the Frequent Flier

My First Sled

Daddy braved the roads on the second snow day to go out and get me a sled. He didn't buy your run of the mill sled, but the mack daddy, wooden, made in Canada Frequent Flier. I was a tad nervous as we headed out from the house towards the church across the street to look for some hills.

My Second Snowman

Turns out that daddy can make a pretty mean snowman too, although he choose not to use gumballs, unfortunatly. Mum takes credit for the snowperson's great hairdo.

Cold kisses that warm the heart.

Say cheese snowperson!

Snow 2011 Day 1

The weather report said there was a 100% chance of snow Sunday night into Monday, not a lot of room for error, and they were spot on. When I woke-up Monday morning and peeked out the window I found that we were surrounded by snow on all possible sides of the house and beyond. We stayed inside until 11:00 at which point we all bundled-up and headed outside for some fun in the snow.

Want to guess how many layers I'm wearing? Guess right and you get a snowball. My new snowboots came in very handy, obviously. I didn't however get new snowpants as after Christmas there were none available in the whole county. But mum and dad found other ways to keep me dry, no worries.

I think Sir Ed was especially thankful for the trails daddy made in the driveway.

Up to my knees in the white stuff.

Yum, snow is tasty!

Father and son enjoying a snow day! Like the snowflake in my eyelash?

Never Give Up Hope

Drum Roll Please..............................the CAMERA has been found! Yep, I knew it was in our possession, I never lost hope. We have so enjoyed our new camera, but are still very excited to locate the old one. It was in daddy's computer case pocket. Mommy was sure to have put it there with good reason, just a reason she has now forgotten. In honor of the camera, we are posting the video dad took of me helping him prepare Chicken Marsala for dinner that night, the last video taken before it went missing.

New Train Table

Aunt Brandi and Uncle Chad so very generously gifted me this awesome train table for Christmas. I love it so much and "play trains" each and every day. I'm a lucky kid!