A Quick Trip to Jacksonville

My girlfriend, Marie and her daughter, Emmalyn came down to Jacksonville to visit her family. So Gavin and I drove over to see them and to spend some time with my Grammie while we were there. Gavin was a champ on the ride over. Even though he only slept an hour, he was still a very good passenger for Mommy while she got them safely to Grammie's house!

Gavin and Emmalyn had not seen each other since last October and they were both younger and definitely less mobile. This time was a whole new experience! They called each other "Baby" and sized each other up. Pretty soon Gavin was giving her hugs, to the point of knocking her over. It was quite precious.

We took the kids to the Jacksonville Zoo and had a blast. The kids enjoyed all of it and Marie, Mimi (Marie's mom) and I loved that they loved it. The weather was overcast and breezy which made for a comfortable day to be walking around a zoo. We saw lions, stingrays, rhinos, giraffes and all sorts of odd and interesting creatures. We got to feed the giraffes, pet the stingrays and Gavin thoroughly enjoyed petting the goats.

Melt my heart

Liked looking at them, but wouldn't go near them. I was all over it. So cool!!!

Emmalyn and Gavin and whatever that thing is

Mommy and Gavin on safari

Gavin and the anteater

He pitched a fit when I made him leave the petting zoo

But I think the best part was the little water park. We bought the kids some swimmy diapers and they commenced to having a blast in the water. I was so suprised at Gavin. The last few times I have taken him anywhere near water, he has refused to partake in the festivities. But this time, I think the urge to impress Emmalyn far outweighed the fear of any water that is not neatly and quietly confined to a bathtub. They ran around squealing and splashing and had the whole place to themselves. It was by far my favorite part of the day.

 

Getting ready for the water!

 

We did get to spend some quality time with Grammie. Gavin absolutely made her day when he would get up in the mornings and go running into the kitchen and give her the biggest hugs. It was precious and meant so much to her. He loved her huge walk-in closet and played in there constantly. I think we definitely need to have one in our new house (hint, hint, Honey!) We are looking forward to seeing Grammie again after Thanksgiving. I am so glad we got to spend some time with Marie and Emmalyn. It is so hard with us living so far apart. But it makes for the times together that much more special.