February Florida Trip (Part 1)

Shortly after we returned from Florida after Christmas, the boys and I were ready to go back! We really wanted to go back during this winter or spring, while the weather was nice and we really hoped to camp for a few days at Fort Wilderness. 

My family spent a lot of time at Fort Wilderness when I was a kid and I have so many memories there. It was one of our favorite family destinations for sure. I have always wanted to take the boys there-- we went once when they were super young, but they wouldn't remember it. Mom and Dad found a great camper to rent and plans were made so we headed down for a few days in Bartow before heading over to Fort Wilderness for the second half of our trip.

It was hard to only be in Bartow for a few days, but we really had a good time! We left after school on a Thursday, drove halfway, and met Jenny at a hotel in South Carolina for the night. Then we got up the next morning and drove the rest of the way to Bartow. It was fun getting to see Jenny at the hotel, even if it was a super quick visit. She was heading to Bartow to visit her family so the timing was perfect.

In Bartow we did our usual things around the house-- the boys drove their go-carts around; we fed cows and goats; played in the attic; visited Bella and Blu; and just hung out.

I went to the cemetery each morning after a Starbucks run.

We spent one really fun day at Bok Tower. We ate lunch and walked the trails. The boys played in the big play area and we listened to the music at the tower while the boys worked on their nature journals. Even Bentley was able to go on this outing.

It was far too short-- just about 4 days in Bartow-- but I am always thankful when I have the chance to go home.

Hes' a good little road tripper :)

Jenny got to feed the baby goat too!

February Phone Dump

 

The note I left for Daniel after I found a mouse under our fridge and was unsuccessful in rescuing it.

Science experiment!

We had a few snow days...they are the boys' favorite days for sure.

Felix started bringing various animals into the house through his cat door. This was a bird. Sometimes the animals are alive. Sometimes he completely shreds them on my rug.

Valentine's Day 2021

About a week before Valentine's Day, the boys start receiving daily gifts in their mailboxes. They talk about, and look forward to,  this tradition all year long.

A coupon book was one of their daily gifts this year!

Doing some crafts. I have to kind of force Carver to do crafts these days. It is so sad.

Snack station!

We usually do one stuffed toy, one book, and candy. I added on the board game as a joint gift this year; and looked all over the city trying to find Pokemon cards with no luck...

About a week or so before Valentine's Day Carver asked me to teach him how to make toast. He had a lot of questions and wanted very specific, clear details. Where is the bread located? Where is the jelly located? Where is butter? Peanut butter? Plates? etc. I had no idea why, but I showed him everything and made him a piece that day (which he wouldn't eat). 

Then I came downstairs on Valentine's Day and Carver had made all of us some toast for breakfast. He even made some for Carson. This is now one of my most cherished memories with my boys. Literally in my top 5. 

My favorite part of him making breakfast for us was finding this list of reminders and notes he made for himself after we had our "lesson" on how to make toast.

The "Good Luck Me!!!" at the bottom. I just can't even. So sweet. 

I made breakfast #2 :)

Lunch was a themed charcuterie board!

And dinner at Blaze!

 It was a very good day. I know that one day the boys won't be willing to do things like this for the minor holidays that I love so much. And that's okay. Because I know they love it for now, and I know they will remember it when they are all grown and out of the house. And I really, really, think they will be happy when they remember all of these small memories we are making 💗