Florida Trip!

Last Monday Amelia and I flew down to Florida to see my family. Uncle Dan and Andrea picked us up at the airport, and Grandma G was waiting for us at home with her camera. She ambushed us as soon as we got out of the car! While I was unpacking, Grandma and Grandpa took Amelia out onto the back porch. She didn’t even want to wait to get all of her clothes off before dipping her toes in the pool. She had a lot of fun playing on the top step, and kept trying to get into deeper water! After getting out of the pool (and eating supper and taking a bath), Amelia played some billiards with Uncle Dan and Grandpa.

On Tuesday we went outlet shopping with Grandma and Daisha. Amelia thought that the kiddie ride with the doggie was a lot of fun! When we got home we listened as Grandpa played us some music on his ukulele. While Amelia napped Daisha and I went to get a manicure and pedicure – it was so nice to be pampered, and we had a lot of fun chatting and catching up with each other. Amelia woke up while we were gone and posed for some pictures with Uncle Erik on the porch. Once Daisha and I got back we all jumped into the pool. Amelia LOVED it!

On Wednesday we went with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Dan & Andrea to the Naples Zoo! Amelia enjoyed looking at the animals. She was a bit of a grump, but everyone took her attitude in stride and we had a great time. One of the funniest things we saw was a bear sleeping while seated at a picnic table. We even got to take a boat ride and look at some monkeys and apes! Once we had almost completed our circuit of the zoo, we were stopped by a zookeeper who told us that we had to turn around and go back the way we came. Why? The zoo’s porcupine was in labor, and they didn’t want visitors walking by and causing her more distress! We turned around and started walking back, and stopped to get some shaved ice – that really helped cool us down! Later in the day Amelia discovered Grandma & Grandpa’s piano – what a smart and talented little girl!

On Thursday we went to the beach with Grandma, Uncle Dan and Daisha. Daisha ended up being our photographer for the trip, and we didn’t get many pictures of/with her. She captured some great shots though! After her nap, Amelia and I went down to visit with Great Grandpa for a bit, and then we came back and Amelia went for an afternoon swim.

On Friday morning we had a wonderful visit with Great Grandpa. He came down to Grandma & Grandpa’s house, and Amelia had a fun time showing off for him. Later that morning Amelia and I went to Coconut Point mall with Daisha and Uncle Dan. While Daisha and I browsed around in a makeup shop, Uncle Dan and Amelia sneaked down to the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Amelia now has a bear named Giggles, and he is filled with hugs, kisses and a special wish that Amelia will always be healthy. How fun! Uncle Dan, Amelia loves her new friend! Before heading home, we got some yummy fruit smoothies – they were very expensive – almost twenty dollars for three of them! I think Amelia drank over half of Uncle Dan’s mango smoothie – very tasty! When we got home we went swimming – I think we were in the pool every day of our trip. After Amelia went to bed for the night, Daisha and I went out to dinner and a movie. Even though we had already spent a lot of time together already, it was nice to be able to catch up without having to worry about keeping track of a toddler.

On Saturday morning we had some friends come over to visit. Ashely is due with her first baby on August 1st, and it was so fun to see her with a pregnant belly. We had a great time chatting about pregnancy and newborns. I am excited to see her precious little one in a few months! The rest of the day held more swimming and some lounge time in Grandpa’s old rocking chair.

On Sunday morning we had one last visit with Great Grandpa. Amelia kept admiring his watch – she’s a jewelry girl for sure! I am so happy that we got to spend so much time with him. Amelia got some hugs and tickles from Grandpa before Daisha drove us to the airport. On our flight home Amelia and I had a row of three seats to ourselves. It was so nice not to have to worry about Amelia throwing toys onto our seatmates!

We were so glad to get back to Daddy. Amelia was all smiles when she saw him! She slept for 13 hours straight last night, and she took a three hour nap today to recoup. It was wonderful visiting family and friends in Florida, but Amelia and I are both VERY glad to be home. We look forward to the next time we get to see everyone down there!