Random Family Fun

Two weeks ago we headed south to visit some family and see Jacob’s cousin, Laura Lee, get married.  It was a short trip, but we got to visit with his family, my Dad, and Jacob got to work his bee hives in the orange groves down there.

I’ve been wanting to take Josiah to the Parrish Train Museum for quite some time. It isn’t much of a museum but it does have an old running train and a little gift shop. The train blew it’s whistle right when we were trying to decide whether or not to ride it and it was so loud that it frightened him a bit so we just watched. Maybe next time. But we had fun walking the rails and looking at the old engines, cabooses, and cars anyway.

We collected displaced railroad spikes.

 

We were busy managing kids at the wedding so I only managed to get pictures of our table which was only us and Mikayla.  It was, however, a beautiful wedding with great food (catered by Jacob’s mom and sister – they did a great job!)

We were table #4.  I left for a few minutes to change Elijah’s diaper and when I came back the table card was missing and there were ashes on the ground.  Apparently the card went up in flames and Jacob saved the day (and the tablecloth) by grabbing it and stomping it out!

Refusing to smile despite Mikayla’s best efforts.

  Silliness!

Pictures by Josiah:

More silliness:

 

Last weekend we wanted to be productive and do a little something fun, so we washed my car (much needed!) and then headed to the museum and butterfly garden.  Josiah loved both activities.

Then, with 2 days to spare, we continued our quest to visit several attractions with Josiah while he was still less than three years old and we had to pay for a ticket for him :)  The choice was between Sea World and the Jacksonville Zoo.  The zoo won because now they can get into Sea World for free until they are five.  Anyway, we had a blast!  Our reserved little guy has been slowly coming out of his shell and he immediately blossomed when we got there.  He ran from exhibit to exhibit wanting “to see som-n else”.  His favorite part was the “baby monkeys” and we spent lots of time – three different times – watching them.  He had to be dragged away.  I have to admit, they were fun to watch.  He also surprised us by wanting to play on the glorified playground.  Lately he has been resistant to this for some unknown reason, and seemed to be scared of heights.  As far as I know he hadn’t had any big falls, but he refused to be off the ground.  Jacob worked with him at the playground a few times (my efforts were not successful) and sure enough he climbed the steps, crossed a suspended bridge, and went down slides with a huge smile (with me!).  He did, however, accidentally end up flipping around, bumping his head, and going down the slides head first THREE times.  By then he had had enough of that part and refused to go again.  I can’t say I blame him.  Both boys zonked out on the way home.

  The little one there in the front entertained us the whole time, but he was so active chasing birds, butterflies, and swinging on branches that he was always a blur on my camera.  There were 3 mommies and 3 babies.  So cute!

Elijah’s first carousel ride.  Josiah wouldn’t join.