Boyett's Grove and Zoo - Summer 2014

One of the local zoos in Brooksville, Florida was a special find. We passed a sign for it on the way back from Universal Studios so on Monday, we decided to stay local and visit the place. Boyett's Grove had a lot of unique items in the large store. The zoo was a maze of doorways and rooms, both inside and outside. They had a lot of different animals. Both boys made it almost to the end before falling asleep.

Candy cigarettes - I had no idea they still sold these.

The dinosaur cave was very cool.

The turtles walked right in front of our stroller.

The antique cars were neat as well.

This was an antique baby gate.

Universal Studios - Summer 2014

On Sunday, we bought a one day ticket to Universal Studios and took the boys in the double stroller for a nice, yet hot day at the park. It was very hot. We tried to keep the boys shaded with plenty of suntan lotion, going into several restaurants to cool off throughout the day. Vince and I were able to take turns and go in the single rider line at the Harry Potter ride when we first got there and rode the ride within 5 minutes. It was much nicer than standing in the 30 minute line. We took the boys in a few of the shows and they seemed to enjoy the music and lights. We made it to the Barney show at 5:30pm just to find out the last performance was at 4:30pm, so Evan didn't get to see the show he liked so well last time. Bummer. Then the sky opened up with pouring rain and lightening, shutting down most of the rides so we called it a day. Both boys were asleep in the car for the entire trip back to Spring Hill.

Jacksonville, Florida - Summer 2014

Our summer trip to Florida started with an overnight stay at Aunt Wilma & Uncle Jack's 1970s house in Jacksonville, Florida. The house is a time warp throw back to the 70s. Everything is large and dramatic, with plenty of space to move. During the trip down there, I would feed Alex at a rest area while Vince would let Evan walk around (or squat as in the photo below).

We did not unpack the small fold out crib for one night in Jacksonville for Alex, so we made do with an empty dresser drawer.  Alex slept like a baby in it.

Camp Cockamamie 2014

Each year, we gather at Uncle Alan & Aunt Linda's house in Cocke County, TN for our annual Leslie Family reunion. This year, since it's held in Cocke County, our aunts dubbed it Camp Cockamamie. It seems appropriate. Evan had a great time playing with all his little (and bigger) cousins. Alex enjoyed being held by all his aunts and uncles.

We enjoyed the relaxtion and the food. Vince got to fish & caught one in Uncle Alan's pond. They had a bonfire and made smores and had a good time fending off the bugs.