Spring 2014 at Hidden River

We enjoy spending some time in Florida during the winter, and while we're there we have a lot of fun with our "Florida" friends.


It amazes us how they find such nice bike trails, and some of them even have a place to have a picnic at the end of the trail.


As you can see, the Courtney Campbell trail is very nice.  And, except for a bridge, it's flat!


That's us, all helmeted up, and ready to roll.


The bike gang from Hidden River.  A bunch of nice people!


Katie turned four while we were there, and she wanted an ice cream cake.


Pappy and Conner like ice cream, so Jaime gave them big pieces.



Gerry, Bob, and Harry.  Notice Bob's rare photo smile!!!

 
We went canoeing on an alligator infested river. Never lean sideways in a canoe on an alligator infested river, and keep your fingers and toes in the boat!!


It's tricky canoeing!


Yes, that's a gator on that log. A LIVE gator!!

What do you do after you finish canoeing?  You eat!!


We're ready for another bike ride, and this trail was again very, very nice.


That's Doris on the left. Pictures of Doris are rare because she always has her camera ready.


See what I mean?  Where's Doris?


We took Conner to the museum, and I found these two handsome guys there!!

 
Standing on the dock of the bay, wasting time.

 One of Tampa’s many pelicans.


The huge tree is a kapok tree,


and this is a flower from the kapok tree.  Beautiful, and huge! 




Conner played soccer, and loved it.


What he lacked in skills he made up for in enthusiasm, and we were proud when he was won this award.

We always have fun with our family and friends in Florida, and can’t wait to see them all again!

Katie at the Magic Kingdom

If you really want to experience magic, take a four year old girl to see the princesses at The Magic Kingdom.

 
Before we went to see the princesses, we had to make sure that Katie had a ride on Cinderella’s pony.


It’s been a few years since I led my princesses on their pony, so this was really fun for me.


Katie chattered away, just like her mommy.

 
It was early and Katie wasn't quite awake yet, but Jaime and I were ready to go!


As soon as Cinderella appeared Katie realized that this was going to be a good day.


Guess who just came around the corner!


It's Snow White, and she came to talk to Katie!!


All the princess stopped to talk to every little girl, give them hugs, and sign autographs.


Katie asked each one of them where their prince was, and they told her.  Some of them were with their horse, on the boat, etc. but the princesses always had an answer for all of Katie’s questions.




By the way, the food was really delicious too.  That’s my empty plate!


It’s Cinderella's glass slipper!!!




Katie was in awe.




Pappy was so patient.  He waited in line and even carried Snow White when Katie asked him to.

 
Merida asked Katie if they could trade brothers.  Katie said she wanted to keep Conner!


After Katie talked to Merida she took an archery lesson and got a bulls eye!  



 
She saw Goofy,


and Grammy posed with her favorite – Donald Duck!


A big hug for Daisy Duck.


Another hug for Minnie.


Her final princess was Tinker Bell, and then Katie was ready to ride those teacups and elephants. 
We all had a really good time, and we agreed that it definitely was The MAGIC Kingdom for all of us that day.

Fun with Conner

When we got to Orlando this year we hustled over to Riverview. Conner was getting an award at school, and he didn’t know we would be there.  I think he liked our surprise visit!  

 
Conner tells everyone that he’s Pappy’s Boy!  They are fishing buddies you know!

 
Jaime went into school late so she could be there too.


Conner was definitely having a good day!


Conner and his upside down SUPER STUDENT AWARD!


Front and center for our little guy!


Its a huge school, and one student from each classroom was given an award. 


Jaime and Conner T.


A few days later we took Conner to Animal Kingdom.


His favorite thing there is The Boneyard.



Oh no!  Conner's dinosaur is trying to eat Gramnmy’s phone,


and Pappy’s hand!


Pappy and Conner love to roast marshmallows, but this little Steeler sometimes gets carried away, and Pappy keeps close watch on the stick and burnt marshmallow!