Birthday Fun

September 15th

 

 

On Saturday we went and celebrated Laura's 25th birthday. Laura is Nathan's youngest cousin. This Red Solo Cup themed birthday has been in the works since at least April! We all had a great evening full of yummy food, great family, and Gator football! We stayed as late as we could before evening fussiness set in, but we still had to leave at half time. We had a wonderful time!

Our sweet girl giving the kitty a treat.

Hannah and Hadley

Natalie trying to lead Natalie around.

 

Some of the Red Solo Cup themed decorations

 

Natalie looking at Grammo's camera.

Watching the Gator game.

Laura's cake

Me and the birthday girl

 

 

Sea World Part 2

September 8th

 

 

We went back down to Orlando for a second week in a row since our tickets to Sea World were still good. We also had tickets to Aquatica. Nathan and I decided to take Natalie to Aquatica that morning and then head over to Sea World. Natalie loved Aquatica! She had so much fun in the kiddie area. It was like she was practicing everything she does at the park with Nathan, but there was water too. We were also able to take Natalie on the lazy river and to the wave pool. She loved the waves and started giggling when they began. It was hilarious!

After Aquatica we met Kristy, Sarah, and Patrick at Sea World. We rode the kiddie rides, walked through the Arctic animal exhibit, and saw the dolphins and sting rays. I left my camera in the car, but Kristy took some great pictures of Natalie to complete our Sea World adventures!

Natalie riding Shamu!

Giving Shamu kisses!

Feeling the ice wall by the beluga whales.

Natalie with cousins Sarah and Patrick.

After touching a sting ray and it practically jumping out of the water, Natalie really wanted to touch another!


After Sea World, we headed to Kristy's for some delicious homemade pizza! We all had a great time eating and hanging out! This gave Uncle Thomas a chance to see Natalie and take some great pictures!

 

Discovery Cove!

September 2nd

 

 

After a very long day at Sea World, we were ready for our relaxing day at Discovery Cove. This was something Gabriel has been waiting for for years, and we started planning this trip in April. By the time the weekend came, I think we were all super excited! Our day began with an early check-in, where we found out our dolphin swim would be at 9:30. This gave us time to get our locker, put on our gear, and enjoy a wonderful breakfast buffet!

 

Although we paid a pretty penny to get in, Nathan and I like to think the park didn't make that much money off of us since we ate a ton throughout the day! Between the breakfast and lunch buffets and unlimited snacks and drinks, we were very happy and full! It was honestly so cool to be able to walk up to a snack stand and just grab a hot pretzel, frozen lemonade, ice cream sandwich, beer, or whatever we wanted! We all took advantage of the snacks and stopped about every time we passed a stand.

 

Our dolphin swim was amazing...and freezing! The water was about 68 degrees or so and by the end of it, Gabriel's lips and fingers were literally turning blue. We had a wonderful trainer who made the experience fun and memorable. Our dolphin's name was Dexter, and he was very playful. We all had the chance to pet him, shake his flipper, give him hugs and kisses, and of course ride him back to shore. It was a once in a lifetime experience and something that I'm so glad we got to experience with Gabriel. He has dreamed of this since he was about four, and it finally became a reality.

 

Gabriel was so excited to finally be at Discovery Cove!

Gabriel kissing on Dexter.

 

The Grand Reef where we swam with the rays and tropical fish.

This water was pretty cold too at about 72 degrees or so.

 

 



Sea World!

September 1st

 

 

This weekend was a very big weekend for us. A little over a year ago, we promised Gabriel that we would take him to Discovery Cove to swim with dolphins if he saved up half of the ticket price. After a Christmas, birthday, and doing some work for family, Gabriel finally saved enough for half his ticket, his souvenirs, and dolphin pictures!

When you purchase Discovery Cove tickets, they "throw in" tickets to Sea World for 14 days. We planned to make a weekend of it and take Natalie to Sea World for her first trip. We had a wonderful time, Natalie loved Sea World, and it was definitely a memorable weekend for all!

After 2 and a half hours in the car with Natalie, this was a wonderful sight!

Gabriel and Natalie

Nathan and my dad rode Manta first- Nathan first row on the end, my dad was at the very back.

Grandma, Poppa, and Natalie

Gabriel in front of the sting rays.

 

Natalie loved the Sea Carousel!

...and cried when we got off!

Nathan and Natalie playing in the big nets.



 

Waving at Shamu.

Riding the spinning shells.

 

Water Day Outside

August 25th

With a water table and little pool in the backyard, it seems everyday Natalie is getting her clothes wet. We just let her get in and change her clothes after since it usually doesn't last too long. On Saturday she really enjoyed playing in her pool. She especially loved the water hose! The weather is slowly cooling off, but I think we still have a couple more weeks of outside water play!

 

 

 

 

 



Fence Fun

August 23rd

 

 

With the addition of the fence, playing outside is so much easier! For the most part Natalie really doesn't care that she is caged in. I think it's because we take her on both sides of the fence. However, it is nice to be able to turn our heads and not fear that she is about to slide into the pond!

Pointing to an "aga"- airplane.

She doesn't mind to be in, unless she's the only one!

Freedom!