Family Vacation Part 2 - Lauderdale by the Sea

After spending a couple days in Miami, we rented a car and drove an hour to Lauderdale-by-the-sea. It is a small town just north of Fort Lauderdale and it turned out to be the perfect place for our family vacation. Charlie had a blast swimming in the pool and the ocean daily. The town square was only a few blocks from our hotel and we had dinner there every night, followed by delicious ice cream at a local place in the square. It was a great week and we were not eager to return home to the polar vortex that had engulfed Chicago.

We had one day that started out rainy and a little chilly (by chilly I mean 60 degrees). While Evy was home napping I took Charlie out to the beach to search for shells. We had the beach almost completely to ourselves. We spent time looking for shells and jelly fish, both of which were covering the beach.

(Shoes off and heading to the sand)

;

(The first shell we added to our collection)

(This was our entrance to the beach)

We had lots of quality family time during our trip. We spent lots of time at the pool, going on adventures, and just hanging out. It turns out Charlie is the only person guaranteed to get a smile out of Evy. 

(Sibling time)

(Charlie ready for a swim)

(Charlie found a coconut and he was thrilled)

(Being goofy)

 

(Charlie is officially a fish and has no fear of the water)

(Evy got lots of rest on this trip)

(Charlie and daddy spent hours in the pool)

(I think Evy enjoyed the warm fresh air)

(During lunch in Ft. Lauderdale we found this statue that only Charlie was strong enough to move)

On our last full day we decided to check out the pier that was in town. We had lunch on the pier and then took one last swim in the ocean.

(Charlie and daddy waiting for our table)

(It's hard not to smile when the sun is out)

(What a beautiful girl)

(We met a very nice waitress at this restaurant who was willing to be our photographer)

(We tried to get both kids to look, although it is an impossible task)

(One semi-nice smile)

(We made it to the end of the pier)

(Charlie cracking jokes that likely end in "pickle")

(Daddy and Charlie searching for more shells on the walk home)

(That was a fun swim)

(Rinsing off the salt water)

(Evy was exhausted after all of the fresh air!)

I think it is safe to say, that this was a memorable trip and one we will not soon forget. We already booked for next year and we cannot wait to go back!

(Thumbs up from Charlie and daddy)