Welcome to Heaven, I mean, Florida

Two weeks in Florida was just what the doctor ordered for this sun-lovin' lady. We spent the first half of February mostly hating our cold life, and the last half you ask--turns out February's not half bad when you head down south! We filled each and every day with the important things in life, you know, sitting by the beach and swimming in our resorts' two swimming pools, and I couldn't wipe the silly grin off of my face. We wore shorts, we got tans and if you think that a two week vacation would get boring: think again! The boys and I were in tears when we had to head back to the chilly big city. But alas, we are back. And yes it is still cold. But the warm memories of Florida will melt the impending ice storm on my heart {enter cheesy sigh here}.

 

The real hero of the trip was James, since he was working his tail off everyday while we played and played. You see, this was actually a work trip for him, and me and the rug rats just crashed the party (thanks to some generous Christmas airline tickets from the Big Wigs!) I can't help but feel so grateful for James, his judge, our parents and everyone else who made this trip possible. It really was the best. 

 

So, Everett actually flew us to Florida. OK, no he didn't. But the kind Captain did let him sit up front (once we landed) and let him press any dang button he wanted. I feel so very, very sorry for the next Captain of that airplane who is going to be so confused with what my little boy left him!

 

When we landed this was the first thing I saw...and then T and I ran straight for the doors! Because you think I like sunshine? Meet my mini-me Talmage--that boy has sunshine running through his veins. This was actually the coolest it was on our whole trip. It mostly hovered at 85 degrees.

 

As soon as our suitcases hit the hotel room floor, we were in our suits and at the pool. The first day I made T wear his floaties (for my sake) but after that he was swimming around the pool like a pro. In fact, he made quite a name for himself by telling random pool-goers (who also might have been slightly tipsy) that he was going to be in the Olympics. They'd scream and cheer and ask for his autograph, and then he'd say, "Yep, just sign me up!" and show them his moves!

 

This silly boy went from hanging on to me for dear life (while in the big floatie!) to swimming around by himself (but still in the floatie) during our stay. I made him stay on the stairs while I was sitting nearby, but if I got in the water he could "swim" out to me.

 

But let's be honest, this is Everett we're talking about--what he really wanted was a snack! He spent a good portion of his day eating, begging for food, or crying because he was "so, so hungy." It's a hard world for two year old Ever, even if you're living a dreamy beach bum life!

 

This is the life! Lounging on the beach with orange Cheetos fingers to match the resort towels!

 

Again, T and I were in absolute heaven. I can't really explain what the sun does to us, but it's all good my friends. Our days usually consisted of beach time from 9 until noon, pool time from noon until 3, quiet time from 3 until dinner and then lots of food and fun once Daddy got home from work. Since our hotel was smack dab on South beach, the boys and I never had to go very far and it was so relaxing and rejuvenating!

 

Silly T.

 

Our hotel was super young and hip and, uh, maybe not totally used to having crazy little boys on their premises...for two weeks! People were mostly pretty nice, thankfully, and if the boys started being too loco I would give them the look and T would say, "Oh  yes, I forgot. This is a fancy place and we need to act really good and big so people don't get mad." The bartender at the pool was instantly charmed with their cuteness and made them homemade lemonades on the house...he even shook it like all of the "big people drinks" and they thought they were pretty dang special. Which they are!

 

 If I ever wondered how Talmage sees us, here is my proof. A picture of us, courtesy of him! 

 

 Most days we ended up going back to the beach for sunset, mostly because it was still 75 degrees and darn it, we could!

 

 The boys and their toys.

 While the boys dug a whole "straight to China" I watched the surfers and parasailers and tried to devise a plan that would allow us to move to Florida. Immediately.  

 

Me and my favorite ever T! 

 James was obsessed with finding coconuts and we would pick them up on our walks (but we had no idea what to do with them). But in no time we met our new friend Coconut Dre and he taught us how to break the shell, cut open the nut and drink the water. I was obsessed with it!  

 The coconut man himself! He was bear footed and showed us how he climbs the palm trees to pick the ripe coconuts. It was incredible! And he was so, so nice.

Us pretending that this was an exotic vacation for two and that we weren't pushing screaming boys in the stroller ;)

 

 

We are still adjusting back to our normal life, but hopefully I'll get things under control soon and I will post other adventures we took in Florida (mostly when James had a day off!) Dreamy, dreamy, dreamy!