A trip to the zoo

While we were in Florida we went to the Jacksonville Zoo. We had a very good time. We saw some animals, went into the butterfly exhibit and got to touch some sting rays. That was Grandma's favorite part. They also have a large play area for the kids which was quite enjoyable. Stella's favorite part was the train ride. No surprise from my cranky girl. We *may*!have had the kids out a little too late the night before. We also ran into Sid's cousin Tory and her two adorable kids. We didn't spend much time with them, but it was good to see them. 

A visit...

From Grandma!  March was a busy month!  After our trip to N.C. we had about a week and then Grandma came to visit us.  We had a wonderful, low-key, no major events, no big plans kind of time.  We just relaxed, and did little everyday things.  It was fantastic.  We played, and loved, and played some more!

Presents from G.G.

This week we got a fun package in the mail... our Christmas presents from G.G.!  She's so sweet and fun.  We love her and miss her.  She sent these:

    They are fabulous hooded blankets.  The kids were very excited and I wasn't able to get great pictures!  Thanks G.G. 

Thomas the Tank Engine

On Wednesday we went to the Stroudsburg Railroad.  They were having a special "Day out with Thomas," the Tank engine that is.  We went, despite the threat of rain, and I am so glad we did.  We wound up having a beautiful day.  And since the weather looked a little threatening we didn't have quite the crowds we might have.  Grandma had never ridden a train before, and Stella has been talking about how her Mommy was going to take her to the Train Station sometime.  We thought it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Bruce got a ride from Daddy, in the Kozy.

 There was a very cool mega-blocks Thomas.  I'm impressed!

 Bruce looks adorable in a hat, even if it didn't last very long.

 THOMAS!

 Steam Engine.  We got rides behind both!

 Stella waiting for our turn to ride Thomas.

 A child's eye view of Thomas pulling in.

 Riding in an open car behind Thomas.

 Waiting for our ride to start.

 The inside of a regular "coach" car behind Engine 475.

 Engine 475, halfway through our ride!

 Did you know that it gets up to 130 degrees inside the engine?  I am glad that I am not the guy shoveling coal into that fire! 

Grandma!

Grandma came to visit us this week.  We had so much fun.  Most days we just hung out around the house, but we had a few "outings" as well.  This was the first time we have seen her since August.  That is a long time for us, but it seems like an eternity when there are little kids involved.  Bruce was 2 months old the last time we saw her.  There is a big difference between 2 months and 12 months, see?

 

Stella couldn't get enough of her, and Bruce warmed up quite well.  Grandma really couldn't get enough of either kid!