Florida trip 2013 - Day Three

Being at John and Diane's home is one of the most enjoyably relaxing vacation we are privileged to experience. We always try do a few thing around their property to help out. Tuesday's project was clearing and chopping up a tree that had fallen after being struck by lightning. Eric was excited to use a chainsaw. Kids were excited to get the tractor and golf carts involved.

Ro and Uncle John going to feed the goat.

Sometimes, some of the kids aren't so excited about helping.

Riding the tractor with Aunt Diane.
(Nate & Neta are just a little to young to be trusted with the wheel.)

Nate's as tall as the tire.

Diane's tractor teammate.

Hauling a load full of whozits to the worksite.

Taller than a tractor tire.

Picking up kindling, putting it in the bucket, ...

...and hauling it to the fire pit.

Faces full of smiles!

Chainsaw needed a little more gas.
Eric still doesn't have the sawdust out of his socks
(and they've been through the laundry-permanent souvenirs).

The tractor helped move the tree a few times
so it was easier to chop into manageable pieces.

We were at that for about an hour or so, then John called it quits. Eric wanted to keep cutting and moving, but John's arm was bleeding from getting attacked by a branch and Aunt Diane had tripped over a tree root sticking out of the ground and had twisted her ankle. The majority of the kids had started "we're on vacation...can we go swimming?" complaint/requests. The owner of the tools had spoken so kids got a drink, jumped in their suits and were ready for the pool.

My little fishes playing in the pool.

Heading for the hoop. And it's a ....

Slam Splash!!
Graigry had a "ball" playing with this water hoop,
coming up with all sorts of tricks.

Neta ready for take off.

Xela and her "steam"boat.

It's two of my flying fish!
(one of my favorite pool pictures!)

After a few hours of swimming, we came in and they played the Wii for a few hours before dinner. We don't have a Wii, which is a good thing because I don't feel so guilty when they spend that much time in front of a monitor. They are pretty good at taking turns, but sometimes there were your occasional squabbles. I took a bit of a nap on the couch while the kids played. Neta was apparently playing with my hair while I slept. When I finally decided to function, I took a turn on the Wii playing archery and did a fairly decent job, if I do say so myself.