Flori-duh!

Sunset in Islamarada

Dinner at Marker 88

Sunny Florida

Everglades National Park

Aiden at the beach- and loving every minute!

Loving the water and waves.

So...I was contemplating the story of our trip and I really don't know where to start. There was so much going on all at once that it is hard to begin, but I guess starting at the beginning is the best so here goes. We woke up in the morning with enough time to get to the airport. Aiden was a little cranky but that is usual for him these days. We parked and waited for the shuttle. Aiden was doing okay at this point, however, the minute we got on the shuttle he freaked out. Screamed and kicked and sprawled himself on the ground. Going through security wasn't any easier. He didn't want to do it and made himself known. By the time we got the gate I needed a drink...and I am not talking soda. The plane ride started off okay but Aiden showed his true colors and got antsy about 15 minutes into the flight. On the seat, off the seat...on the seat, off the seat. It took a lot of energy trying to keep him entertained. He did not want to be in the seat belt and fortunately most of the flights the attendants were okay with that. On the flight from Atlanta to West Palm Beach there was a little girl sitting behind us that was learning to talk but she definately knew the word Florida except she said it like Flori-duh. And...she said it about thirty times before we got off the plane. Exhausted, we found the shuttle to the rental car place, somehow fit into the too small Saturn Vue and found our way to the hotel. The following day we drove around looking for Jesse's old house and elementary school. We also stopped at the beach and had a great time. Aiden loved it! He didn't have a swimming suit on but that didn't stop him. He went all in and couldn't get enough. That night we had Charlie's famous spaghetti and meatballs at Barb's sister's house. On the third day we took Aiden back to the beach but took him in his swimming suit. It was a little cold and windy so we didn't stay long. We had dinner at Outback with Barb's family....by this time I am feeling exhausted. We stayed in a suit that had two bedrooms but the bed wasn't big enough for Jesse, myself and Aiden so Aiden and I slept in the bed and Jesse slept on the hide-a-bed in the living room. Now...I don't know about you...but there is reason the we do not let Aiden sleep in our bed. He is a wild sleeper. He was kicking me, punching me, rolling over me and pretty much just trying to sleep in the same space that I was. We drove down to the Everglades National Park...got out...saw an alligator...got back in the car and drove back to our hotel. Oh wait, we did stop and get a cuban sandwich- yummm. We also took a drive to the Keys and had the wonderful opportunity to see the sun set during dinner. It was amazingly beautiful. By the time we headed home we were ready. Except for maybe Ben...He and Jesse went fishing out of Key Largo and he wanted to stay an extra day to go again. After a long two plane rides back home, we made it. Tired and exhausted but thankful that we had the opportunity to go.