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Like I mentioned in a previous post, I like flowers … but not the start-a-flower-garden-and-want-bulbs-for-my-birthday kind of like. Just to be clear.
Anyways, we were at this local show, and I shared this story in a recent letter …
This past week, we were at a Garden & Flower Festival that had a butterfly house. The girls spent a really long time trying to get a butterfly to move from sitting on a flower to sitting on their finger. Just as I was considering sharing some encouraging and optimistic words like “it’ll never work” and “you’re wasting your time,” their persistence paid off as Meg got one. (Yes, I was shocked, and I was glad I kept my not-so-positive words to myself.) We passed the butterfly from finger to finger -- and sometimes finger to nose -- taking some pictures (see letter). We shared the fun experience with a couple other little girls, and soon we had a line of kids and adults waiting for their turn! Next time we’ll be ready with a tip jar. We had fun, and I soon gave Meg the name -- the Butterfly Whisperer.
A pretty good selfie …
Just prior to my birthday on the 17th, we headed to Fort Myers for a short getaway with old friends and new friends. A major highlight was the pool.
Meg is taking it easy.
Our friend Emma.
Our friend Elsie.
And I got quite the workout launching my ladies into the air!
I admit it.
I like flowers.
Our family got a special treat when a co-worker's family got us free tickets to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
The girl's favorite ride was Minion Mayhem where people are "turned into" minions. (However, the ride as "favorite" for Lia is definitely challenged; read below.)
While Lori and Lia were on a coaster, Val, Meg and I explored and came across this display of ferociousness.
Hanging out in the Jurassic Park area.
The Harry Potter section is reflected in Val's shades.
Over the years, the girls have become fans of the Buddies movies -- about the adventures of five golden retriever puppies. So they were thrilled to meet Gracie who played Rosebud in the movies.
Lia was just tall enough to go on The Hulk roller coaster -- it's big, tall, fast, and inverts 7 times. Lia was so excited after she and Lori went on it, that she begged me to take her on it again. Oh, okay, I suppose. This is evidence that Lia has Lori and I's love of roller coasters. :)
We were planning on meeting a good friend at Cocoa Beach, but at the last minute, our friend's plans changed. So we decided to go anyways … and we were so glad we did.
Our late-afternoon arrival found us at a not-too crowded beach, 77 degrees, sunny, and breezy. The girls played in the sand for two hours straight. Lori and I chatted, rested, and walked in the cold, ankle-deep surface. Hmm, what word comes to mind? Delightful.
We need to go back … and bring more sand toys to keep the girls busy. :)
Oh my word, she's almost a teenager.
Lia turned 12.
That morning, she enjoyed opening a few gifts. This spring, Lia is going to participate on a volleyball team for the first time. She's excited about trying this. I've been practicing with her, and it seems like she's got some of her father's quality skills.
But she was very clearly most excited about her two sets of Cherry Ames books. Below is her reaction to opening the first set. We weren't able to get her reaction to opening the second set because she was squealing and jumping around the room. (We were busy plugging our ears.)
Sisters …
Cake later that evening. Happy birthday, Lia. We love you, we're proud of you for the way you love others, and we're in awe of how much you love Jesus. You're a gift and a treasure!
This was our first Father-Daughter dance and hopefully not the last. A local church sponsored the event, and it was done really well … we had a great time. The ages of daughters present ranged from two years old to twenty years old.
The DJ and his dance floor helper got everyone involved. A few times during the evening, the helper said, "Okay, Dads, you take a break and get a drink; I've got some dances for your girls to do here on the dance floor." Very nice. The girls knew a bunch of other girls there so they thought that was fun.
We enjoyed some line dancing, and I took turns with the girls and had some four-some dances as well. For a couple songs, I showed them my moves, and they were clearly … not impressed. They just don't know smooth moves when they see 'em.
And a photographer was present ...
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.
