Thanksgiving in Florida 2014 edition

This post is LONG overdue, considering we have already celebrated Christmas and New Year's, but with so many great pictures and memories our annual trip to Florida for Thanksgiving needed to be commemorated. Traveling last year, Cal was only 4 months old and unable to sit or move around a whole lot. We knew this year we were going to have a whole lot more fun exploring and going on adventures with a walking, talking little guy who is full of personality. 

During this trip Cal learned how to go up and down a single step while standing... tried very hard to jump, but acts as though his feet are stuck to the ground...had his first tantrum...took his longest nap ever - 2 hours and 45 minutes! 

The fun started at the Philadelphia airport, where they have an awesome airplane themed play area. Cal had a great time wearing himself out and socializing with some big kids before getting on the plane. 

Down the luggage chute! Weeeee!

"What was that? Did you say turbulence?"

We were on a huge plane with three rows of seats which left us having our own two seat row to ourselves. It was great since Cal wanted to stand or walk around some of the time, read books, play with toys, etc. It allowed us to have some freedom and not feel like we were cramping anyone's style.

We were able to do so many great things this trip that we had never experienced before. We visited Blue Springs State Park where were saw manatees in their natural habitat. They were massive and very slow moving, coming up for air every so often with their pig-like snouts. Cal enjoyed trying to spot them in the clear waters below. 

 

"Are you a manatee?"

Melanie, Patty and I enjoying the sunny Florida weather... in jackets!

Just loving life!

Bella could always make Cal smile with her silly monkey face!

Searching the waters...

Bella showing Cal around.

Matt and I love kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, etc. and weren't sure when we were going to be able to enjoy those activities again, since Cal was born, thinking he would want to climb out and fall in the water. We took the risk and went canoeing at Wekiwa Springs State Park and much to our surprise, Cal did awesome! We strapped him into a big puffy life jacket, plopped him in the middle of the canoe between my legs and he sat there for 2 hours taking it all in. We looked for turtles along the edges, all the while Cal was whispering "turtle, turtle" to himself as he was hunting. It was so peaceful and such a great activity we were able to enjoy as a family of 3.  

What a dreamboat. 

Someone decided they wanted to help paddle...

We were so lucky to get to see our friends Joel and Ashley in Florida again and Cal got the chance to hang out with his buddy Eden again! We also met their new baby Weston and went to the lake to feed geese and swans.

Cal and Eden having a fun time in the bath. 

 Cal loved frolicking among the geese and swans, but as you can see, the swans are a bit more aggressive than you would expect, and so were the geese. Cal had his hand nibbled on by a goose and I was nearly taken to the ground by that swan (not really, but that swan was crazy).

 

We ventured off to New Smyrna Beach and played in the sunshine and the sand for the day.

 

Nothing sweeter than a napping babe whilst listening to the ocean waves. 

Daytona Beach boardwalk

 Unfortunately, Cal did not enjoy any Thanksgiving foods, even though everything was absolutely delicious. I believe he ended up having a smoothie and a black bean and cheese burrito. Maybe next year he will take a liking to turkey and mashed potatoes.
 

Cal LOVED being at his Great Aunt Joanie and Great Uncle Jay's house. He chased around their dog "Har-ee" (Harley) and tromped around everywhere he could. He loved all the time he was able to get with my side of the family and were so thankful to have an entire week together.
 

Uncle Ben showing Cal a few things.

Cal and Uncle Ben reading one of his favorite books called, "Pssst!"

Love my brother!

  

Everyone always has fun with Uncle Jay!

This is one of my favorite moments from the trip. Cal has a new love for lizards. Watch his special lizard communication skills in the video below.

After a long week of waking up early with Cal and many night time wake-ups, we finally were able to get a little rest on the airplane ride home. Until next year!