Florida - Day 3: Cousins & the Beach!!

On Friday the weather was P.E.R.F.E.C.T. (even by picky Florida standards) for our planned beach day, and we made the most of it.

TGIF!

Our little Celiacs patient even got herself a plate of beach nachos - does life get any better?

Megan and Lauren riding the waves on the seaworthy Shamu

There were tons of rays in the water.  Though not particularly animal-rights friendly, this fisherman caught the same ray TWICE, and we used the opportunity to get up close and pet him (the ray, not the jerk fisherman)

After four hours in the sun, someone and her snoopy were dunzo.

Madame Silliness

This was her SEVENTH trip to Anna Maria.  

We returned to the beach for dinner at the cousins' place, an amazing sunset and fun with kites.

There goes Megan!

...and there go the rest of the cousins after her!

Hannah got a turn to fly next...

And then it was time to enjoy the sunset.

The cousins.  (Strategic and adorable posing compliments of their mothers)

Logan (4), Megan (6.5), Hannah (almost 4), Lauren (5.5)

This pose was all her own

I didn't catch the conversation but it sounded very important

Finally, we fed them.

Pile o' cousins - things got a little crazy after dinner

The sign of any good party is a guest passed out on the couch

It was an amazing day at the beach.

Florida - Day 2: Cousins



We always schedule time with our Florida cousins (Lauren - almost 6 and Logan - a few days shy of 4) while we visit Anna Maria, but this year we got an extra special treat - they came to stay on the island for TWO NIGHTS and THREE DAYS - YAY!

 

Our first day was a little "chilly" (at least by Florida standards - we Michigan people were soaking up the 60s) - so instead of the beach in the morning, we hit the park.

By afternoon we were ready to venture over to the sand

Hammock time

 

Mommy got a little relaxing done too

Things got a little silly at dinner time

Then we headed back to the beach to catch the sunset

Goodnight sun!  Tonight we rest, tomorrow we beach!

Florida - Day 1: Legoland & Manatees!

We don't normally do much with the parks during our annual pilgrimage to Anna Maria Island, but this year I happened to score a good deal on Legoland admission, and thought it might be a fun daytrip for me, Grandma and the girls.

 

Our first stop was to Apollo Beach, a manatee viewing center.  It's a lagoon area near a power plant - the warm water attracts manatees.  During our visit, it was a little windy and the water was kind of cloudy, so we were only able to see a few, but it was an enjoyable visit nonetheless.

 

We made it!

 

Note the sunglasses and shorts - it's been awhile for these Michigan kids!

 

We were impressed with this giant lego lady we met when we walked into the park.

 

 

It started to rain moments after we got into the park.  All it took was a $15 investment in ponchos and it stopped as soon as we got off the carousel.

Best $15 I've ever spent

NYC in Legos

Lego Statue of Liberty

Uh-oh, we found a splash toy...

Soaking up the sun

Enjoying more Lego rides

Coaster!

More splashing!

We were thrilled to feel HOT!

Super fun LEGO ride

 

The ultimate timeout

Getting a little silly with the LEGO camel

Getting ready for a LEGO jungle tour

Jungle ride partner

LEGO giraffes

LEGO lions

 

LEGO zebra

Ready for Driving School

She was an excellent little LEGO driver

This one was a different story.

We settled in for the night by trying to teach Grandpa how to play Guess Who

Fat Tuesday

Being the bakers that we are, Fat Tuesday is kind of a big deal around here.  We don't do paczkis, but normally would be surrounded by donuts on this wonderful day.  With the recent developments in our house, one of my top priorities was finding an adequate gluten-free substitute for the occasion.  Enter Facebook, and a very tempting custard filled chocolate eclair recipe I saw floating around.

Gluten-free baking has proven to be quite a challenge, but these puff pastries turned out fluffy and golden, which I attribute to the magic of Mardi Gras

My first attempt at the custard was a fail.  As I refuse to be outwitted by pudding, I gave it another go and ended up with one heck of a delicious vanilla custard on the second try.

Filled and frosted - let's party!

Bring it!

We may be a long way from the French Quarter, but we know how to party.

Nachos

This Momma is finding that the switch to gluten-free, at least in its early stages, is doubling my time in the kitchen and grocery store...and unfortunately, that doesn't translate to delicious crowd pleasers and super appreciative spouses or kids.  In our quest to find gluten-free family-friendly meals [and for Mom to maintain her sanity without totally losing it on these picky eaters I'm forced to feed], I attempted a nacho recipe one night.  Unwilling to accept complaints or tolerate whining of any nature, I let the kids build their own.  Megan chose chicken and cheese, while Hannah, who is not yet very open to the texture of various meats, opted for corn and cheese...

First bite.  Brace yourself, for what is about to happen may profoundly shock you to the core...

She LOVED them!  She ate every last bite and requested seconds!!  SCORE 1 FOR MOM!

Not only has her love of nachos led to several subsequent requests for nachos at mealtime, but girlfriend now insists on making her own.

Mom, currently feeling like a prisoner in her own kitchen, appreciates the extra assistance at mealtime.