Visit with Gavin and Greysen....

The past couple of weeks have been memory making ones. Our two oldest grandsons, Gavin and Greysen arrived in Florida to spend 11 days with us. We were so excited to have them come for a visit and it was truly a wonderful time. I must say the boys were real troopers to get up early many days so we could head off to our destinations. For those of you who have not raised teen boys, sleep and food are the mainstays of life! Boys must be fed every 60-90 minutes so plan accordingly.

We had many days on the go but evenings tended to be quieter with evening swims and a hot tub. Gavin loved the workout room/gym here and visited it most evening and occasional mornings.  Although Greysen tried the gym he much preferred the pool.

Luckily their first morning in Florida was a rocket launch which they were able to witness from our balcony. A great way to start a vacation.   The first big outing was to the Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach. It consists of a drive through Safari and then has a walk through park with other animals and birds. The boys loved the experience and especially enjoyed feeding the giraffes and feeding the Lorry birds and budgies. I particularly enjoyed watching the sloth. The slow purposeful movements that look like slow motion seem to get them to where they want to be. We also got a close up look at a new baby Rhino named Bush.  After a wonderful day exploring and taking in the park experiences we started home with 2 tired teens.

Early the next morning we it was off to Kennedy Space center at Cape Canaveral. Roger and I have been several times but each time we come away with something new. It was very busy there that day but we managed get through the whole thing. There was a bus tour to the launch sites and viewing areas that Greysen thought was too long but once we began touring the building he livened right up.  Both boys enjoyed the rocket launch simulator as did Roger. I passed on it again as I am not much for getting my insides shook up. We ended our day in the rocket garden looking at  old rockets and space craft and then started our trek back to the condo. Of course this was not until we made stops at both McDonalds and Chick-fil A. 

The next day was a sleep in day for everyone. It just happened to be a cooler day so we lazed around and did a drive to the outlet stores for shopping. Greysen made the big decision to cut off his long hair so it was off to the barber for a Florida haircut. T  Bob was very knowledgeable and gave a great history of the area and all the birds and their mating and migration patterns.  

his was a big change for him but it looked fantastic.   It was an early night as we had another big day coming up. Sunday we headed out to the blue cypress reserve to do the airboat ride in the swamps. This was a really fun event and a prefect viewing day for the alligators and the birds. Captain

It was a quick turn around for us as we had to drive home, get cleaned up to go to a Super Bowl party. Our friends had invited all of us to their condo for the pre party and game.  The boys enjoyed the large array of food and watching the game, and even won a couple of prizes. We did not stay late as we all had to pack for the next couple of days in Orlando.

Monday morning hit the road for couple of days in Orlando to go to Sea World and Aquatica.  Luckily we were able to check into our room at 9:30 am so were able to unload our luggage before heading to SeaWorld. The day was fantastic and we stayed right up until closing. There were no wait times for the roller coasters nor for any of the attractions.  The joy on our grandkids faces was evident all day long.  We all loved every minute of SeaWorld. (and in case you are wondering I did not do the rollercoaster).

The next day we headed to Aquatica, a water park with some of the highest water slides in the USA. This was another great pick for the boys as we watched them fly down those slides.  I preferred the lazy river, Rao rapids and the wave pool.  These are rather tame for the boys but they were good sports and came along with me. By 4pm we were all tired and the boys said their legs were like jelly from climbing the stairs on the waterslides. Following a quick bite to eat we headed on home after a wonderful memory making 2 days. The boys said thank you over and over again and we could tell they really appreciated the experiences they had in Orlando.  Memoires for a lifetime.

Wednesday and Thursday were quieter days. We had a pool afternoon , followed by  quick supper and off to a movie. Thursday morning was a trip to the navy Seal Museum which never disappoints. Then a bit of shopping,some  laundry and packing up. Everyone was kind of mellow and the realization that the trip was almost over was sinking in. We chatted about what we all liked and the best adventures and who got what pictures.  With laundry done and suitcases packed we insisted on early bed as we needed to leave for the airport by 8 am.

We made sure they were fed and watered and then sent then on through security, but not before some really heartfelt hugs.  We watched the two brothers smile and joke with each other as they made their way down the line. Great memories for them as individuals, but also as brothers.  We feel very fortunate to have created these great memories with these two wonderful grandsons.

I am sure the kids will sleep away the weekend, but for us we are again on the go. Last night was Euchre with friends and tonight we have been invited to an Oscar party. The weather forecast looks great for the week ahead so I plan to get lots of pool time.

The weeks are passing quickly and before you know it we will be heading home.Take care all!