It is good to be back in Wisconsin. Not that I didn't love the perfect weather, sandy beaches, refreshing ocean, shelling, rum daiquiris and fresh fish...... but we missed Ron and it was wonderful to see him after a week away!
We had a fantastic trip and I loved spending time with my mom, sister and nephew! Sanibel is a barrier island on the gulf in Florida. Sanibel concentrates on preservation and ecology and natural habitats are put at high importance. Also, because of how the island is shaped and it's location many beautiful shells wash up on the beach. We arrived at Fort Meyers (Kelln was awesome on the plane) on Saturday afternoon and made our way to Sanibel. Here is a picture of us navigating the airport (babywearing isn't just for babies!):
We stayed at the Sundial Resort and had a little trouble with our room not being ready until after 6pm and the first woman we spoke with was pretty snappy! After being up since 5 am with two young children this did not sit well with us but resort gave us a discount for our trouble. We were is warm beautiful weather and those things become small potatoes. However, in Wisconsin, people who work in Door County have described having a "case of the Augusts" at the end of the season and I think this place had a "case of the Aprils" since it was near the end of their busy season on Sanibel. We hit the beach after we were finally able to check-in and it was beautiful. It was very calm compared the to remainder of the week when the waves were crashing in.
The following day we had a beach day with sun, surf and strawberry daiquiris. My sister and I also began our shelling (obsession) fun! We were literally running up and down the beach with goggles, shell bags and nets......
Kellen loved trying to hear the ocean in the shells.
The remainder of the week was a mix of pool/beach time, but we also had a few excursions. Our first stop was to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. This was perfect for my sister and I to look and see what finds we were missing! The shell museum also had a wonderful children's area.
Lofty goals.........
We also made a stop at J.D. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It was so cool to see the wildlife, but it was really hot and the kids were not feeling the longer walks. I would love to go back and explore more.
In the evening I made sure to have a few of these delicious bad boys:
and a delicious caramel chocolate ice cream from Pinocchio's called Dirty Sand Dollar:
The next few days were by the beach filled with sand castles and shelling before we had to come home.
and then it was time to say goodbye to Florida!
The flight home went great with the exception of a bit of anxiety. Before the plane took off the captain announced that there would be a bit turbulence due to a weather front. The kids thought the bumps were fun and the adults white knuckled their arm rests, but we landed safe and sound.
When we finally arrived home (after a quick Trader Joe's stop) my Dad was nice enough to have grilled ribs and beans ready for us! Ron picked us up and it was so nice to finally crawl into my own bed and read. I am currently reading The Girl on The Train and really enjoying it. I wish I could have finished it, but Kellen wanted to do a few puzzles on my Kindle on the flight.
Tonight we are grilling brats and relaxing. I am off work tomorrow and will spend the day getting all of our laundry finished and put away! The rest of the week will be pretty relaxed and getting a bit of yard work done. I am also looking forward to Law and Order's crossover show on Wednesday (and Game of Thrones tonight!). I am also working on a few blogging events and getting my recipes in line.
Have a great week!
Here is what is on tap:
Monday: Darn Good Roast, Company Potato Casserole and Salad
Tuesday: Grilled Chicken Caprese, Parmesan Cous Cous and Salad
Wednesday: Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin, Wild Rice and Salad
Thursday: Skillet Ham and Cheese Gnocchi and Salad
Friday: Grilled Honey Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers and Charred Vegetable Quinoa Salad
Saturday: Out
Sunday: Garlic Herb Burgers with Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Aoli and Feta, American Fries and Zucchini