We just got back from our first family vacation as a family of three. We went to my family's condo in Longboat Key, Florida, outside of Sarasota. We had anticipated warm 70 degree weather, but that was not meant to be. It was windy and in the 50s. We even had to buy G a new sweater and zip up jacket. I had tried to pack the best I could for the weather for her but most of her clothing in her current size (6-9 months) are for spring weather.
Tuesday, February 26 - Flew down to Tampa on an early morning flight out of Baltimore. G did great on the flight. Fell asleep during take off. Very little crying. I, on the other hand, was a mess. Anyone who knows me, knows I despise flying. I get really worked up before every flight and promise myself that I will never fly again. Before the flight even took off the pilot informed us the flight would be bumpy and the flight attendants would stay seated for longer after take off. The flight was bumpy with about 30 minute window where the flight attendants were able to do beverage service. We successfully navigated the airport with infant car seat, stroller, 3 suitcases and a pack-n-play. We rented our car (a Crown Victoria - wanted to fit in with the locals) and were on are way. We stopped for lunch at Outback Steakhouse in route to Longboat Key. One of the many wonderful things about staying at the condo is the kitchen. We are able to go to the grocery store and fix ourselves breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the week and not have to spend a lot of money eating out. The people at the grocery store (Publix) ate G up. They do not get many little babies in the store.
Wednesday, February 27 - Went for two walks on the beach. The gulf water was rather cold but we got use to it hitting our ankles after a bit. The gulf was rather choppy and the waves were bigger than I had ever seen before. G seemed to love our walks. We even put her toes in the sand so she could feel it. Our walk in the evening was much colder. G was dressed in pants.
Thursday, March 1 - We took another walk on the beach in the morning. G even fell asleep for the majority of the walk. She did not nap well in the pack-n-play on vacation. However most nights she slept better than she did at home. We took G to the kiddie pool. She was very hesitant at first. She makes this sound whenever she cold. It's like three inhales without exhaling. She made this noise at first. After a bit she discovered that she could splash around. She did not like that at first when she splashed the water went in her face. Josh laid her on her back a bit and she loved kicking her feet.
Friday, March 2 - We went to a spring training baseball game- the Oriels vs the Pirates. The weather was very chilly. One of the beer salesmen scared G. He was walking down the aisle screaming "cold beer". The first time he said it G jumped. The second time, she started screaming. She rarely screams like that. The entire section then booed the man. He apologize profusely. I did not anticipate G to react like that and was laughing so hard from the entire experience that there were almost tears. The man behind us even offered to treat Josh and I to beers. The second time the salesman came around he whispered "cold beer". Good thing because G had finally fell asleep in Josh's arms. The game ended with a great play. Oriels were ahead 5 to 4 at the top of the ninth and the final out was at home plate.
Saturday, March 3 - Went to a train expo and RV expo. With the cold weather we had to find other non-beach things to do. The train expo was a bit of a let down. We had seen an advertisement for it on the news so we thought about checking it out. We assumed it would be lots of train scenes set up. But it was mostly people selling gear. They did have an interesting set-up of Lego trains. The RV expo was interesting because we got to see the inside of different models. Josh had worked at Coachman back in his youth so he enjoyed getting to see those models.
Sunday, March 4 - Went to church at First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota. One of the pastors from my mom's work had just taken a new position there. We went to say hello to him.
Monday, March 5 - We went to lunch at Dry Dock Grill in Longboat Key and walked around St. Armands circle. Found a shop of clothing for G that I absolutely love, Litte Bo-Tique. Wish I could have bought everything there. Unfortunately, it was a bit out of my price range. While we were walking around, G was going to town chewing on her stroller strap. Once we got back to the condo, I discovered that G's top tooth had pushed through. Guess all the chewing had paid off.
Tuesday, March 6 - Prepare to come home to DC. The flight was much smoother into Baltimore. G did not fall asleep during take off as she normally does. She is getting more mobile and does not like to be constraint for so long. She fell asleep for about 15 minutes in the middle of the flight before she had a coughing fit and woke herself up. We landed around 9:30, collected our numerous bags, and found the car. We got home shortly before 11. I put G to bed and Josh ran to the grocery store to get us food before the big Snowquestration hits.
