Our trip to Florida began on Friday, July 3. Shawn had the day off for Independence Day anyway, so it was one less vacation day he had to use. We had a leisurely morning, including breakfast at home, finishing up our last-minute packing and me cleaning the house and making the beds before we left (nothing feels better than coming home to an organized house, to me anyway!). We were off around 10:30ish to head to Baltimore to catch our plane. We parked in the daily garage rather than our favorite express lot since the coupon for express had expired, and we had to go up 7 "circles" (as the Bean called them) to find a space. Then we had to take a crowded bus to the airport, and Joshua was TERRIFIED! He cried and cried, and thankfully someone gave up their seat so I could sit with both boys. He begged "Please...all done bus!" And, I told him he had to be brave to get to the airport to see the airplanes (which he loves) and see Mamaw and Papaw Ginder. He soon found courage and said "I'll tell Papaw I was brave on the bus." And he did!
Our flight didn't leave quite on time, and we got re-directed slightly around some weather in Tampa, FL. Eventually we arrived at Sarasota. I'm not sure why when the boys nap in the afternoon, two hours can fly by like a blink of an eye; but, those same two hours can feel far longer than an eternity on an airplane with two kids. Both of them did extremely well, but Caleb was restless and it was difficult to keep him amused to sit still.
Joshua ran to greet Grandma & Grandpa when we got off the plane. He was so excited! From there we went in the rental mini-van to meet Aunt Erica at Dutch Heritage for dinner. The mennonite buffet was delicious and the gift shop was neat. And we found out that the boys were dressed in their "Gator" colors...I guess that's a sports team...haaa!!!
We left there to drive to Anna Maria (sp?) Island, where we dipped our toes in the warm ocean water. The beach sand was soft, the temperature was perfect, the breeze was awesome, and everything was beautiful. We were glad to be on the ground and in Florida.
And we were happy to see the family. I loved these pictures of Grandpa & Aunt Erica swinging the Bean into the ocean.
It was late already, so it was time to head back to our hotel. We stayed at a "brand spankin' new" (in Erica's words) Country Inn & Suites where we got a studio with two queen beds and a living area with couch, chair, fridge and microwave. The beds were amazingly comfortable, and the breakfast they served was good. This trip I actually remembered my workout clothes, and I got to use the gym, too.
We were glad that Erica was able to be off for most of our trip. I road back with her from the beach, which was a little ways away. We giggled at Papaw's slow driving (sorry, Grandpa!), especially when the Bean's in the car. After all, he has "precious" cargo.
Caleb wanted so badly to get down and walk/crawl into the ocean. Maybe next year, buddy! We realized that we travel somewhere around each kiddo's birthday. Just before Joshua turned one (literally the week before), we flew down to see my Dad in Atlanta. Just before Joshua turned two (again, the weekend before), we flew down to the family in Florida. This time it was just before Caleb's birthday. Will we plan a trip before Joshua's? Who knows? We're sort of last minute people!
Thus ended Friday, our first day gone...
It was late already, so it was time to head back to our hotel. We stayed at a "brand spankin' new" (in Erica's words) Country Inn & Suites where we got a studio with two queen beds and a living area with couch, chair, fridge and microwave. The beds were amazingly comfortable, and the breakfast they served was good. This trip I actually remembered my workout clothes, and I got to use the gym, too.
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