Black Hammock Recreation Area

We went to Black Hammock Recreational Area after Deleon Springs State Park. It has alligators, restuarant and a dock. We fed some alligators and walked down by the water. Don found this place not too long ago and thought we would get a kick out of seeing the alligators.
On the way there, we passed an orange grove, a cow being chased by birds and some very lovely roosters.

Alex and Bob. Don had said this whole area was under water when they were here due to the massive rainstorms Florida had received.

Oh, the things this girl comes up with.

Alex

Poor Bob, he didn't stand a chance with the gator or the bunny ears.

The only gators I like to see.

LOL. She cracks me up.

The baby alligator that Elise pissed off.

Alex and Jen

Deleon Springs

My uncle took us to Deleon Springs the first morning we were in Florida. The springs are 72 degrees year round making it a popular destination for the endangered manatees in the winter. Not such a hot destination for them in June. Or I should say, too hot of a destination for them in June. The park is filled with 200 year old, mossy trees. They are absolutely amazing.

The natural spring. The have added a cement landing and steps into the spring. With the threat of lightning in the area, patrons are not allowed on the cement.

Bobber

The restuarant is very unique. Customers make pancakes right at their tables. They offer two different batters. One regular and one a multi-grain that would have been made during this time period.

We were able to add items into the cakes. Our tables made Blueberry, Chocolate Chip and Apple Cinnamon pancakes. There were also three types of syrup.

Alex was so impatient waiting for the spring to reopen. Fortunately, by time we were done eating it was ready to go.

Bob and Jen

Elise and Jen

In this photo, there's an alligator and a duck. Can you see the alligator? I was waiting to see if the duck was going to be dinner. The duck was safe......Today.

Jen, Bob and Alex

Mom, Jen, Bob and Alex

Uncle Don and my mom. Wednesday before our trip, Donald sliced open his thumb on his power saw. The thumbs up sign became our major signal for the whole trip.

Alex's First Flight

This was Alex's first time on a plane. She was excited and nervous all at the same time. Everything went pretty smoothly..... Except for security. As her backpack was being looked at multiple times, I heard the xray tech say "What do you think that is?" I responded with, if it's tube shaped, it's money for the penny press machines. As I finished that, Alex says, "There's nothing in my bag that will blow up the plane." OMG, I could have crawled in a hole. I know she thought she was being helpful. Something to add to the checklist for the return trip. Things you can and cannot say at the airport. LOL

That Crazy Daddy!
All ready to go.

Happy Birthday, Ski!!

Now, I bet you haven't been called that in at least 17 years!!!!!

I had the opportunity to see Erica and see her adorable kids two weeks ago. Having just come back from Florida, I was able to remember the time we spent down there just after graduation. And, this time instead of collecting sand and ocean water in the same bottle, I only brought home sand. :) Live and learn, live and learn.

Happy Birthday, Erica!!! I hope you have a fabulous day!!!

The Cat's out of the Bag

Sprout would say it's not the right cat out but anyway.....

Bob knows about his Birthday surprise and might I say, it's a huge weight off my shoulders. Always wondering if he knows and what he knows. Playing cat and mouse to throw him off. I must have cats on the brain this morning. LOL
He said he had an idea but didn't know for sure. So, now I can be excited internally and externally. YEAH!!!