Happy New Year!

December 17th, Tom called home from work.  He never calls "just to chat" during the workday, so I was curious what he wanted.  "Florida?" he asked?  Huh?  Spontaneously pack up the kids two days after Christmas for a few days of sun at the beach?  Umm, okay.  We figured that this trip would be either really, really great, or a disaster. 

Day One: Travel

All the kids did fantastic! Our two flights to Palm Beach were on time, and the kids (even Tommy) were on their best behavior.  We didn't land until about 9:00pm, so after we picked up our rental and Tom installed the three car seats, it was straight to the condo then off to bed.  The next day we woke to cloudy skies but 80 degree temps!  We headed to the beach with entirely too many beach toys (my fault) and the boys happily dug in the sand.  The downside?  A LOT of wind.  Luckily we had a mini beach tent that we were able to get up despite the high winds, and Kaya spent her first beach day sheltered in there. 


Hanging out at the rental car lobby while Tom installed the kid's seats.  The Leap Pad saved us many times.  Oh, and at almost 10 pm, Kaya was still awake in her stroller.

P could have hung out at the airport all day just looking out the window. 

 

Day Two: The Beach!

Kaya had two bathing suits.  Of course.

Kaya's first dip in the Atlantic.

Day Three:  Palm Beach Zoo

Two thumbs up! I wasn't expecting much, but this small zoo was awesome.  It didn't feel at all like a zoo.  Lots of palm tree and small exhibits made it feel like we were exploring inside a tropical resort rather than a zoo.  The boys watched a show about birds that put the animals within a few feet of where we were sitting.  Patrick's favorite exhibit was the white alligator, and Tommy just wanted ice cream.

The view from the snack/eating area at the zoo

 

Day Four: Beach!

The overcast skies never left during our trip, but the winds died down after the first beach day and we were able to spend four hours at the beach on our last full day.  Patrick dug a hole so deep he hit water at the bottom, and Tommy made roads with his construction trucks.  Kaya never fell asleep for more than 45 minutes, but she was content to just look around.

The boys were quite uncooperative with getting their picture taken, but we scrounged up this family shot on our last day:

The biggest achievement of Day 4 was Patrick's big catch.  After repeated fishing failures in Erie, Patrick FINALLY caught more than seaweed.  Here he is with his first fish.  He was so excited that I wish I had his very initial reaction on video.  Tom told me later that P kept saying, "We did it , dad!" "We caught a fish! "No more seaweed!"  He also told everyone and anyone who chatted him up at the airport about his accomplishment. 

Day 5: Travel Home

We squeezed in a quick morning walk around the marina where we were staying before heading to the airport.  Kids were so good again on the flights home, and we walked through the door about 6:00 p.m.  The boys were exhausted, but that didn't keep them from waking up at 6:15 this morning.



 Happy New Year!