Jun 27, 2012

Lake Istokpoga and Highlands Hammock

Here we go on another adventure. I have been hearing great things about Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, FL and so we thought we would take a weekend trip to check it out. Since one of my favorite lakes - Lake Istokpoga is nearby, we decided to bring the boat along and catch an evening sunset on the lake.

We decided to take the journey after Lyla had her afternoon nap so we would all be in a good mood for the trip.
Well, she slept a bit longer than we anticipated, and although it usually takes her a bit to wake up all the way, she was very excited to see me and Nicky packing up!

Blanky and popsickle...Lyla is ready to go!

Now it is a race against the setting sun to make it to the lake in time for the sunset

And only one potty stop along the away!


We made it! But with only a half hour of light left


Lyla is very excited to be on the boat again, and even more excited to have her puppies with her.

Lyla takes her first look into Lake Istokpoga.
 
What a beautiful entrance into the lake!

Everyone is having a great time!
but Lyla is much more to handle now that she is much more mobile and adventurous
 Lake Istokpoga is a great lake for birdwatching
But they are are a little more difficult to catch than a lizard or bug Lyla...

And of course, sippy cups are no good compared to daddy's water bottle.

As we cruised the shoreline Lyla pointed out the trees that she wanted me to photograph
After cruising the shoreline a bit I decided it was time to find a place to set up for the sunset.
So off we go...
into the sunset
While Nicky and Lyla relaxed I began to search

Wait a second...Lyla relax?
Yes, I'm guilty...Lyla has mastered that "but daddy" look to talk me into trouble
And Lyla wins...back down to idle speed


Well, I ran out of time successfully finding some subject matter for the foreground of the sunset...
or so I thought...
Yep! this is our soon-to-be baby boys first adventure!!
We better get back to the ramp before the mosquitos come out
Nice! one last long exposure on our way to the ramp...but here come the mosquitos!


DAY 2 - Highlands Hammock State Park

So I decided to pass on the sunrise adventure and let everyone get a good sleep
Ok, everyone is up and ready for the next adventure!

Off we go to Highlands Hammock
Its been a while since we have taken a backpack adventure and it turns out we have two new travel companions
and Lyla decided that it was her baby's turn in the backpack first...
while she focused on taking pictures
well...at least my backpack is a lot lighter!

Into the hammock
Even though we were only 2 minutes into the hike, Lyla decided that it was time for her and baby lamb to take a rest
and check out the scenery
It was very peaceful here and the canopy was so dense that it felt as if we were in a rain forest
Back on the trail
 
It was at this moment Lyla turned back to me, and with the biggest smile said "daddy, I like this" Needless to say, I will cherish that moment forever!
We found some interesting cypress knee formations along the way

Uh oh...Lyla's little legs tired out
I think baby is going to have to give up her seat in the backpack, because this isnt going to work Lyla
much better!
but that didn't last long, Lyla is recharged after one minute and ready to walk again

Well, we made it out of the jungle and...
playground!!!!
I swear, Lyla can spot these things from a mile away!

Time to go pick up the boat and head home
I think I successfully tired everyone out again!

Thanks for following our adventures 



















Mar 11, 2012

Venice Beach, Florida

Too many art shows this spring has kept me away from the family too long...time to bring them along. And what better place than Venice Beach.

Friday morning, with almost everything packed, ready to load up the jeep, Lyla has to do one final inspection to make sure we didn't forget any of her toys
Let's see...baby doll, coloring books...
buckets and barbies...
and more buckets and sand sifters...
Looks like I passed the inspection!

Lyla spent the morning with Abuela and Nicky worked a half day so that I could get everything loaded up.

OK, 1:00 pm, right on time, all packed up. Time to get my girls and head west

Adios Abuela!
now we are officially packed full!
A happy Lyla is always a good traveling companion!

Well, we made it a half hour before the first pee stop...not too bad

After a quick trailer inspection we are back on the road
Hopefully we can make it there before sunset for some potential photo opportunities
Looking alittle sleepy, a nap would be nice, maybe then we could get there before sunset...but we were not that lucky.

So after 3 more pee stops we finally made it to the Island Breeze Resort.
And of course we have to be sure to get the most important stuff inside right away!
well, sun is setting so we are not going to make it to the beach for sunset tonight...I'm really looking forward to waking up at 4 in the morning to set up of the art show though!

While I got up at 4 am to set up for the show, Lyla and Nicky got to sleep in.


You stay here daddy and sell some art...mommy and I have a lot to do today!
And oh yeah...I am going to need to borrow your sunglasses daddy

Mommy and I will bring you some ice cream later...
After we find a water park...
Lay out by the pool...
And maybe take a nap...
Then find an ice cream shop!
And get an ice cream cone for daddy
Did you really want ice cream too daddy? You probably wont like it...I'll hold onto it for you!

Its crazy windy here, but looks like its going to make for a good sunset.
5:00pm - time to close up shop and head to the beach!

Daddy, I know the sun is setting soon, but I think it is more important for me to figure out this buckle without your help.

OK, 15 minutes to buckle (but she finally got it), and 1 minute drive to the beach! here we are
See daddy, we made it in time...plenty of sunshine left in the day!
To the ocean!
Too many toys though mommy, I cant carry my beach bag that far.


I got it from here mommy...
lets go find some fossilized shark teeth!



No luck with the shark teeth today, but looks like the sunset is going to work out for us!

Nailed it Lyla!

And with a little zoom...
we have a little professional! I wont even try to compete with these shots!

Well, long day for everyone...
its gonna be an early night

I'm glad we had a chance to get one good trip to the beach, because Saturday night the weather went downhill and made for a cold, windy and rainy Sunday morning.
Looks like warm breakfast is going to out compete cold windy beach

Another great day Sunday, and off we go back to the east coast in time for work Monday morning.
Thanks for following our adventures!