Happy New Year!!!!

 

Owen and I decided to make some decorations for NYE while Dad picked up some champagne and sparkling cider after work!

 

We had a fun dinner of “snacky foods” as Owen would say.  Then he was all ready for a toast before Margot went to bed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margot went to bed and that is when it all went downhill.  Owen managed to convince us to give him another glass.  Then he started BOUNCING off the walls!  (Jumping from couch to couch, spinning in circles, laughing maniacally, running in place, pacing…)  SO we took video!

 

Owen doesn’t get much sugar because his little body just cannot handle it.  We always tell him “Don’t let the sugar win”

 

 

Ryan started asking Owen questions about what he’ll do for New Years in the future. 

My favorite is “When do you think you’ll drink champagne?”  Answer “ Maybe when I’m 16 and I start driving.” 

The video is worth it.

 

We called it a night pretty quickly, and started the countdown Netflix had this year for kids.

 

Owen pretty much lost it after that, and said and did some of the weirdest things we’ve ever had from him!  So up to bed he went, and we ended that party before the major crash.  I can’t imagine the dreams he had!  He is such a goof :)

This pretty much summed up the rest of our night… watching NYE celebrations on the tube with Dexter.  :)

 

Happy New Year!!!

Hiking in O’Leno

 

On Sunday we went to O’Leno State Park where the Santa Fe River disappears underground for a few miles and then rises again.  So cool!  Lots of great hiking trails and natural springs and caves where you can go scuba diving!

 

First we had to cross the river on the suspension bridge.  Owen got about halfway and started to feel it move and thought it was falling!  It’s hard to believe the water can cover this bridge when they get a lot of rain!

 

The bridge goes over the swimming area, and yes you can swim EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE GATORS!!!  Just be cautious ;)

Over the bridge and onto the trail!

 

On the trail!  Too much wildlife for meandering Margot, so she got backpacked!

 

Owen informing us all about the forest and leading the way.  (Dad was actually leading in case there were sunning snakes or gators crossing through.)

Margot was lulled to sleep and took a quick 20 minute nap.

 

One of the little lakes formed by the underground springs/river

WE made it to the sink!  It was like a really slow moving whirlpool where the river sank underground.

 

 

All these turtles just sat on the log spinning in circles!

 

 

Heading up to the lookout deck

 

 

 

Margot looking around me to see what her brother and Dad are about to do

 

Heading to the fishing deck to look for gators.

 

The state park used to be a little town called Old Leno, so you could walk to some of the old buildings like the Log Cabin and Mill.

Then we went to this cool restaurant called The Great Outdoors with an awesome outdoor area.

 

 

 

Aunt Staci decided to head back Monday morning, but we had an AWESOME time hanging out with her!

These Horses Have It Made

 

We visited the Mill Creek Horse Retirement Farm where all kinds of different horses come to spend their remaining days enjoying the good life.  On Saturdays, you can visit and bring carrots to feed them!  Some were service animals, others were abused and removed by rescue groups, some were blind, but ALL of them loved carrots!

 

 

 

 

That’s my boy… leading the way with his map!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hiked through the woods for awhile and came out to these gorgeous open fields and rolling hills. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the way home, Owen insisted on holding Aunt Staci’s hand.  Of course, Margot had to then as well!

 

We headed for lunch at a yummy Cuban restaurant!