Joy in Jacksonville

The kids and I got back from our trip to Florida for the first round of the NCAA tournament last Sunday.  If you’re looking for a place to vacation in Florida, I’d recommend not picking Jacksonville.  But if you find yourself vacationing in Jacksonville, I’d recommend not staying at the Crown Plaza Hotel.  That being said, we had a great time in Jacksonville and since the Tar Heels walked away with two wins, I’d say it treated us pretty well.

 



 

 

 

If you're wondering why Jackson has his shirt off in half the pictures, its probably best you don't ask.  Lets just say when you're trying to watch the game, a mom does what she has to do.  Besides the games, a visit to the zoo was a trip highlight.  Although after 20 minutes, while he was in front of some of the most magnificent creatures in the world (I believe it was the elephants), Brady asked if he could go back  to the hotel.  He didn’t find as suffocating as his parents.  But then we saw the squirrel monkeys and penguins and I had to drag him away from both.

We had some late, but happy nights at and after the basketball games.  Its been tough to get Brady of the late schedule, and judging from texts from Eric's parents (who have the kids for the week while we are in LA), informing us that Brady's been getting up at 8am, I'm thinking he's still enjoying the late bedtimes.  And grandma informed us the first night that Jackson slept for 12 hours straight.  I am 98% happy to hear that and 2% angry that he only seems to do that with his grandparents.  I think they slip him the secret juice that they have not yet shared with me.

 

They have shared some pictures, which make me miss my kids, but not enough to wish they had taken the cross-country trip with us.  I've lost count, but I think they've taken three trips to Chuck E. Cheese.

 

I've had an awesome time away so far, and a few more hours will determine how much better/worse and longer/shorter this trip will be!