MOSH and The Landing in Jacksonville!

My longtime friend, Naomi,  took a day off work and we did what we have been saying we were going to do for awhile now....go have a fun-filled day with the kids! All four of them love spending time together and have known each other since birth. Naomi and I took turns being pregnant when we worked together at Citibank as Fraud Investigators. In fact, we had quite a baby boom in our office for about 3 years. We both got laid off in 2008,  she chose to stay on in a new position and I decided to take some time off to be with my babies. I think both of us would like to trade spots every once in awhile! We wish we lived closer so we could spend more time together and hopefully that will happen in the next few years since they are thinking about moving to St. John's county at some point. We would love it! In the meantime, we get together as much as we can for girls' night outs and family BBQs. On this day, we went to MOSH where the kids couldn't see enough, fast enough. They had so much fun exploring. Afterwards, we went to The Landing downtown to eat at American Cafe overlooking the St. John's river. We sat and chatted for a bit then headed downstairs. It was so incredibly hot that the kids just stood there looking at the fountain like it was a mirage. So, being the awesome moms that we are, we told them to go for it. We didn't have to say that twice (as we do everything else)! They ripped off their shoes and went crazy in the water! They had a blast and got to cool off. And, Naomi and I had a ball just watching them have so much fun together. We were also a little jealous that they were cooling off while we were baking in the hot sun. The only downside of the day was that I left my camera battery in it's charger! So, I had to take pictures with my cell phone. Here are the pics!

 In the Planetarium watching Sesame Street Outer Space

 at MOSH checking out one of the exhibits

An Afternoon of Fishing

Mike came down from Atlanta to pick up the last of his things. So we asked him what he'd like to do while he's here again visiting. The beach? Nope....fishing. So, we loaded up the poles and headed to Herschel King Sr. Park to fish off their deck. It was a great spot but unfortunately, the big fish weren't biting, They were sure jumping though. I think they were just trying to tease us! Well, the joke was on them when one of them was caught by a hawk! We had a nice, relaxing afternoon and the weather was actually beautiful right off the water. Hopefully next time we'll have better luck!

 Noah's choice of clothes for this occasion. Interesting, I know!

hoping Daddy will catch something big

There was a Grenada reunion going on at the park and some of them were hanging around the dock. They were fascinated by the fish caught and, as you can see, got a pic on their cell phone. This was their first time seeing a fish up close and touching one. How funny! I'm glad we could entertain.

Ethan being a ham.

Trying to sabatoge Uncle Mike's pole? Probably.

Awww....my little cuties.

 We were wondering how long it would take before the fishing pole ended up in the water never to be seen again!

 making his cast!

 and having a blast!

 Ethan had no luck either!

The extent of our catch. Yep, we released them back into the water. They are alive to tell the story!

My future photog!

Noah has a new hobby - photography! My camera has about seen it's last day so I gave it over to Noah for some fun. I think he has a pretty darn good eye for only 3 years old. But, then again, Noah seems like a little man full of talents! Much to Sophie's dismay, she was his favorite subject this session.  Poor girl couldn't even get some peace hiding under the bed!

 Leave it to Noah to get a booty shot!

He couldn't forget Spidey!

His first test shot....my bedroom book shelf. He thought this teddy was an interesting subject!

Best friend and brother!

Tracie and Madeline

We haven't seen Tracie and Madeline since we stayed with them in Germany in 2004! So, when they came out from Colorado Springs to visit their sister and our longtime friend, Kimberly, we were hoping we'd get a chance to meet up! Luckily, plans were set to meet in St. Augustine at Davenport Park for some playtime and a picnic. I couldn't believe how big Madeline had gotten! I think she was around 2 when we were in Germany. And, Tracie had not had the chance to meet Ethan or Noah yet. We had a wonderful afternoon hanging out and catching up in the beautiful, shaded park while the kids played and rode the carousel. Here are some pics from then and now!

In Strasbourg, France May 2004

 Tracie and Madeline

Madeline was such a doll!

Davenport Park, St. Augustine July 2011

Emma

 

taking a break at Hazel's hot dog stand: Madeline, Noah and Ethan cooling off.