BUSCH GARDEN WITH THE FLORIDA GANG

Dear Family,

We are back now but we had a ten day vacation or trip to Tampa Florida with John and Kaley and the boys. Some of the adventures are in posts below.

We had such a great time and spent several Days at Busch Garden with John, who got off work on Saturday, Grant, Garret and even Bry who showed up from Michigan for the

Romney Rally. Of course Kaley was there everyday leading the way to the various sites.

First stop is always the alligators who were always out sunning.  Speaking of sunning, it has been a warm winter in Tampa and the temp was usually 70 degrees and sunny. I had one of those scooters and Grant piled on for a ride.

Then on to the lions and pother animals.  Here is the gang with Mom at the Land Rover.  We were there one day as they were feeding tis huge tame male lion with undisturbed mane hair.  He was pretty big and I do not know how long it will take me to stop figuring out where to put the shot.  It is rare to see a lion which such a mane in the African Bush as they loose their hair on the trees and thick bush.

We like Busch Gardens; it is close to John and Ka;let, small, full of flowers and the rides are great.  Not as gigantic as Disney but has great charm.

Bry took this shot of an old Hyena checking out Garret through the Plexiglas.

There were also shows.  We went to one put on by Tony Orlando.  I think the average age of the crowd listening was pretty old but they knew all the lines from the old songs of the 50', 60's and 70's.

A cheese dog, fries and a waffle cake were not exactly in Kaley's organic list of foods but always a hit with the little guys (and the Opa).  This is a perfect park for kids and a lot cheaper then Orlando.

We had a good time with Kaley's parents also going out to dinner.  It was so fun to see Bry who took us out to dinner at this great Sea Food place where they had the best Gulf seafood.

We did all manage to get a little sick however.  I picked up something on the plane down, John got something from the ark or from me and then Kaley was ill for a day.  There is no family get together without a mini epidemic. Mom never got sick and tramped all over the park for four days.  She looks great in these hats.

In the meantime in Michigan, Al and Paul had their new little baby boy at home on the farm in front of the fireplace.

Here is the gang in bed celebrating the new arrival.

Little Charles is their eighth child and our 76th grand child.  Way t go Al and Paul!!!

We are back unpacking and still glowing the the charm of the warm Florida weather.  I have been feeling better but not quite ready to return to Temple activity although we are busy with our other callings. Mom and I will speak in the Tongan Singles ward this month.

We love you all, Opa and Oma