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Just kidding... see a little joking around in pics below :0)
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As mentioned in an earlier post, we could not believe our good fortune to spend a day of our Florida trip with Papa Jim and Mama Judy (click here for Papa's account)! After Captain Hank guided our swim with the Manatees, Papa and Mama invited us to their home for the best BBQ ever! The kids chased lizards while we visited. As you can imagine we laughed and cried, and hugs were shared by all. Our hearts are still heavy missing them! There are more pics to come - Elizabeth has some underwater snaps we will post later. For now, enjoy:
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Captain Hank Gives Instruction
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**I'm not sure why Papa is not in one of the above pics... hmm... maybe he is busy teasing Elizabeth and I about blending in with the Manatees :0) He, he... I admit Elizabeth and I started that joke - I just wanted to tease Papa for a moment! :o) He, he!
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Above are pics from Captain Hank's web site, showing what it was like swimming under water with the Manatees. We were fortunate to be within close proximity to them. They are amazing creatures!
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Papa and Mama Listen to Elizabeth Share her Adventure Trekking to FL
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Mama is so beautiful! She tenderly cared for Julia while we swam with the Manatees. Julia cried and cried when it was time to leave Mama. "I want to stay with Mama Judy!" she exclaimed! Mama Judy has a gift with children. Did you know she and Papa cared for 30+ foster children while raising their own family? Now they wait for Sara, one of several adopted grandchildren in their family. I love that Papa and Mama model family love is a decision, not dna. Warms my heart!!!
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"I want to be big enough to swim with the Manatees!" - Julia
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Time for yummy BBQ at Mama and Papa's!
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Charlotte & her Lizard
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Papa's Florida Blogging Desk
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As we were leaving Papa and Mama's, Brian noticed a street sign with Julia's name... we had to stop and take a picture (boy oh boy, was that a quiet car ride back to Clearwater - we were big time bumming to leave - a sign we had a most wonderful time!!! Mama would not even let us help with the dishes... she shared that returning to dishes is reminder of sharing moments all over again - so sweet!!! We love you Papa and Mama!!!).
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Instead of leaving a comment on this post,
would you please take a moment to
Elizabeth and I would like you to share
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3 comments:
E,
I'm losing my tan.
I want to go to Dunkin Doughnuts.
I miss Papa and Mama!
I miss you!!!
xoxox!!!
R
E,
Just left this comment on Papa's blog:
Papa and Mama,
Here is a link to my Manatee post:
http://roxannekristina.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-for-1st.html
Beth has been feeling under the weather herself... haven't forgotten about under water manatee pics... will get those to you asap (Beth has them).
We love you and miss you very much.
Are you feeling better?
xoxox,
R
E - Love you and miss you! One of my most precious memories of your visit was as we all held hands saying the blessing for our food and you and I sobbing as we held hands and your head leaning on my shoulder. At that moment GOD blessed me with wonderful thoughts of friendships made. We are family now -
Love you,
Papa (crying)
xo xo xo
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