Florida 2012

Originally, I didn't think we'd be able to make our annual 2-3 week trip to Florida.  I was going to be involved in classes that would take nearly the entire summer and we thought we would have to wait until the very end of August, having just 10 days to squeeze in a trip.  However, my unexpected tonsillectomy knocked out any chance of me taking classes, due to the fact that the recovery is so long and I would miss far too much class.  As much as I was disappointed at the idea of having surgery, I was excited that we could enjoy more time in Florida. 

We packed the car and left on July 6th.  My throat was still a bit tender but I was feeling much better.  My only fear was a repeat performance from Dani, who was absolutely horrendous last year, screaming the ENTIRE drive down.  But, she was great.  It seems that being able to see (last year her car seat had to be rear facing) really agrees with Dani and she loves being able to watch movies with her brother.  And watch them we did.  They must have seen at least 10 movies in the course of the two day trip.  We stayed in a hotel which is really not too fun.  The kids were wound up from being cooped up in the car and they acted like little lunatics.  But we really couldn't be too annoyed with them.  But we were. 

Since we had two double beds, I slept with Jack, figuring I'd have more room than if I shared the bed with Paul.  However, that was before I realized that a 3 foot 40 pound kid can make himself seem 7 feet 350 lbs when you are sharing a bed with them.  He was sideways, he stole covers, he kicked me in his sleep.  It was awful.  I probably slept a grand total of 3 hours. 

We got to Florida and the fun began.  We did all of the things that Jack loves.  And it was awesome for Dani to truly experience it too.  She was there last year, of course, but as an 8 month old, she didn't have a full appreciation for fun.  Not this time. 

Fountains  Jack was pretty wimpy about these last year but was excited to run through them like crazy.  He kicked at the jets of water and really enjoyed himself.  The downside is that he ran around so much that he got terrible blisters on the balls of his feet.  We didn't even notice until he informed us that, "the cement is very rough." 

Dani didn't think that the fountains were that great.  I was kind of surprised, as I anticipated she would love it.  I think there was too much chlorine or she just couldn't wrap her brain around what was happening.  Didn't cry but it definitely wasn't her favorite.

Pool  Both kids swam like crazy.  We got Jack a new vest and he was terrific.  He had no fear.  He held his breath for a really long time and just looked so comfortable in the water.  It was nice not to have to worry about him in the pool and I figure that next summer, he'll be vest-free.

We suited Dani up in a full vest and swimmies.  The combination kept her buoyant and we didn't have to worry much about her either.  Jack loves the water more than Dani but Dani really liked it too.  She was not afraid to jump off the side at all and even go under water as she plunged. 

Beach  Our kids are definitely pool kids rather than beach kids.  Jack hates sand (like his Mommy) and is very intimidated by the waves.  Dani was unsure but allowed herself to be coaxed in by Nonny.  But all bets were off when a rouge wave knocked her over.  After that, she wasn't too excited about the beach.  It was a lot of work and no real reward.  I think we'll be sticking with the pool from now on.

Golf cart rides  They love these.  Dani liked them so much that every time we passed the golf cart in the garage, she would stop and angrily stomp her feet and cry if it became clear that we were not going to be taking the cart out.

Fireworks  Each Thursday, there is an air show followed by fireworks.  We got down there early for dinner and both Jack and Dani loved the airplanes.  Dani likes them so much we think she might become a pilot.  The first Thursday Dani excitedly watched the fireworks.  Jack, who hadn't shut up about watching fireworks all day, decided he found them to be scary and had his head buried in my shoulder.  Oddly, he finally opened his eyes during the grand finale. 

He got better by the second time, informing us after the fireworks, "That was awesome.  And I had my eyes open!"  They both loved every visit to the harbor.  Jack has also decided that the green fireworks are his favorites.

The Boathouse  The Boathouse is the best place to go in Destin.  It's a dumpy bar with dollar bills and bras stapled to the walls.  There are no windows, only screens.  After our first visit there, we were fairly certain that Dani's bra will someday wind up on a wall of the Boathouse.  Lest you think I am a horrible parent and are ready to speed dial DCFS for bringing my children to a bar, this is actually a super friendly place and they have a guy playing Jimmy Buffet from 4-7.  The kids loved the music and danced up a storm.  In the three trips we made there, the kids made $4 in tips. 

Shopping  Dani loves it.  She loves running up and down Destin Commons and making people smile. 

Dani really was the little social butterfly of the trip.  People seem to gravitate to her.  She locks them in with her coy little smile and head tilt and it's over.  And she knows it and works it.  She says hi to everyone and tries to win everyone over by doing something cute.  I really hope she uses her powers for good rather than evil.  Right now, I am thinking that she will either be president or the leader of a cult.  We are hoping for the former. 

We also learned that she loves to wear dresses, putting yet another item in the column for reasons she might not be my daughter.  This is right below, "Favorite food--broccoli" and "Can usually take or leave sweets." 

Jack had a bit of a rough go, medically.  In addition to the foot blisters from the fountains, he had a little issue with a bug bite.  It rained one morning and we couldn't go in the pool.  Instead, we headed to a horse farm and fed the horses.  The kids really enjoyed that.  When we got back, I helped Jack get ready for his nap and I noticed a huge red bite on his leg.  I have no idea how or where he got it since he didn't even mention it. He was whimpering the rest of the day and had a very restless night sleep.  He was limping badly in the morning and we all just thought he was being a wimp.  However, I decided to take him to the urgent care center because it was uncharacteristic for him.  After waiting for 2 hours, we finally learned that the bite had become infected (I guess they can just get infected that fast) and he had an abscess that took up a good part of his leg.  The doctor also confirmed that it wasn't Jack being overdramatic--it hurt to walk. 

We had to tend to it carefully, and after it opened, we had to be careful since there is staph bacteria in abscesses (gross).  He was on antibiotics for 10 days and we had one more trip to the urgent care place due to him getting sick (it was unrelated).  Fortunately he healed up well but it was quite the adventure.

Despite a few medical issues, it was a fantastic trip.  It is so nice and relaxing.  The kids have the greatest time (though we realized that they can never share a room again--they don't stop talking!) and so do we.  I am only sorry that we won't be able to go as long next year due to my classwork.  But I can take comfort in the fact that we truly lived it up this time and that we will maximize whatever time we have there next year!