Florida to Maryland to Oregon

After returning Rut to her family, we spent one more night around Baltimore airport waiting to fly out on Monday.  The girls enjoyed the hotel, swimming and having more ice cream.  Then we had enough time to hit Annapolis and the mall before flying out.  Dani's mom was very excited to see her when we arrived

Our last few days in Florida

Our last few days in Florida were spent at the beach and at Disney Springs in Orlando.  The water was so clear at Barefoot Beach that the girls could use their snorkel masks to see clear to the bottom.  It was a treat and definitely felt like we were in the Caribbean.  Disney Springs was warm, but we had a great time shopping around before heading back on the 18 hour drive back to Maryland.  The girls were great for the two days driving home, but were definitely ready to get out of the car!

Fourth of July

Unfortunately Chris had to take off on Fourth of July to go back to get the truck loaded for his big cross country uhaul adventure.  In the meantime, the girls and I had a great time enjoying the fireworks on Bonita Beach.  There was nothing formal, but man did a lot of independent folks have some amazing fireworks all along the beach.  Plus you could see all the city fireworks from Sanibel to Ft. Myers Beach and clear down to Naples.  The rain cleared just in time for us to get front row parking and a great seat on the beach.  The girls were a little scared by how close the fireworks seemed but it made it extra special and they were kept safe and far away from the crazy birds lighting off the fireworks.  What a fun evening.

It's rough being a kid at the beach

Yesterday was such a beautiful day at the beach that I got to go twice.  Once for my morning walk/bike ride then a second time with the girls.  The water was so clear and calm that the girls even swam around with their goggles picking up shells from underwater.  It was the first time I've ever seen Lily in the ocean with her head under water without being scared.  Definitely a treat.  And we found loads of amazing shells to at Barefoot Beach.

More Florida Fun

More fun in Florida including shell craft crowns while eating California Pizza Kitchen. 

The Rookery Bay Nature Reserve fish tanks 

And an awesome shelling adventure on Marco Island Tiger Tail Beach

Disney World (for just one day)

Boy is it ever stifling hot in Orlando in the middle of the summer.  At least by the beach we get nice breezes.  But Orlando is home of course to the most magical place on earth, so who could refuse.  Kim took the girls to the Magic Kingdom for the day.  We got up at 4:00am to drive to Orlando so we could be the first ones in the park.  And boy did we ever get on a few of the rides fast.  Unfortunately that was short lived as the wait time on rides crept up as the crowds drew in.  But we still had an amazing time.  It was Dany and Ruts first time so it was even more special.  And the girls were troopers despite the lines and heat.  They were definitely pooped on the way home.

Shopping & Game Night

Florida has been especially fun with three girls to entertain.  There have been shopping trips, trips to book stores, movies, going out for meals, game nights, crafts, shelling and the list goes on and on.  Oh and did I mention the hours and hours and hours of pool time.  Wowza we have fish here.  Here are a few pictures from some of our crazy fun.