Spring Vacation

Last week we travelled to Land O Lakes, FL for spring vacation. I do not think we realized how much we needed a vacation until we got away. Even though it was still a lot of work and very busy, we came back refreshed. It was wonderful. 

We stayed with our very good friends, the Claytons. Alicia and Russell moved to Florida last year and we have missed them dearly. It was so nice of them to host us (we are a wild bunch!) and we felt so taken care of!

We headed out around 7 am Sunday morning. It was a 10 hour drive and I must say the children did surprisingly well. Sure we may have watched way too many videos, but we survived! We arrived at our friends at about 5/5:30. We then had delicious home made pizza and got caught up. 

On Monday we decided just to stay in and relax. After that long drive, I think the children needed a "hang out" day. We took a long walk around the neighborhood, played with little Emily (our friend's little girl), watched some (more) television, played outside, and went to a playground. It was great. 

On Tuesday Eric and I and the big boys went to The Magic Kingdom. This day has a separate post (because my goodness does it deserve one!) 

On Wednesday we headed to Clearwater Beach. It is about an hour away from the Clayton's house and was beautiful! White, sandy beaches. Beautiful clear water. I loved it. And Alicia brought her tent so the babies could play. It was a great day. That evening Alicia and I headed to Chipotle for dinner and the guys had take out BBQ. 

We headed home on Thursday. We were all exhausted and sun kissed, but did not want to leave. It was such a great vacation. The ride home went well and the children were happy to see their beds. I am looking forward to another vacation next year!

This was a sign outside of the playground we visited in Land O Lakes. I thought it was pretty funny. Oh Florida. 

 He loved the swing!

 And my big boy is learning how to pump his legs to swing on his own. 

 Walking in the wonderful Florida crab grass.

 Emily and Ellie. 

 This was taken on the day Eric, the boys and I were at Disney. She had so much fun playing with Emily. 

 Russell taking the girls for a ride. 

 Dinner time!

 Walking in the sand. 

 The water was cold, but he loved it!

 And this girl is a BEACH BABY! She was busy, busy, busy the entire time we were at the beach. She threw a huge fit when we had to leave. She could have stayed all day. 

 Our very gracious hostess!

 Our family on the last day of vacay!