Swamp sleepover

Nothing says Happy Martin Luther King day like a long weekend of car camping, right? Our band of 16 Keys moms and kids (and one brave dad) stormed Everglades National Park for 3 nights and 4 days. I think we scared off the alligators, but the mosquitoes stuck around to challenge us - though the kids' constant motion kept them safe from bites. Steamy surroundings aside, we sure made some great memories.

 

Our natural setting inspired lots of artwork:

This "Find and Seek Colors in Nature" activity lead the kids to a rainbow of treasures:

We love the wide open space of the mainland. And the lake provided a convenient fishing grounds:

 

More nature art (here, a book about scorpions is the catalyst):

The 4-year-olds did lead the way much of the time:

 

An interesting bug? Brilliant geodes?

Nope. Collecting pieces of a broken green glass bottle proved to be a captivating activity.

Take only memories, leave only footprints:

 

A close-up comparison between alligator (foreground) and crocodile skulls before a walk around the alligator-rich Anhinga Trail: 

'Gator claw:

 

Awesome creatures, evolutionarily speaking:

Here's our 7-and-under squad:

 

And the over-7's:

 

Kids love a place where eating sans utensils and dropping food on the floor is totally acceptable:

And through the soggy air, a few glimpses of loveliness:

President's weekend, anyone?