Butterfly Rainforest

 While dad and I were in Gainesville, FL for grandpa's surgery, we needed something to do to occupy our time.  After searching the internet for things to do in the area, we came across a butterfly rainforest exhibit that was inexpensive and gave us something to do for a few hours.  Let me tell you that there is nothing to do there for tourists.  Everything that came up was about the Florida Gators and football.

This exhibit was actually part of the University of Florida and was so neat.  I have never heard of such a thing before, but it was awesome.  You have hundreds of butterflies flying around and they all look different.  Grandpa said he doesn't like to go because they might poop on his cowboy hat!
  

Here are some pictures from our adventure!

These are some sort of African butterfly that will only survive from eating the banana as it's source of food.

 For only $10, it was well worth the money spent to see and experience something different.  If you are ever in the area, it is definitely worth checking out!

Holy December, Where Did You Go?!?!

Holy cow, December was a crazy month to say the least!  My birthday was the 7th, we made a list minute trip to Florida for Grandpa's surgery, Christmas at Cody's nanny and papa's house on Christmas Eve, Christmas at my parent's house, and Sarah and Melissa's birthday on the 29th.  And somewhere in between all that, decorating, diy Christmas presents, Christmas shopping and trying to keep a clean and organized house!

 

Here are some pictures to sum up what has been going on in December.

 

I found this print last year somewhere on Pinterest and sent it to Walgreens to print.  They only charge $3.99 for an 8 x 10, which I think is great.  You can change it out every season for a low cost.

 

This is probably one of my favorite Pinterest crafts ever and my first to be honest.  It definitely is not a cheap project they way I went about making it.  I could have used old spaghetti jars or pickle jars, but I did't have any saved up since I was really just getting into Pinterest. 

 

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of all the decorations!  Major blogger failure!

 

I don't have any pictures from Cody's nanny's house either, but I will have to tell you, that the food was amazing as usual.  On Christmas Eve, everyone brings a dish, usually an appetizer of some sort from taco rings to cheese dip to sausage balls, you name it, it's there.  It really is a great time getting together over there.

 

After that, we have made it a tradition to play Christmas bingo at Cody's brother's house.  This is so much fun and hilarious at the same time.  We buy random, dollar store items, place them in brown paper bags and whoever wins has no idea what they are winning.  Whatever brown paper bag they choose, it's theirs.  No turning back!

 

 

And, if you eat all your makers, you can't play anymore!

 

 

Maci and Judd opening their stockings.

 



Melissa moved back home so she told me she wanted something for her wall since decorating and painting is taking place so I decided to take a stab at a gallery wall.  Now that everything is made, the fun part will be hanging it all up.

 





Sarah is working on becoming a teacher and will be student teaching this semester.  We are extremely hopeful and confident she will be able to find a teaching job somewhere, so I made her some decor for her walls in her future classroom.

 



 

 

We got dad a tablet for Christmas.

 

And mom got a new computer for her new business venture. 

 

I was super excited about getting this drill and saw set.  Oh the projects that I will be able to work on now.  Can't wait to get started! 

 

Awhile back at Riverfest, Sarah heard mom say how she really liked that bowl and wanted it.  Mom never says she wants something so I am so glad Sarah heard that.  Mom has other pieces that match this so Sarah and Melissa found the potter that made her other pieces and showed her a picture of what mom wanted.  This is really neat since it has a handle and a spout.  Best thing, it's dishwasher safe.

 

And our Christmas tradition, grilled lobster tail.  Christmas dinner would not be the same without it.

 

Whew, what a Decemeber!  Now to 2013!  Can't wait to see what this year brings us!