attraction distractions

we started off our attraction distractions with homossassa springs wildlife park. the kids got to see manatees up close, as well as flamingoes, a panther, a bobcat, a few bald eagles, etc.

our next stop was the florida aquarium. the kids really enjoyed it. kalei's favorite: catfish, of course! (although the dwarf seahorses were a close second.)

our last attraction stop was friday - the tampa zoo. this place is really great and has been voted #1 in the nation (by whom, i never saw, but someone reliable, i'm sure). it has everything: regular animals, baby animals, rides, water fun, and (most important) shave ice. perfect! this year, we speed-walked thru the different animals that everyone wanted to see, and then high-tailed it to the water fun area. the weather was mild (for florida), the crowds were few, and the kids had a ball.

it's hard to see, but in the bottom right picture here, koa is cheesing next to a giant grasshopper that was hanging out on the outside of the penguin enclosure. the thing was at least 4 inches long - huge! but koa didn't hesitate - just cozied up for a photo. he's really come a long way from the boy who was scared of everything!
long story short - the kids have had a fabulous time exploring the places available here. there's just one more must-see attraction: the candy kitchen!!