Crystal River, Florida 2016

This Crystal River trip has quickly become a yearly tradition. We love going out on a cold winter morning and renting a pontoon boat to search for Manatees. Ever year we bring a new group of people and it is always a blast. This year our niece and nephews came along for the ride and it was extra special to see their enjoyment. We bundle up on the boat with Hot Coco and warm blankets. Then jump in the 72 degree water to swim with these water cows. 

See ya again next year!

Past Crystal River Trips: 2014, 2015

A Few Pictures That Sum Up Christmas 2014

We had been looking forward to Christmas for what felt like forever! Not only was it going to be an end of another semester, but last Christmas, we did not get to participate in all the fun traditions. Although spending Christmas in Istanbul was one to remember, we missed all the seasonal food, and family togetherness. Plus this year would be Lizzy's first Christmas, so that made it extra special. I had almost three weeks off for Christmas Break and filled every bit with the seasons finest; family, friends, decorations, and endless sweets. 

Here are a few pictures to sum up Christmas 2014.
Our Christmas Eve at the Russ house is on video.... maybe I'll get my act together and post a film later. I mean its already April and I'm posting about Christmas.... so don't hold your breath. 

After finding out we had not gotten Lizzy Christmas PJs, my sister-in-law Amy went and picked some up. Even if they were a little big, I love these pictures, especially the last one,

Crystal River, Florida

Some random lady that came up while I was taking pictures

This year will be known as the year on the manatees. Having had our fare share of manatee encounters, here, here and here. We thought our previous trips were pretty successful. But it was nothing compared to the Crystal River trip we took over Thanksgiving and Christmas Breaks. Plus on Martin Luther King break, Blake went camping at manatee springs and saw some more. Yes, we took three trips (two to crystal river and one to manatee springs) this winter with friends and family, all were splendid. Seeing more manatees than we could count and swimming up close and personal with a few good looking ones. It is natural to be afraid of something so big in the water. Once I was swimming in a murky part of the river when I could not see but felt one swimming under me, I was terrified!!! Even though I knew it was not going to hurt me, I wanted back on the boat. However in the clear water, when the manatees seem to be as interested in you as you are in them, these big water mammals are fun cuddly creatures. Getting up close and personal with nature and wild life is amazing. I love going on these trips, and look forward to many more.