florid-aaaah

we had six days of warm sun on our shoulders, splashing pool water in our faces, and cool ocean breezes in our hair. we had six days of uninterrupted time with nana and papa. we had big yummy home-cooked family meals, we had cold ice cream, and we demolished a box of dreamsicles. we had the best time. thank you thank you thank you louise and jim, for being splendid hosts, for having the sunshine, for all that you do for us and with us.

so here it is: six days in naples.

the biggest thing we did was pool time.  these kids took their swim lessons seriously this year, and it was obvious. like, mom-and-dad-out-of-the-pool-while-kids-swim-unattended-with-other-kids. that was a first.








we went to an old school roadside attraction in bonita springs. it was all alligators and crocodiles and birds and reptiles. it was pretty cool. after that, we went to a real-deal mexican restaurant (you know, the kinds that looks like a crowded and condemned deli and carniceria with a dining room in the back blasting mexican music videos from the tvs). that was a total highlight for me. i dreeeeeammm of those restaurants ever since having to abandon them in santa cruz and watsonville for the sterile sad substitutes in madison. but, i digress..... crocodiles! alligators!

i mean, look at this sign. this place is legit.




there was a beach day, with a long walk on a boardwalk through mangrove swamps and over inland coastal waterways and sloughs. gorgeous.



at the beach, the kids immediately got down to business. shell collecting, running, water carrying, digging. there was a lot to do.

 

 there was also a downtown pier day for pelican and cormorant and dolphin watching. we were not disappointed. this little dolphin frolicked near these swimmers for a long time.


watching so closely...


we went to a park, the kids played on a playground, and danced a crazy dance at the bandshell stage in the park. they are bonkers.


we scootered hard and fast. and sometimes we'd take a break while scootering around to admire the flowers (orchids! hibiscus! irises!), lizards, birds, or spanish-moss-laden trees.

we even had crabby moments. yep. even on vacation. 

and at every turn, we were with david's parents. it was really a wonderful time.