We have officially been back for almost a week now but our family vacation to the Fort Myers area of Florida was amazing! My parents bought a carriage home in a gated golf community last summer and they have been enjoying it since then! We flew from Detroit this time as our tickets were cheap. We went up the night before to visit the Wilder's in Tecumseh which was so great. It was a great visit with them and the boys had a hoot entertaining Gerald. They slept well and then the next day after a hearty breakfast we drove to Detroit to catch our plane at 2pm. It was a breeze getting through the airport and the kids enjoyed running around playing on the moving floor! A little gravol in their lunch and they were sleeping for the whole flight - it was a great flight! :)
We arrived around dinner time and went straight to my parents place - had a meal and just relaxed. The boys loved their new room - thanks Nonna & GP!
Sunday saw sunny skies and Dad and Cam hit the links. Mom and I took the boys to Target and to Costco to load up on treats for them. In the afternoon we went swimming at the clubhouse pool - and of course, the boys loved it!
Monday was a beach day! I had no idea how much Sammy would love the beach. He entertained himself for hours! We just watched him playing in the sand while resting comfortably on our blanket!
Tuesday we rented an 18 foot pontoon boat and we travelled the bay off the gulf coast in Fort Myers Beach. The day was cool in the morning but the sun came out and I lapped it up. Sammy caught the only fish of the day - a catfish - and the highlight - Cam squeezing the fish and it pooping on his toes! Ha Ha!
We saw some dolphins, stopped at a beach for a walk and the boys ate the whole 4 hours we were out! Great day!
Tuesday night had Dad's friends from work over! The Moore's have a place on Sanibel (which we visited later in the week). Lots of wine was consumed!
Wednedsay was our trip to the Naples Zoo! The weather was favourable so it was a good time to go. Last year we went and it was too cold - almost all of the animals were off display. This time -they were all out! The kids loved the jungle gyms, the animal show and the gators. They also got to ride a camel - how cool is that? We also went out for dinner that night - the boys were great and I have never seen Charlie eat so much in his life! Millers - our fave restaurant!
Thursday I got to golfing with Dad, Cam and George. I had never played a full 18 holes before and even though I shot a 107 - I was pretty proud of myself! It was a hot day but I loved being out there and definitely cool spending the time with my dad. Mom and Marilyn watched the boys for the morning and they stayed for the day and had supper with us too. The boys really liked having more people to entertain. they were great though -they played in their walk in closet in their room!
Friday - invloved some much needed shopping time. Mom and I hit the outlet mall right across the street and the boys went to the Playland in the mall. Cam did the best of the day - new shirts, jeans, sweater, etc. In the afternoon we spent some time by the pool - by this point it was pretty much what we did every afternoon!
Saturday was our trip over to Sanibel Island. We drove over around 9:30am and there was so much fog we were worried our day would be a little gloomy. 15 minutes after getting to the Moore's condo the sun burned off all the clouds and we had a wonderful day. We walked the beach, hung out in the sun, had a swim in their pool and then the boys enjoyed some ice cream. Both boys fell asleep on the way home and I think Cam might have too!
Sunday was the Superbowl! Cam's team vs My Team. My team won! Go Packers! We just hung around most of the day - went swimming, did some shopping etc. Then we hankered down to watch the game and thankfully I didn't wake the boys up screaming over our victory. Yes - the cheeseheads rock! Despite his loyalty Cam won $20 on the game - he figured my team would win. :)
Monday we went to the Fort Myers Beach with mom. Again, it was foggy in the morning when we got there but teh sun burned it all off. The boys really liked this beach. it's more maintained so although their were not a lot of shells - the sand was softer. The walk into the water is very gradual and Cam and Charlie spent a good 1.5 hours just playing in the water - chasing waves, etc.
Tuesday was our last day in Florida so we did it up! It was actually the coolest day there - only reaching a high of 70. Still pretty nice compared to what was happening at home. We took the boys to Lakes Park - it's a regional park - very well maintained and the kids loved it. They got to play on a couple of jungle gyms, ride on a miniature train, walk the boardwalk and path and have a snack. It was a great way to end our trip. Later that night we took mom and dad out for dinner. During the meal an older woman came up to Cam and complimented him on the great manners and behaviour of his children. Definitely a great moment!
Wednesday morning our flight left at 7:30am - so the rest of the day was spent travelling back to our house. All in all a great trip. Can't wait to do it again next year. Here are a couple more pics for your viewing pleasure!
Cheers,
Alicia