Bonita Springs, FL

On November 16th 2010, we packed our most important belongings and headed south for a two week adventure in the warm tropical sun.  How were we ever going to make a 24 hour trip with two young children in the car and my parents following us closely behind?  For some miracle the kids were amazing and well behaved for most of the car ride and my parents stuck to our bumper like glue.  After a three day excursion of reaching landmarks that included Richmond, VA and St. Augustine, FL, we finally reached Bonita Spring, FL which is located on the Gulf Coast, three hours south of the Florida border. For two years of my young college days, I had the opportunity to live in Southern Florida so it was very nostalgic to be back with my husband and children and share a few of my crazy memories and stomping grounds with them.  Words cannot describe how beautiful and luxurious our resort was.  We felt like royalty with the amount of space and amenities provided for us.  It was truly paradise.   

 Inside our beautiful resort

 Sanibel Island

 At the Bubble Room, Fort Myers FL

Mouska Halloween

On one dark, scary Halloween night
There remained two mice in the house that caused quite a fright.
 
They scattered in the dusk from house to house
Looking for goodies suitable only for a mouse

Doorbells rang and candies were collected
Each piece of sweetness was properly inspected

The treats were nibbled and their bellies were fed
Then off to sleep they snuggled in the warmth of their bed.

Rylan's first field trip

This past fall was Rylan's first field trip to Smolak farm for a fun hayride, apple picking, animal petting as well as snacking on some delicious apple donuts and cider.  Being the Mother of the year that I am, and I write this sarcastically, I volunteered to chaperone the group.  Apparently there was a lack of adults in attendance so I had to watch Rylan and two other very hyperactive and curious boys.  Rylan's favorite part of the trip was riding in a big boy school bus.  He had always wanted to ride on the big yellow beast so this was a major deal for him. All the boys were very well behaved but they definitely kept me on my toes as one boy would dart in one direction while the other two would run in another. I definitely got my exercise that day!

Family Day 2010

Every year our family attends the family day festival right down the street from us.  The event is filled with rides, contests and lots of food.  The best part?  Everything there is FREE and catered by several of the local area restaurants.  The kids love snacking on cotton candy and ice cream while the rest of us fight the crowds for more food and freebies.