We spent a large part of the week in Clearwater Beach checking out the white sandy beach, the wonderful heated pool at the condo, and the newly opened playground. The boys had fun digging with their new shovels and buckets in the sand, and burying their matchbox cars. We had fun walking down to Pier 60 to see the sunset festivities including bounce houses, street performers, the new playground, and the beautiful sunset over the ocean. All of this is within walking distance to grandmas. When we had enough of the sand and surf, or while Parker was napping, Brady and Daddy spent a lot of time in the heated pool. Brady wears his arm floaties and goggles and watches Daddy or other kids swimming under water. He can also paddle himself around in a circle. Parker got some pool time too and while hanging onto Mommy practiced kicking to swim. The pool was quite a busy place and a great place to get some sun. The boys received a nice present from Grandma - two scooters. Brady had a blast learning how to push himself on it even getting good enough to take it outside. Parker, wanting to be like big brother, hopped on too but didn't quite understand how to push so Jeff was gracious enough to push him around and around. Mom and Dad took advantage of the free babysitting and spent an afternoon walking the shoreline, going out to dinner, or midnight hot tub time. Life is good!
We did take an excursion to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium home of Winter the famous dolphin from Dolphin Tale. She was found tangled in a fishing net and ended up losing her tail fin but has learned to survive and make use of a prosthetic tail. Two other dolphins reside there as well - Nick (sunburn victim) and Hope (another net rescue). The boys enjoyed seeing the animals and running around but were probably a little too young to really understand it.
Going Through Security at Logan Airport - These Two Just Love Each Other
Grandma Reggie & Jeff in Clearwater Beach
Didn't Take Long to Relax - Floridaaaaahhh
Mr Cool
Ready for Sunset Dinner at the Sand Pearl
Taking the New Scooter for a Spin
Already Doing Backflips!
Little Munchkin Running in the Sand
We also took a trip down the coast to Venice FL to visit Grandpa Bob and Grammie Terry and check out their new house. It's only 1hr 45min from Clearwater so perfect for taking the boys on a nap ride. We spent the first night checking out that beach. With the smaller crowds and beach the boys got brave enough to dig sand trenches and wade in the water. We also saw little clams that would wash ashore and quickly bury themselves in the sand. And just down the shore we saw someone catch a small shark! The boys had fun digging with Grandpa and Grammie until the sun went down. The next day we took a trip to Myakka River State Park for an airboat ride to see the alligators - we saw a bunch too! Some weren't too fond of the boat and got up and walked off. Crocodiles like warmer water so they are only found further south. The boys had fun that afternoon getting treated to ice cream, getting to run through a water fountain in town, and visit a local park. Parker is getting to be such a big boy, he started going down playground slides all by himself! He goes barefoot and knows how to use his feet to slow himself down, when needed. What a smartie.
Grandpa Bob & Grammie Terry on the Beach in Venice
Sunset in the Surf
Parker Showing off his Incoming Canine Teeth
My Florida Sunshine
All in all it was a much needed week of rest and relaxation. Hope we didn't wear the grandparents out too badly! We can't wait to go back.
