Spring Break 2012

Last week, we spent spring break (as is tradition) in Marco Island, Florida, visiting Grandma & Grandpa Reynolds. The weather was gorgeous every day we were there, and we took advantage by going on boat rides, visiting the beach, swimming in their pool, & more. Dad played tennis with Grandpa several times. Shaling & Preston got to go on a waverunner ride with Grandpa.

We also enjoyed some indoor activities. We went to church & Sunday school, enjoyed several delicious home cooked suppers, & ate out for lunch everyday. One night, Grandma & Grandpa went to see Tony Bennett perform, while the four of us took in a family movie (The Lorax). The movie theater in Marco is a restaurant & theater all in one. We were seated at a table & chairs and ordered our food (including traditional movie theater popcorn) off of a menu. The kids had supper (corn dogs & pizza). Other available items include burger baskets, shrimp baskets, & a variety of sandwiches. The adults can even order beer or wine.

Both kids traveled very well. There was some minor bickering during the exhausting car ride, but it was minimal, typical, & brief. Heck, I would call it normal. They were also great while in Florida -- in fact, I thought they may both grow fins or gills at some point with all of the swimming they did.

Our trip began with a small cloud of frustration. We were supposed to fly from Springfield to Punta Gorda (just outside of Ft. Myers), but 4 days before our trip, DirectAir (the airline we were using) shutdown operations across the country. We aren't even sure at this point if we're going to get our money back. I confess to being upset about it, but overall, things could have been worse. Several travelers were stranded at their destinations & DirectAir did nothing to help them with alternate travel. At least we had warning. Plus, people with far worse problems than alternating their vacation plans would probably love to be in our shoes.

I knew I had taken a blog hiatus; I didn't realize HOW long. Wow. The kids are keeping us busy. Preston is in track & still in drum lessons. His Saturday morning bowling is still going as well. Shaling is in volleyball & a Girls on the Run program (preparing for a 5K). We are busy too. Brock plays basketball roughly 3 times a week. I attend at least 1 meeting a week. I'm also in the midst of planning 2 fundraisers for June.

Here are some pictures from our trip.

Our first "pit stop" was in Metropolis, Illinois.



Yay, we made it!


Grandma & Grandpa's house


one of our favorite restaurants


Shaling & Preston each take a turn driving the boat.









We had a fun morning at the beach.





The kids take a stab at playing tennis.




We saw some wildlife.

Grandma's favorite chameleon, "Red", who hangs out in the front yard.


a blue heron


a burrowing tortoise


a pair of eagles














Grandma & Grandpa's pool




the waverunner ride



Shaling caught a catfish.


Shaling rides Grandpa's "motorcycle".