Florida Jones'

We were in Florida from July 20th thru July 25th. This was Gabriel's 2nd airplane ride (3rd if you count in the belly) and Noah's 1st (2nd if you count in the belly). Gabriel was a gem on both airplane rides, and Noah was for the ride there, was a little cranky on the way back, the flight was at 8am, and he cried a good hour of the 2 1/2 hour flight back to Des Moines. Thank God it was direct. I didn't feel good, so Bart walked the plan aisles with him until he fell asleep. That night Bart stayed up all night sleeping on Gabe's floor as he had the same stomach flu I had. What a great Dad.

Anyway, the top priority for the time there was the Jones Reunion. We were graciously hosted by Grandpa Jones' brother and his wife, Roger and Betty Ann and their great family. We had a great cocktail night on Thursday night (after a fun day at the Magic Kingdom) at our rental home. The next day was downtown Disney for the Mommy's and kiddos and golf for the Daddy's, and then to Roger and Betty Ann's for a great dinner and fellowship. Saturday was the BIG day at Kevin's (Roger and Betty's son) with all day pool, waterslide, and great food. Gabe was SO GROWN-UP. He hardly needed us at all! Sunday was a brunch at Aunt Janis' and finally Monday was the plane ride home. We had a great time with all of our family and we can't thank Grandpa and Grandma Jones enough for the opportunity to go!

Noah's first airplane ride.

Now that is a big family!!! We are blessed! Gabe is absolutely in love with Lee in the front on the right in the orange shirt, Matt in the tan shirt next to him, and Kurtis in the yellow behind Lee. He loved these "big boys" and was their little sidekick all day, and it seemed to me that the boys loved getting to know their little cousin Gabe too.

Kevin has a great salt water pool. Gabe really took off swimming and went alone (with careful eyes watching) as long as he had his floatie.

No big deal, Gabe climbed up the huge 2 story water slide all day with the big boys and went down in like a champ. He had some definite road rash and a big bruise under his chin that night, but he sure slept great.

Noah and I enjoyed some lunch.

And All Jones bean-bag tournament was also on the menu. Bart's cousin Cami and I were partners, we hung in their to the semi's, but in the end we were eaten alive by mosquitos. Gabe helps Daddy on the end with his bean bags.

The kiddos swam like fish at our pool at the rental home.

Noah tolerated the pool just fine as well.

Jason notices an alligator in the pond behind the rental home, so he lures it over (it is only about 5' long) with hotdogs.

Our French neighbors really enjoyed Jason acting like a "stupid American." We enjoyed laughing at the speedo.

Yikes!

What a great getaway. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!