Florida Time!

Today was my first full day in Florida.  I saw the ocean, went wading a bit on the beach (a REAL one), and saw the sun a bit. It was raining quite hard in the morning but improved in the afternoon.

We went to an authentic Greek community restaurant for lunch-that was a big highlight. http://www.hellas-restaurant.com/  It was so amazing because the waiter was entertaining and friendly-he quized our table on the story of Noah (did you know Noah was 800 when he was commissioned to build the ark?!), he lit our imported cheese on fire (Saganaki, OPA!), and we all tried broiled octopus. It didn't taste terrible, but it wasn't my favorite thing we ate there. Anna's reaction was pretty funny.  I was so happy she tried it at all!

Around the little town there was live music playing and John and Dar, and mom and dad danced to it. It was pretty cute. I think if I lived in the town, I would get so sick of seeing sponges everywhere!

On the way home, we hit up four different state parks- beaches, and trails.  The trees are interesting down here, covered in Spanish moss mostly.  The natural forest, looks really tropical, jungle-esque.

Tonight Anna wanted to go swimming outside, even though it was 64 degrees Fahrenheit... We did for a short while, but my oh my, it almost took my breath away. The water was rather chilly for the weather outside. 

Last night I tried kumquats for the first time. If you've ever wondered what...say, piny needles taste like (Christmas-y smelling), kumquats must be their fruit equivalent. Ate the skin and all.  I like trying new foods at least once. So far I think it's been a very limit-spreading vacation for my taste buds!  I can't wait to eat a fresh orange off of the tree in the yard. Mmm.  We've been eating a bunch of fruit already, strawberries, blueberrys, mango, cherries, cantalope... Getting spoiled for sure!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's adventures... traversing by car in Florida to mom's cousin's house to stay the night. God willing!

We have had a case of *ah-achooo* the busies!

Since last Wednesday lots of things have changed. I am now an aunt to an adorable little boy who's name (of which most of you already know) is Landon Reed Larson. He was born last Wednesday night at 8:32 pm. On Thursday after my American Lit. class the family buzzed down to see the Larson family in the hospital. He's so precious! Grammie and Grandpa, and Aunties, are thrilled to have him here. If you want to see pictures, look on facebook.

On Friday we changed the number of states that I remember visiting. We went through Indiana, and Ohio, to get to Kentucky, to get to the Creation Museum. So, that's three more states to add to my list! :) A random tid-bit: I watched Phantom of the Opera for the first time on the way to the museum; it was sad. Livi got to come with my family on the trip and that made the 8 1/2-9 hour road trip lots more fun. Anna took this photo at one of our pit stops at a rest area, it was raining that's why we have our hoods up.
The Creation museum was good, but there was lots of reading and information that you could soak up if you took the time... But about 6 hours there was good enough-for my feet, and brain! :P The landscaping at the museum was beautiful. The tulips were in full-swing, as you can see.
Watch the slide show on the side of the page for a few more pictures.