In need of some time away, we opted to rent a condo on the beach in Clearwater, Florida. We spent 6 days on the beach enjoying the sand and surf.
Our
first leg of the trip was the plane ride. The airline schedule did not quite
work with Charlie's nap schedule (can you believe it?) so we did not know what
we were in for. We definitely got some looks from people on the way to Florida
and the way home because they expected the worse, but luckily they were
pleasantly surprised and on both trips told us what a great job he did. We were
also very happy and grateful. I had to bring out a few tricks, like a blue
sucker right at the end, but overall we were impressed by his ability to stay
in one place for more than 10 minutes.
(Notice the blue sucker? We are landing in FL) (Heading home and still happy)
We had been telling Charlie for weeks about the beach and I don’t think he was disappointed. After lots of travel by plane and automobile he got his first glimpse of the water and said, “I am going to jump in the water right now!” And as soon as we got to our condo and out to the beach that is exactly what he did. I was alone with Charlie is the ocean for the first 20 minutes and I could barely keep him above water. In true Charlie fashion he had no fear and was diving head first.
By
the time the evening hours rolled around on our first night we were all
exhausted. After driving around trying to find somewhere fast for dinner, we
settled on Steak and Shake. Not quite parents of the year, but we needed to get
in and out fast. When we got there, Charlie looked like a zombie, but after a
little food he started to play and even put the Steak and Shake hat on to dance. There was an older couple at the table next to us and they thought Charlie was adorable and even bought him ice cream!
(He still looks exhausted)
The
condo we rented was great. We were able to have breakfast and lunch at the
house and even relax a little before nap time and bedtime. Charlie slept in a
big boy bed for the first time on this trip. It did not go quite as well as we
had hoped. He napped well most days, but getting him to stay in bed at night
was not easy. Every night after he fell asleep we would sneak into his room and
pick him up from wherever he fell asleep (the closet, the floor, in front of
the door, on the side of the bed) and put him in his bed. It was a learning
experience.
(Loving life and having breakfast on the balcony!)
(A little Mickey Mouse before nap)
(He even managed to get into some trouble)
While
the rest of Florida was pounded with rain, we only had one day of questionable
weather. We made the most of it, by heading to the Clearwater Aquarium. Charlie
loved watching the dolphin show. After the show, the weather cleared up enough
for us to make it to the pier.
(Yay Dolphins!)
(You know you are on vacation when you don't need to wear shoes in public)
Matt and I both took some time to relax in our own ways – I got an amazing massage and Matt golfed. It was good for both of us. While I was partaking in my own activity, Matt tried to take Charlie for a bike ride. They made it for 10 minutes in the blazing heat before Charlie decided he was done and wanted out. Lucky for them I was on my way home and could pick them up!
(He looks happier than daddy)
At
the end of our trip, we decided to drive to St. Petersburg for dinner. We wish
we would have made this discovery sooner because we loved it. There were tons
of places to eat, shop and a huge park and pier. After we enjoyed a delicious
dinner (we had not had many good dinner on vacation) we took Charlie on a
carriage ride. He even got to drive Henry, the horse.
(The Dobry family and Henry)
(Charlie checking out one of the art gallery sculptures)
(He is picking up the Florida vibe after a fun trip to St. Petersburg)
On
our last day of vacation, our friends the Sawyers came to visit us from
Orlando. We have not seen them since they moved the previous summer so it was a
treat. It completed a fabulous trip and we were finally able to get a family
picture!
(So long Florida!)
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