Thanksgiving’s Day Feast

For Layton’s preschool Thanksgiving’s Day Feast, Layton and his classmates dressed up as Indians.

Everyone was super excited to have a pilgrim visit.  Well, you know, everyone except Layton because he was mad that I wouldn’t let him hold his stuffed parrot in this picture.  Mean mommy.

The kids had made some cute decorations:

and then sang a few little songs for us.

Preschool is so fun!

Paynes Prairie

On Veteran’s Day we headed down past Gainesville to Paynes Prairie State Park.  While it is a beautiful place,

it was also a little bit of a disappointment because the main road and the visitor’s center was closed.  But even with all that, it was a beautiful day for taking a hike,

looking for rollie-pollies,

finding a few stray flowers in bloom,

spying some birds in the tree tops,

seeing some amazing spider webs,

checking out the lake,

watching the honey bees at work,

looking for alligator tracks,

and enjoying a little fall color.

Field Trip at the MOSH

Mandy’s class went on a field trip to the Museum of Science and History.  I was super lucky to get to go with her.  Our first stop was the planetarium where we watched a fun little movie about the Sun finding it’s planets.

Then we went around to check out all of the exhibits. 

There were so many parents that came that I only had to be in charge of two students. Mandy and Alex!  We had a great time together!

After finishing our tour, we headed outside for a little pic-nic lunch.  I was a great little field trip!

Rails to Trails Bike Rides

Florida (and other states as well) has a special trails program where they purchase unused stretches of old railway and turn them into paved biking/hiking trails.  We really enjoyed the one in Baldwin.  It is really beautiful.

Taking a little break.  Biking is hard work!

I think the kids favorite part though was playing in the huge tree back at the parking area!

We also took a ride on a trail that we have been on many many times before over in Fleming Island.  The highlight – stopping midway and taking a look in a stormwater pond.

Hopefully one day we’ll be able to give some other biking trails a try!

Mandy is 7!!!!

My beautiful little girl is 7 years old today.  It is hard to believe how quickly she has grown up.  There are so many things to love about her, but here are 7 to name a few:

1. Sassy, sassy, sassy.  She can stick out her hip and snap her fingers with the best of them.

2. Loves to give hugs.  All the time.  It’s fantastic!

3. Super smart.  I’m still amazed that she memorized all 13 articles of faith before turning 7!!!

4. Is very excited about everything.  If you are not feeling enthused about something, just tell Mandy about it.  She’ll get excited for you!

5.  Has a very tender and thoughtful disposition.

6.  Is very eager to please and do what is right.

7. When she puts her mind to something, she can do it!

Happy Birthday Mandy girl!