Our First Visit to Busch Gardens

Matt and I decided when we booked this trip that one whole day would be spent at Busch Gardens since it was less than an hour from where we were staying in Clearwater. We made sure everyone rested and napped the day before and we packed up to visit Evy's first theme park. Busch Gardens was the perfect mix of animals, rides and games and the kids loved it. Evy even rode her first roller coaster - 4 times!

(Up close encounter with a tiger)

(Charlie riding with his sissy. This was way to tame for them, they were both bored!)

(Evy on the carousel with the flamingo she won)

(The end of the day. Charlie won a Minion and Evy won a flamingo. Happy kids!)

(Driving in the outback)

(so happy to see elephants)

(Gators bigger than we've ever seen)

(watching the elephant get a pedicure)

(Up close and personal)

(daddy and Charlie about to get soaked on the raft ride)

(awesome rollercoaster!)

(Evy's very first rollercoaster ride)

(And her third ride...she loved it)

(The fam at the end of a long day)

No School Day

Charlie had a rare day off of school so when I asked him where he wanted to go for lunch he first said, "Benihana" and when I told him that was extravagant for lunch he chose the Choo-Choo restaurant. We picked up Evy from school and had a great lunch together. I cannot wait for summer when these lunches will happen more often!

Happy 7th Birthday Charlie!

Happy 7th Birthday to this guy! 

This year, Charlie has been through lots of changes. We moved from his first home, started a new school with new friends, lived with Nana and Pops for 6 months and away from Matt at the same time. Most kids would have struggled, but not Charlie, he crushed it. He made new friends in school, some of which may be friends through high school. He excels in school especially in reading, spelling, and math. (Despite his success, he still says lunch and recess are his favorite things about school!) He only missed one day of school, which 3 years ago I would have thought impossible, during the entire first part of the year and never complained about going to school or waking up early to get there. He is resilient and we have been truly amazed by him this year. He is still full of energy and loves a good battle (even if it's in his own head) He is the greatest big brother to Evy, she is one lucky girl. He still loves spending time with mommy and daddy, which we need to cherish. He has the most caring and loving soul and would do anything to make someone smile. He loves a good joke and doing funny dances (aka his moves). Currently, he wants to be Michael Jordan. He loves going to the movies or having movie night at home. He loves family time and vacation time. He is a very special boy who is going to do amazing things and we cannot be more proud of this seven year old. Happy birthday Charlie! 

(We took Charlie to lunch on his birthday - he requested a birthday hot dog and milkshake!) 

(Sunning his skinny body) 

(Wbat a smile!) 

Charlie's Family Birthday Party

Part of Charlie's birthday present this year was a trip to Florida over spring break and a visit to Busch Gardens, so we opted out of a friends birthday and kept it simple with family. I think he still had a great afternoon celebrating being 7 with people that love him!  

(sibling love) 

(getting ready for cake) 

(the death star cake he asked for this year) 

(happy birthday buddy!) 

(lunch with the biggest pizza ever!) 

(blowing out his candle) 

Parent Hike

Evy's school invited parents to come along and see what the kids do every morning on their nature hikes. It was a very cold morning and I now understand why Evy was not a fan of school for a couple weeks, but she has grown to enjoy her time outside and it was fun to see all of her favorite places to visit in the nature center.

(Mommy selfie)