Warm Days in Florida

We got back last night from a wonderful week in Florida. The four of us went to the airport together, but I caught a flight half an hour later to Chicago to visit my dear friend Cathy Carabetta, a former Pew co-worker. I thought for sure Luke would get upset when I left him with Ken and Bryn at his gate, but he didn't. He knew that awaiting him on the flight were presents in the carry-on bag (new Matchbox cars), videos, and snacks. Ken was very brave to fly with Bryn and Luke by himself -- not something I've attempted myself! I'm so very grateful for his willingness to do so as I was really craving a weekend away. I had a wonderful time with Cathy. We shopped at a lot of unique boutiques, ate meals out, and even met up with a friend from college, Heather Leisman, who's living in Chicago although hoping for an opportunity to work abroad, perhaps in Sydney. I hadn't seen Cathy in three years -- since I was pregnant with Luke! So time together was way overdue.
After two nights with Cathy I flew to Florida and met up with the rest of the gang, including Karlye and Mike, who were in town for one last night before heading back to Pittsburgh.


We usually go to Florida during the winter holidays or at some other point in the winter -- January or Februay, so as to get a break from the cold temperatures in Philadelphia. But it's not warm enough to swim in St. Augustine during those months, so we thoroughly enjoyed our visit in May when the kids could play in the ocean and make the most of the beach. I think we'll be looking to make trips in the coming years around the same time. The temperature was in the low-80s, and the water temperature was pleasant.





Both Bryn and Luke enjoyed splashing in the ocean -- neither was afraid of the waves. But the highlight of the trip was watching Bryn take to boogie boarding. She's usually so cautious, but she was absolutely fearless in the water! Even when she wiped out, she got right back on and went for another run.



Luke had a turn, too, although Ken always held on to the boogie board's tether. Luke did flip over once, and at that point he, understandably, wanted to leave the beach immediately.

Our flight home wasn't until 6 p.m., so we had the better part of our last day to enjoy the beach. On this trip we also went for the first time to a turtle pond. Next time we're in Florida we'll look into the new pirate ship that hadn't yet received its clearance from the Coast Guard to accept passengers as well as crabbing. There's so much to do when we visit Nana and Papap -- particularly when the weather's warm. :) This rare family portrait was taken just as we were leaving for the airport.