Vacation All I Ever Wanted...

We recently returned to life as we know it after a four-day break to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. I cannot overstate how much I had looked forward to this trip. My need to get away was not so much driven by my job, but more the need to escape of the daily grind and general scurry and hurry of life with kids. Mark and I made a promise not to rush anything on this trip and just be lazy. Aside from a schedules boat ride, we stuck to it and just let the days fall where they may. We threw out all rules around bedtimes and nutrition, too. The kids were super helpful in making me stick to this one...every time I wavered on handing over yet another treat, I would hear small, but firm voices saying, "You said 'no rules on vacation!'"--and the ice cream or the donut or the cookie would be promptly handed over.

We stayed at a condo building that only had four units, and we were fortunate to share the space with really great people. The unit above us was empty, so our space was really quiet. A retiree, who owned a unit, was staying next to us and she was a great source of info--and a grandmother, so loved having the kids around and didn't mind their enthusiasm (a.k.a. LOUDNESS). The fourth unit was occupied by really great family with an 8-year-old girl, Lulu, whom Lainey totally hit it off with. Their son, Sam, was 11, so Nick lost out on a playmate again. Womp. Womp.

Lulu!

We ran into some residual weather from Harvey, but luckily the really big storms hit during the night. And when it did rain during the day, we just kept swimming in the pool--the kids thought that was awesome! Truly, I think those kids would have stayed in the pool from sun up to sun down, if we'd let them. Two little fishies! Nick enjoyed playing in the sand, but wanted nothing to do with the ocean. One taste of salt water and "his whole day was spoiled!" Lainey didn't love her first introduction to salt water either, but she adjusted quickly and really took to the waves.

Swimming in the rain

As deep as he would go

King of the Sand

Catching waves

The one activity we ventured out for (other than eating) was a dolphin tour boat ride. We kind of struck out on the dolphin viewing (one played for a bit right as we headed out, but we didn't get a good view from our spot on the boat), but Lainey still had a lot of fun on the boat. Nick did not--he was a grumpy, grumpy boy.

Grumpy Gus and the gals

At least someone had fun...

As much as I would have loved to stay a few more days, I think we hit it exactly right on timing. Mark and Nick's skin had definitely had enough of the beach, delicate little flowers that they are, and Lainey's hair was turning to straw from the salt water and chlorine. I still took the full week off and used Thursday and Friday to knock out chores and various appointments for the kids, so we can head into Labor Day weekend with nothing to do, but chill and have fun. So long summer--you were fast and furious, but oh so fabulous!

Farewell Florida...until next time...