Beauty and Grace

Yesterday we swam with manatees.

YESTERDAY. WE. SWAM. WITH. MANATEES!!

We have done some pretty spectacular things over the past 6 months.  Yesterday was right up there!  We used the tour company www.snorkelwithmanatees.com called River Adventures or something.  We went out with Captain Anna and she was fantastic.  Even kept P up in the boat and let us snorkel without him for a bit.  He helped her spot the manatees and guide us toward them!  You can't see them well while IN the water until they're right there, so this guidance helped!

It was really wonderful.  Ben pet one, I did not (nor did P).  We also saw 2 calfs (calves?) with their mamas.

There was a decent current, so it was a struggle sometimes.  At one point I was surrounded.  They are very curious creatures!  But, it panicked me a bit and once I was able to swim away, I took some time off in the boat.  I was glad we didn't opt to rent kayaks and snorkel in.  It was good to have  a place to take a breather from swimming against the current.  P also  needed a bit of time to become comfortable.  They are HUGE animals!

Living the dream.

Fun in Florida!

We've been in Florida now for about 2 weeks.  We started out in Seffner, near Tampa for the FullTime Families Rally (check them out at www.fulltimefamilies.com).  It was fun, but for two people with anxiety, it presented a lot of challenges.  Everyone was very nice, but a lot have known each other for years and that sometimes feels awkward to join.  We did meet some great families and I learned a few things about school, mostly.  We also hit up Legoland with the group and had a blast!

P had a great time playing with the kids!  He had the best time with a group of teenage boys.  I was so impressed with their interaction.  I've also had the opportunity to see how much our kiddo has changed over the past 6 months.  He's so much more confident.  The other day at lunch, he jumped up next to an elderly fellow and talked to him about the area we're at in Florida.  It was amazing!

We have some big things coming up.  Through a series of events (starting with a few rv tours, followed by a family medical scare), we decided to head home early.  B is going to get his social security disability taken care of, we're going to do some fixes to Wander and then ... sell her.  We're going to buy a travel trailer or fifth wheel that will fit us better down the road.  Hopefully I'll be able to work some while home.

Oh!  During a little hike around our campground, we saw a crocodile!  Right where I wanted to see one ... across the bank of the river!

Be you!
The G's