Purdy Family Stories

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Florida - Day 4: More cousins, more beach!!

Saturday was just as beautiful as the day before, so we went for a repeat of the day at the beach theme, lasting five hours instead of four.

These kids have been waiting soooo long for sun and sand!

Taking her turn on Shamu

No idea what they were doing, but Megan and Lauren entertained themselves for quite awhile with this little chant and chop the waves game.

We had a great beach day and one last dinner with our favorite people in Florida, but then unfortunately it was time for their vacation to end - well, they live year-round in Tampa so I'm not sure how sorry I really feel for them, but still it was sad to say goodbye.

We caught the sunset after saying our goodbyes, just for old times sake.

Pre-sunset stretching

My girl

Aforementioned sunset

Friday, March 14, 2014

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.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

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!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

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.