Chloe

Valerie is always so good about keeping the pictures coming.  I am finally getting around to sharing a few from the past 2 months.

Just in case you didn't know, Michael got a promotion to Assistant General Manager at CarMax.  They are moving to Tallahassee, FL!!!!  Things are going VERY fast.  They listed their house on Monday, it sold 2 days later on Wednesday.  The kids will be down for a house hunting trip next week, and will probably move within the next 3 weeks.  Michael will have training in Orlando for 3-4 weeks before starting his new position, so they will stay with us for that time.  I am so excited, I can hardly wait!

Anyway, enjoy the pictures.
Chloe is enjoying filling the step with pebbles.  Good for developing those fine motor skills as she picks up one at a time.



Enjoying time on the front porch.



Sporting her little side pony tail.



A picture to show Grandma and Grandpa how cute she looks in the new outfit we sent her.



Caught being the Cookie Monster!



And last, telling Daddy about her day.



These pictures just melt a Grandma's heart!  :)

Zoominations

This year the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa is having Chinese Luminations.  Being our passes expire at the end of the month, we decided to take advantage of our discount and head out Saturday night to see them.  The event didn't start until 6:00pm.  We were wondering why a luminated event would be open 2 hours before sunset.  But in hindsight, it was neat to look at the transformation to see what the displays looked like in the daylight, and what they transformed into at nightfall.   Enjoy....



I'll post day then night of the same display so you can see the difference as you go along.
The nice thing is they had information kiosks that explained the different designs and their significance to the Chinese culture.



This palace was made completely of plates, saucers, and spoons.





















They even had Chinese acrobats.  I can't imagine spinning plates, and climbing up on someone, let alone having someone stand on your head!!!





The acrobat show was amazing, but it wasn't what Clif or I was expecting either.  There weren't too many "acrobatic moves" if you know what I mean.  They had a magician and jugglers as well.























And then just some additional shots of the magnificent displays.











Walking through this red tunnel messed with my eyes!









The displays were beautiful.  My only complaint is that they needed to limit the amount of people allowed into the park.  Only 1/4 of the park was open, and they were filled beyond capacity on a normal business day.  When we left at 9:45, we were stunned at the number of cars strewn about the picnic areas and any other space around the park because all the official parking spaces were taken.  We then realized why it was so difficult to navigate the crowds and get decent pictures.  We had to show a lot of patience to say the least!!!

A Busy Time

I noticed I had not blogged for a very long time!  I guess it's because I have been BUSY!  I've been enjoying time with Clif, tending the Spring Time garden and landscaping, sister visits, Lent, and of course Easter.  So this post is going to be a hodge podge of events to get you all caught up.

Let's back up to a biking trip Clif and I did back in January.  It was the Cross Seminole Trail.  Ordinarily we start in Oviedo, ride out to Big Tree Park in Sanford and return.  On this outing, we put in at the Goldenrod Trailhead, rode out to the 434 overpass in Winter Springs and returned.



I took time to take the photos on our return.  This allowed for much needed breaks as we biked 22 miles round trip! We rode past by a cow pasture.



Rode over the Howell Creek trestle.




A fork in the trail.  A much needed leg stretch break.



Then the infamous Oviedo chickens were out in full force.  They free roam around town.










We were pretty worn out by the time we got to the last overpass at Red Bug Lake Road.  Clif had to walk his bike up.  I am proud to say, I pedaled to the top, on a single speed no less!



Then I took a day off work to visit Diane in Winter Haven.  I decided to attend morning Mass before heading out for the day.  I was looking forward to meeting my cousins visiting from Minnesota.  Anyway, who knew how much wildlife would be about on our church grounds in the middle of an urban setting.  The bald eagle perched atop the cross.



A turkey making it's way through the side parking area.



It was only by luck that I happened to have my camera with me this day!

Then on President's weekend, it was off to Clearwater to visit Dad, Vicky, and Barbara.  Janet had made us all aprons for Valentine's Day.  They were adorable.  We were looking at the little girls printed on the fabric and seeing each one of us.



Then Lent.  I put a display on my dining room table each Lent.  I especially liked the display this year.  The candle Aunt LaDon got me for Christmas really added a special touch!



This Lent was very prayerful and productive.  Which gave way to now...Easter!  The house is now transformed for the Easter Season.  Décor will stay up until Amber's Baby Shower.  Ordinarily it stays up until Pentecost, but it won't quite go with what I'm planning to do for her shower on May 2!

I had to laugh as I put together the egg display.  Last year, Valerie decided to play a prank on us and put "surprise" combinations in each egg.  What the family and guests have come to expect when they open an egg for the candy inside wasn't what it was last year thanks to Valerie!  Instead, we were met with mixtures of jelly beans mixed with M & M's and other odd combinations!  That messed with our taste buds.  In any event, as I was filling the eggs, I couldn't help but laugh remembering the joy of her prank brought us!



Valerie sent some pictures of Chloe sporting her Easter Dress...



As Valerie puts it, it's hard work being all dolled up!



And lastly, Clif and I spent today together and enjoyed a picnic!  We decided to explore Shingle Creek Regional Park in Kissimmee.  This was an interesting park as it is sprawled out in which you have to drive to 4 separate parking areas to see each part of it!  The nice thing is there is a variety of activities to do if you don't mind being interrupted by having to drive to the next area. 




We started in the hiking area.  They have a homestead to view before heading on the trail. 



















We had our picnic lunch along the trail.  We kept hearing a bird that sounded like an osprey.  We found the nest right across the creek from where we were eating.



The Shingle Creek meanders through the grounds.



This park location is great for the tourists.  It gives them "the real Florida" right in the middle of tourist alley!  Many of them enjoyed a day on the river.  The next time Clif and I go, we will take our own kayaks.





Once finished in that area, we headed over to the Pioneer Village.  It was closed for the day, but we were able to get some shots of the area.  There were hiking trails from this area you could explore as well. 








It was such a beautiful, pleasant day.  Perfect for relaxing after celebrating the Triduum!
Happy Easter! :)