The Danley Crew: July 2012

We actually went on a family vacation this year. We went to my parents' house for the 4th, then headed up to Birmingham, AL to go to the McWane Science Center. The kids LOVED it!!! We spent all day there seeing most of the museum. We only missed 1 floor and that was because the kids were so tired. They had a Dora & Diego exhibit on the top floor that the younger 2 boys loved. We got to see an IMAX dome movie about the coral reefs, look at dinosaur fossils, blow giant bubbles, do our own weather forecast, and so much more!!! I would definitely go back. We went BACK to my parents to get some stuff we left behind that night. On the way home, we stopped to watch 'Brave'. It was a cute movie. But the theater was REALLY loud. I think the theater people think the rooms are twice as big as they actually are. I think the older 2 kids enjoyed the movie more than anyone else.

We were home for 2 days to recoup from that adventure. We left Tuesday morning for St. Augustine, FL. We got there around 3pm local time. We decided to go to the beach that afternoon. The kids found some shells, played in the water, and dug holes in the sand. They had a blast!! The hotel we stayed at had a 600 year old tree in the courtyard. The next day we went to Castillos de San Marcos for a tour. The kids did the Jr. Ranger program and learned about the steps to fire a cannon, what the Spanish brought over to the New World, and that what makes this fort rare is that is never changed hands because of a battle or siege. It was always because of a treaty. All attacks were unsuccessful in gaining control of the fort. Each kid got a Ranger badge, certificate of completion, and a special badge for writing a letter to other Jr. Rangers about what they learned and what it means to them. After the fort, we walked down St. George Street, the pedestrian mall, and got ice cream. It was SO hot!! We wanted to take an old picture to go with the picture Ken & I took 10 years ago when we went, before kids. We found a place. When it was our turn, James completed the afternoon with a meltdown. We forced (literally) the pants and shirt on him. He proceeded to lay down on the floor and cry and whimper while we got dressed, posed, and had out pictures taken. Every once in a while I would ask him if he wanted to sit with me. Nope. He wouldn't have it. So, we got a family picture taken without James. Maybe next time. I found out later he thought I looked funny dressed up and didn't want to come near any of us looking funny.

We left St. Augustine the next morning and met Ken's parents at Dixie Crossroads (a restaurant) in Titusville, FL. We had lunch, then proceeded down to St. Cloud. We had dinner at a local burger joint (Awesome!!), then piled the kids in bed. The next day was spent at Sea World. Complete with ALL 3 shows (dolphin, sea lion, and Shamu), me being barfed on by Tate, and some rides in the kiddie section. We went back to the house and went swimming and did laundry. We were able to go see some friends on Saturday and visit for a while. We went to church Sunday to see everyone else. I think every time we go back to that ward I'm reminded of what 'home' feels like. It was so good to see so many people and feel comfortable there. Everyone had a blast and there was minimal in-fighting with the kids (which makes everything easier). Thanks to all who housed us and fed us. Our home is always open to you guys should you ever make it up this way!

Dad lighting sparklers for the kids.

All lined up!

Roman candles!

McWane Science Center fun!

Cloud rings

James & a tarantula

Touching fossils

Cathryn on a bed of nails.

Funky room that made us all the same size.

Giant bubble!!

James the astronaut!

A boat Ken saw while looking out at the water at Castillo de San Marcos.

St. Augustine Lighthouse

Castillo de San Marcos

Park Ranger

Parade ground

View of the town from the top of the Castillo.

Ice cream shop.

Oldest School house. It was anchored down to avoid being carried away by hurricane winds.

In the courtyard of our hotel.

600 year old tree.

Sea World. Blake's the only one who dared touch them.

Dolphin show.

Sea Lion show

Taking a break.

Shark tank walk through.

Shamu Stadium. No other pictures because we were 5-6 rows back and though we would get soaked. We put the camera away just in case and Cathryn got 1 drop of water on her.