Snow Fun

After one of the snow storms we have had this winter, Megan really wanted to go build a snowman. Ryan was out shoveling the driveway and I was beginning to put up the Christmas tree (not decorating though). So, I got the girls all bundled up and they played and played. Megan was proud of the snowman that she built all by herself. Last year, she and Ryan built a snowman and someone in the neighborhood came and put the 1st place ribbon on it the next day. Megan has kept the ribbon ever since and had it with her! Morgan really does love to play in the snow. Ryan came to get me to come watch her because she was giving the snowman hugs and kisses...so cute!

Really, do they come cuter than her?!?!

Air boat ride...

My dad was able to talk Mark, the ranch support services manager, into taking us on an air boat ride. That morning, my dad went to work early and arranged things with Mark. My mom has been on the air boat before so she graciously kept Morgan home with her. I wasn't sure how Morgan would do on the boat (no seat belts, no car seats, etc.). We took treats to give to Mark and he was happy to have them. So off we went!

Megan was a little unsure about the whole thing at first.

The dark spot is the top of an alligator. We saw a lot of alligators; Megan said she counted and it was over 40.

The canals there have these lily pad things that grow like weeds...and to think we pay lots of money to have them in our ponds here!

Megan by the air boat after the ride!

Here is Megan with Mark.

You will notice that they both have huge smiles - they were laughing right before I took the picture. About half way through the ride, Mark did a 360 on the boat, which was fine until Megan and I fell off the seat! If you look at the seat there is no seat belts. Ryan was on the end, Megan next to him, and then I sat next to her - not all the way over to the other side of the seat. Well, in case you didn't know, I am short :). When Mark did the 360, I had nothing to grab onto, Megan had her arms around my arm. So, down I went and Megan followed. I was just laughing because I was a little in shock. I was just pleased that we didn't land in the water, we landed inside the boat. Mark was apologizing to us after we got off the boat and Megan told him she would never forgive him for as long as she lives. Of course she was kidding - she was laughing hysterically while saying it to him!

The Ranch

My mom and dad get to take visitors out on the tour bus to tour the ranch. So Sunday after church, we headed out on a tour. Despite it raining almost everyday that we were in Florida, we had a great time and LOVED spending time with my parents...the countdown is on until they come home!

The swimming hole. Only ranch residents can use this - no visitors (unless you are visitors of my mom and dad)!

One of the few alligators we saw on the drive.

Another alligator.

This is the maintenance shop where my dad goes a lot during his work days.

Morgan loved not being in her car seat!

Grandma and Megan

Elder Morgan providing the tour.

You can't live on the ranch and have access to Florida oranges and NOT make fresh squeezed OJ! Megan loved helping Grandpa.

So cute...Morgan was back at the house napping.

This is Tommy and Milly; they are crane birds. They come to the back door of the ranch house at least once a day. Megan and Morgan really enjoyed feeding them.