Gator Time

A trip to this area just wouldn't be complete without seeing some big lizards -- i.e. alligators.  The visit was well worth the $2 entrance fee.

And a tortoise … which the worker said was either 80 years old or 80 pounds.  Can't remember which.  Maybe both.

I never knew hanging by one's neck and tail could look so relaxing … or perhaps it's sedated.  But Uncle Brad was definitely enjoying the Florida experience.

Dali Time

The next museum on the list was Salvador Dali.  Incredible architecture.  Mediocre art (in our opinion).  The most common commentary from our girls about the art was -- "weird."  I'd agree.

Being composed in the museum took its toll so once outside, goofiness was unleashed.

Chihuly Time

On our list of things to do was a visit to the museum of the well-known glass blower Dale Chihuly.  We were all pretty stunned by how enjoyable it was.

Uncle Brad with persimmon illumination

Close up

I thought this was neat … I took the same picture with flash and without flash.  I like the difference.

Without flash …

With flash …

Chihuly glass garden

Uncle Darren deep periwinkle silhouette

Aquarium Time

Our girls are fans of the movie Dolphin Tale so they were stoked to have an opportunity to see the dolphin (named Winter) that the movie was based on and starred in.

Winter is missing the tail flukes or caudal fin.  Here’s Winter …

Nailed this picture.  Okay, okay, there were about a bazillion other pictures that didn't make it onto the blog.  But getting the one is all that matters.

It's my guess that Meg and Val's Uncle Darren is teaching them how to hold a large fish or a big loaf of bread. ;)

Boat Time

We were on the lookout for dolphins who reportedly “play” in the wake of the boat.  We didn’t see any.  Should’ve stuck to our dock.

Beach Time

While in Tampa, we had fun exploring and wandering on the beach.

That’s a nice, dead horseshoe crab you got there, Meg!

Tampa Time

Family came in from Chicago and Denver, and we all met in Tampa for four days of hanging out, making memories and having a late Christmas celebration.  It was thoroughly enjoyable.

For our days there, we fit into a nice rental house on an inter-coastal waterway.  It had excellent views!

A few bottlenose dolphins visited us each morning.  At one point, they swam under our dock.

Lunch on the patio

Basketball with Uncle Brad