Spring Break in Florida (Warning: Picture Overload)

For Spring Break this year we planned at trip to Florida. We started out on Saturday, April 4th driving to Florida. We left early so that we could make it to my Mom's in time to watch the Duke basketball game. We enjoyed some Hungry Howie's pizza (with cajun crust!) while we finished up the game.  The next day was Easter. We had a full house: Joe, his girlfriend Heidi, her son Legion, Amy and Jerry plus all of the kids, Mary, Mom and all of us!  It was fun to cook together and just be together. The kids, of course, loved getting their Easter baskets.

Monday was spent at Legoland! It was fun, but Dan and I agree: we do not like amusement parks! All of the waiting in line for a quick little ride, the heat, the very expensive food...ugh.  Hopefully our boys aren't too disappointed when we don't go to Disney someday (I am sure we will talk ourselves into it someday...ha!) My Mom, Amy, Lane, Emma and Cooper came with us. The mini Lego cities were really fun to look at. The rides were ok. It was fun to go once. We, of course, stayed up late to watch Duke win the NCAA National Championship. We put the kids to bed and then had a little party in our hotel room with my Mom, Mary and Joe. Go Duke!

Tuesday we spent the morning at MOSI with my Mom and Joe. There were a few interesting exhibits, but the kids play area was the best part. Parker loved the space exhibit and the play restaurant. That night we met up with some friends at the Purdy's Custard shop. Great custard and great company! It was great to spend time with the Purdys, Jordan Glancy and the Chambers.

Wednesday we went to Siesta Key Beach with Mom and Mary. The white sand was so beautiful! It was a very busy beach. The kids did great. They loved playing in the water and in the sand.

Thursday we made a run to IKEA on our way out of Tampa and Brandon. Then we made the trek to Tallahassee to see David and family.

Friday we went to see FSU's campus and just hung out at David and Darin's house. The kids jumped on the trampoline, played in the sprinklers, explored the creek, climbed the rock wall and had Nerf wars together. It is so fun seeing the kids get to know their cousins.  That night Allyson and Bryce watched the kids so that the adults could go on a date. We ate at a really yummy Cajun restaurant. We went back home to put the kids to bed and they were all in bed and asleep. It was pretty awesome!

Saturday we went to Wakulla Springs which ended up being the highlight of our trip. The water was perfectly clear. You could see schools of fish swimming through the water. We went out on a boat tour and got to see lots of beautiful birds, turtles, and alligators. We were hoping to see some Manatees, but the water was too warm so they had already left to the Gulf. The boys enjoyed swimming in the cool spring water and trying to catch minnows. Dan, of course, could not pass up jumping off the diving platform.

 We really had a great trip. It was a little exhausting. We were traveling from Saturday to Sunday and slept in 4 different places. But, the kids did well, the van survived another trip, and we were able to spend time with so many dear friends and family! Success!