Ahh the life!

Here is one final pic that shows how "Gentlemen" farm. Please notice that Anastasia is driving the golf cart while Joe is lounging on the cow feed and Uncle Jon is simply along for the ride.

End of our visit

We enjoyed our visit with the entire family and hated to leave. Here are a few pics of Mawmaw and the kids. Look forward to seeing you all soon. (Especially since it is 55 and raining!)

Hanging out with Mawmaw

Mawmaw made some great home cooked meals. The kids had fun riding bikes, assembling puzzles and chatting up a storm. Notice that Ana started to take a few self photos, too.

Tractor rides

Uncle Jon took the kids for tractor rides. Joe thought it was awesome. The jury is still out for Anastasia.

Gentleman Farmer

The kids practiced driving the golf cart, fished for Brim and were chased by cows. Evidently, one cow took a dislike to Joe and charged him. Jon fended him off and all was well. Each time Joe relates this, it becomes a grander tale!

Uncle Jon's farm

We had a great time visiting with Mawmaw, Uncle Tim, Aunt Marg, Uncle Jon, Aunt Pam, Kyle, Stormy, Craig, Erika, Adam, Katrina, and Andrea. It was nice to relax and visit. We picked Jon's beans and okra, fed the cows and went fisihing. The kids did not want to leave.

The long trek to Arkansas

It took us a bit longer than normal, but after 19 hours, we made it from Tampa to Memphis. I should have used my life line to call Jon and ask for the insider track. But, I think that we did quite well, we got vouchers, coupons and even got our pics taken with the pilot and co-pilot. Take a close look at Joe, maybe this was part of the delay:)

Chillin' in the pool

The first day or so, Anastasia did not want to leave the step, but she soon warmed up and began swimming. Joe was a pro and he took to his new snorkle and mask. He improved so much that we went to the deep end looking for dive sticks. He can make it to the bottom of the 8ft. Wow, they are two fish!!

Flume and Caraousel

We ended our adventure at the flume ride. The kids loved it and as there were no lines we stayed on for several rides. We got pretty soaked, but it was great and a pretty hot day.

Banana Ride

The kids flew in the bananas and had a laughed. The first time, Ana was not really excited, but Joe thought it was funny.

Pogo and rides

We ended up chatting to one of the trainers for Pogo the warthog. She explained that they love pinapple rinds and as treats they were rewarded with such. They trained them to come, sit and stay. It was useful in the event that they would need to move the warthogs or other animals swiftly to other area, in the instance of bad weather.

We enjoyed the roller coaster, but Anastasia was a bit trepidatious. Joe and Sid thought it was great and wanted to do it again! Anastasia and I are in the very front and the boys are in the very last car, hanging on for dear life!!

Lowry Zoo

We had a great time at the Tampa Zoo. We took Nana along and enjoyed the animals, tour and rides. It was overcast so we did not melt. Take a look at: http://www.lowryparkzoo.com/

The kids especially enjoyed the safari ride, chair lift, roller coaster and best of all the flume. We got to feed the sting rays, and saw giraffes, hippos, camels, tigers, rhinos...

Tennis Camp

Joe participated in Tennis Camp for a few weeks and Anastasia
and I perfected our swimming. She visited the tennis camp for 2 days but claimed that it was too hot. They are both getting great at sports and had a fun summer break.













Here the kids are after a hot day of being in the Florida sun, lounging around. Note that Anastasia is actually resting in a box. Thanks Lorie, we were able to use this one after all. :)