Bonita Springs, Pt 1

We spent last week in sunny Florida with the Kellers! Boy it's fun getting away every now and then. This year started a little different than last year in that we left for the airport in the afternoon instead of at 3 am! Grandma Sandra dropped us off then went home to stay with Lois.




I was a little nervous for how this little lady would do on an airplane again.





This guy is a travel pro.



Marlo pleasantly surprised me and rocked the short flight. She slept then played pretty contentedly the rest of the time. WHEW. I'm sure it helped that she had her own seat and space.





We were surprised again when we ended up with a brand new Ford F-150 rental car! It was either that or a 16 person van. Kasper was in heaven, of course. (So was Rob.)



We made it to our house, found our way inside and made ourselves at home!




We didn't have a place for Marlo to sleep so we set up a crib with pillows. It became apparent we had to find something more suitable for her.




We woke up Sunday morning to a beautiful morning. We had coffee and toast down by the pool.





"Who brought this one?"


Our house was very tall and skinny and had lots and lots of stairs (and also an elevator). It was 4 stories!!

The house sits on a canal which it turns out was an awesome place to see the local wildlife. That fist morning there was a dolphin swimming off our dock!


There he goes!

We actually saw dolphins a couple times - one was even playing with a fish and rolling around about 2 feet from the dock. So fun. We also had a TON of birds flying around and up close and personal.

The kids couldn't wait to jump in the pool.



Kasper jumped right in! Last year it took some coaxing to get him in the pool.

Watching the video.


They ended up purple after a few minutes in the water.









Killing time at lunch while Rob was out renting a pack and play for Marlo. She was busting a gut and I can't even remember what it was about.











The kids went down for their naps and I went out for my afternoon walk on the beach. I have to pat myself on the back a little because I managed to get out every day and walk for at least a half hour every day - usually more. I didn't cover as much distance since it was over sand but it was nice to get out and move. My calves were killing me the first couple days.


My parents brought Kasper down to the beach when he got released from his room. (He napped only one day. SOMEHOW.) We followed soon after with Marlo when she woke up. She was IN LOVE with the beach. Total love.









I seriously had the best time watching Marlo run around. It was pure joy.











Here comes Kappy! I guess he ran up and down the beach at full speed while my parents were walking. He also collected pockets full of shells.



BIRD!!






Then she made Grandpa help her track it down.



We saw lots of pelicans diving into the water to catch fish. It's so cool.


















That was just the first full day! The fun is just beginning! I'll have to recap in stages. Enjoy part 1!