Englewood Beach

Today we went to a new beach, Englewood Beach. Normally we stick to ice cream or hot dog beach, but today we did a little something different. It was nice, lots of shells, no hot dogs or ice cream, but plenty of fun in the sun.

The boy sippin' his juice sittin' with his Grandma.

My favorite of Ez's tattoos so far.

Italian Festival

We just had to stop by the Italian Festival. Our experience didn't include many specifically Italian aspects, but we did have a fairly good time, especially Ezra as he enjoys carnival rides immensely.

I did go on this one ride with him, the Spinning Dragon one. Unfortunately our dragon didn't spin, as it is in need of lubrication. Lesson learned: observe the spinning dragons carefully before boarding the ride so you're not stuck in the stationary blue one but rather get motion sickness from the wild ride the green dragon provides.

I had never seen a ride like this one: Kiddy Bumper Boats. Ezra seemed to enjoy himself more or less, although he spent a lot of time going in circles.

He spent even more time going in circles on this ATV, but happily beeped the horn while cruising.

Ready for more circles on the Hillbilly Train!

Come to think of it, getting a little sick of circles perhaps.

Changing up the pace and FINALLY doing something Italian at the Italian Festival: eating a zeppole (hey! it's a circle!).

He slept well as did Bananapants after such fun.

Sarasota Fun Day

Ezra and I went adventuring in Sarasota today! First stop was the Gwiz Science Museum. We got to do a special activity programming this robot to play golf! Ezra's new favorite movie is Wall-E so he really liked this activity. Look at that grin. Priceless.


Another of his favorite exhibits: the simple crane. He called him "Craney" and played with him for quite awhile. There were two school groups there today so I just zoned out watching the chaotic children and the huddled group of gossiping volunteer moms. Good thing no one else was particularly interested in Craney.


He also learned something about pulleys.


Bernoulli's Ball, slightly deflated.


Next stop was the library. After marveling at the many mobiles...


We checked out the extensive Lego city which was created by a 13 year old local boy. Ezra was really impressed and is eager to make one of his own.


There was some information about the boy who had made it. He is actually a Santa Barbara native and started working with Legos when he was five. He had spent several months creating this city scene and hopes to open a Lego museum someday to house his many other collections which are quickly outgrowing his room.


A doorway aquarium to the children's area creates a strange scene.


Back at home we continue educational activities with practicing our letters! Whew my brain hurts. I hope Ezra's is ok...

Party Animal

We are living it up riding in a convertible to a trop-rock show.

Kiwi Crate #3: Arrrrrrgh!

This month's Kiwi Crate arrived today! This month's theme was pirates and we had some swashbuckling fun with both activities. First up was decorating a treasure chest.


So lovely.


Next up was making a pirate hat and eye patch.


Hat!


Eye patch!


Suited up and ready for a treasure hunt!


For the treasure hunt we created a detailed map of our house. We then took turns hiding the chest and placing an X on the map for the other to find. Ezra got really good at navigating using the map.


Detailing the route.


Treasure found! (again and again and again and again)


He made me wear the patch but finding the treasure was considerably harder with only one eye which is why I got a little snarly.

36 Valentines

Ezra had a Valentines party at school and we busted out 36 valentines for his classmates and teachers. Glitter, dino stickers, bug stickers, and a whole lotta hearts. This one is my favorite.


Making valentines is the best!

Mote Aquarium 2

The sleepy boy on the ride home after all this big fun...


The gorgeous jellyfish were my favorite part.


The giant squid, sadly departed and decaying somewhat.


Creepy tentacles.


Shark attack! Or peacefully swimming.


Best two dollars I've ever spent, although I feel like this hurricane simulator is nothing like the real thing.


Hurricane hair styles, rather flat.


Cute lil' guy.


Ezra and the octopus. Last time he came with Grandma the octopus had a Mr. Potato head toy that it was playing with and we were a little disappointed that today there was no Senor Spud.


More jellyfish!


Seahorses hangin' out. I should have taken a picture of the 4 day old tiny, tiny, tiny baby seahorses but I didn't. Mrmph.


The manatees were beautiful, so gentle rolling and swimming around.


We finished off the day by purchasing our own underwater scene!

P.S. There were penguins as well but they were in such a small area that I couldn't bare looking at them much less taking a picture. I asked the employee if the penguins ever get to come out of the small area and she said no, but that they would be headed back to California soon as they are only visiting the Mote aquarium. How would they be transported to Cali, I questioned. By FedEx, she replied (and she wasn't kidding). Poor, poor penguins.

Ice Cream Beach

We had lunch at Sharky's restaurant right on the ocean.


A perfect day of sunshine.


These funny birds stayed close to us all afternoon. When we ventured down the beach for a walk they sat on our blanket. They were friendly enough...


and very synchronized (except that one on the end).