Silver Springs Adventure

On Saturday we went to Silver Springs with Madalyn's Papa Swanson and her cousin Josh who is in town visiting while his Mom and Dad go on a cruise vacation. Josh will be 3 in May and was so excited to see all of the animals and alligators at Silver Springs. Shawn had been there a long time ago but I had never been, so it was a new adventure for our family. We (accidentally!) chose to go the day Brenda Lee was playing in concert so the place was packed and we were by far among the youngest people there!

We started off the day by walking around the park and seeing all the it had to offer. There were lots of gators, which looked like statues because of how still they were lying in the sun! Then one would move ever so slightly, as if to prove it was real! We took two boat rides, one around all of the springs and another out to an outpost where they rehabilitate birds that have been injured. Madalyn really liked the boats, especially the glass bottom where she could look through and see fish. We also took a Jeep ride around the park to see the wild animals. I didnt know how many old movies were filmed out there!

We didnt get to spend much time at the petting zoo because it was getting late, so we will have to plan a trip back for that. We did get to see the giraffes though... which are amazingly beautiful animals that stink to high heaven! I didnt know that each giraffe has its own scent, much like a human has their on distinct look. That is how giraffes recognize each other!

Josh and Madalyn had a great time (thank goodness for strollers!) Madalyn got her first taste of french fries and LOVED them! Shawn stuck some fries on her snack tray to "save for later" and she grabbed a handful in each hand and proceeded to munch on them while being pushed around the park. The kid isnt afraid to eat things, thats for sure! And for someone without teeth she certainly manages to eat!

Everyone was tired at the end of the day. Madalyn conked out by the time we left the parking lot, and Josh nodded off somewhere around Micanopy. He sang to Madalyn the whole way home. On the way there, Maddie did her typical crying when we stopped at a stoplight, and Josh kept telling Shawn "dont stop Uncle Shawn! Madalyn cries when you stop!" It was so cute.

Silver Springs was definitely an adventure that we will be doing again sometime soon. I think next year we will look into getting the super saver passs when the offer comes at work to get them a a discount.
"Lets hold hands Madalyn!"


Boat ride with Josh


Looking out the glass bottom boat


Hi Mommy! 9 months old


Look Uncle Shawn!

Look Uncle Shawn!