Florida Sunshine

On Saturday we said, "Good-bye!" to Savannah and headed south to Sarasota, Florida where most of Mike's immediate family (and some aunts, uncles and cousins) live.

We soaked up some sun at Siesta Key beach as much as we could. I think it might be one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited. The kids had so much fun playing in the beautiful, white sand, and they had so much fun swimming in the clear, blue water. We were literally swimming with the fishes. It was amazing! There were no waves the one day we were there, so the 5 of us spent 2 hours just floating in the ocean.

Our zoo pass gave us admittance to the aquarium, so we spent a morning there with Mike's brother and his wife, Brendan and Robin, and their 4 kiddos.

Thursday evening found the Sommers clan having a cookout at South Lido Beach, where Mike's uncle Mike (yes, you read that right!) brought his boat and took everyone on rides. Once again, there were hardly any waves, so the kids enjoyed more time in the water together.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Sydney show some caution (maybe even fear?!) on the boat. Alas, it didn't last long and before we knew it she was trying to hang over the side while Mike hung tight to her life jacket.

Cool as a cucumber, this kid learned that he loved water on this trip!

Jared had fun playing with his cousin Camryn. Even though he is a year older, they are the same size. With two older brothers, Camryn was very happy to have a playmate her own size to play with.

Most nights found all of us hanging out at Mike's parent's house. Let's add that up:

Ron + Flo = 2

Crystal + Carlin + their 7 kids = 9

Mike & I + our 3 = 5

Brendan + Robin + their 4 = 6

Total: 22 people climbing all over each other (ok, that was pretty much just the kids) most evenings! What chaotic fun!

Crystal & Carlin's kids: Sierra, Alexis, Bentley, Lacey, Blazer, Bricklin and Bristol

Ours: Corban, Sydney and Jared

Brendan & Robin's: Keegan, Carter, Camryn and Tenley

Missing: Wendell's kids: Whitney, Riley and Chase were back in Ohio

In this picture:

Sierra holding Bristol, Alexis holding Tenley, Bentley, Lacey, Keegan, Corban, Carter, Blazer, Sydney, Bricklin, Camryn and Jared