Since we arrived a little early, we killed some time exploring the nature walk while waiting on the next shuttle across the Intercoastal. The boys weren't terribly interested in the stroll, but with the sun shining and the temperatures hovering in the mid-70's, I knew our day was off to a great start.
Once we put the boys in charge of finding the numbered information stations, they more intrigued with the adventure. With all that testosterone, everything was a competition. Luckily, they work well together as a team.
Finally, it was time to board the pontoon boat for our brief cruise. The boys' excitement was starting to build. Jax recalled our past visit with Grandfather and immediately started asking whether he could climb the ladder to the roof again. I was fairly certain all five kiddos would be making the climb. The order was the only thing up for debate. Baylor was too young during our first visit to even realize what fun he was missing out on, but nothing was going to stop him this time!
The little fort is actually an outpost for the large fort located in our historic downtown. Here's a little tourist tip...The outpost is free to visit while the main fort charges an entrance fee. Something to consider when you're a group of 10! What's really surprising is that the experience at the free little fort is far superior to the one downtown. The fact that it's free is merely an added bonus.
This picture was shockingly easy to take. Note that all five boys are smiling and looking at the camera with their hands down by their sides or in their laps. If you've ever tried to photograph a group of children, you know this is no small feat! What's the secret to success??? Telling them that only after taking a nice family photo will they finally get to climb to the roof of the fort...mission accomplished in ONE take!
Up they went one by one. First, the daddies ascended to maintain control of the herd while the mommies stayed below and fed the kids up the ladder and through the small hole in the roof one by one. Alex and Jaxon, the two oldest, made the climb first. Followed by Baylor who was half way up the ladder before I even acknowledged it was his turn. Parker went last because he was a little uncertain about the very vertical ladder, and Finn's interest was vetoed by his mommy, Allison. She didn't want the child:dad ratio to exceed 2:1. Probably a good idea, all things considered.
Unfortunately for Finn, by the time his brothers were descending, we had to clear the area for another group of tourists. Oh well! Finn didn't seem too concerned.
On to the next stop...
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