Day Six: Our Last Day

We wanted out last day to be relaxing and insisted that we only did things we couldn't do when we got home; which translated into sitting by the pool, a trip to IKEA and dinner at Chick-Fil-A ... my head almost exploded.

Gabe loved playing in the pool but really preferred pool-side activities; kicking and throwing things to daddy and grandpa, snacking, and cruising the ladies.

One of the kitchen displays at IKEA featured a child sized kitchen as well. Gabe loved it and I wish our kitchen was big enough to accommodate one. Gabe likes to mimic us right now and since his daddy has always been a good cook it just seems right to start Gabe early.

Gabe didn't enjoy the Chick-Fil-A fare quite as much as the adults, but he thoroughly enjoyed their slide. I believe this was the first tornado slide he has been down. Since it's tricky to fit into these with him on your lap, we had to wait until he was big enough to do it unassisted. You can see he was thrilled.

Day Five: Sanibel & The Duensings

Our fifth day in Florida was a treat. We drove from Weston to Fort Myers to visit Brian and Lisa Duensing, who are calling Fort Myers home during Spring Training for The Twins. Schedules worked perfectly and we were able to spend a full day with the Duensings! It was GREAT!

Brian and Lisa were awesome tour guides and showed us a few of their favorite spots. We visited a local orange juice production company, Sanibel Island and then to tip it off we ended the evening with some delish seafood.

To get to Sanibel you have to travel across a huge bridge, then through a toll booth.

During this beach trip Gabe was far more comfortable with the water. We even had to rescue him a few times when he rushed into deeper water than he anticipated.

The real highlight of this beach trip...we spotted a dolphin hunting for some fish. He put on a great show for us but unfortunately my point and click camera just isn't quick enough to capture a moving dolphin. Another treat, I managed to find the one and only baby shark carcass on the beach and step right onto it! SWEET!

Gabe demonstrated his first signs of a crush. Lisa sat next to him in the car and Gabe watched her the entire drive. At the restaurant he was nearly too distracted to eat, and as soon as we were done Gabe impressed her with his magna-doodle skills.

It was a great day and we feel blessed to call the Duensings friends.

Day Four: The Ocean!

For Gabe's first trip to the ocean we drove to the nearest beach, just 15 minutes away from our resort. We loaded up first thing after breakfast and wanted to be home for lunch, which ended up being the perfect amount of time.

Ahh...so serene. What you don't see in these pictures are the multiple beached jelly fish. I have no idea how I managed not to photograph them, but you'll just have to imagine. When Gabe and I strolled the beach he pointed to each one and said 'no no'.

Gabe wasn't sure about the water and his daddy tried to ease him into it.

This was as close to getting in the water as Gabe managed that day.

During our first beach outing Gabe preferred to sit in the sand and watch for passing planes.

Day Three: The Everglades

Before we left for Florida I made up an itinerary in hopes that we could schedule everyone's 'must do in Florida' wishes. For Andy it was a trip to the Everglades. Planning ahead saved us $40 for an Air Boat tour since Julie scored a Groupon! The tour lived up to all Andy's expectations.

Gabe loves to sing in the car and Grandma and Daddy sang a few rounds of 'Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes'. Gabe likes it best when everyone sings along, if you attempt to skip out he signs 'more' and points at you until you join in. It's pretty tough to say no.

Scoping out this alligator from the railing. Once I was privy to the view I requested Gabe be held rather than sit on the rail...visions of him rolling down the hill and into the alligator's mouth played in my mind.

More wild life. Andy was a bit worried that Gabe would attempt a snuggle with this guy and held on pretty tight to Gabe's shirt.

Gabe in his first Life Jacket.

The general expanse of the Everglades.

You can't see it in this picture but we were all wearing orange ear plugs. The Air boat provides a bump free ride with a nice breeze, but it's crazy loud. Gabe just chilled.

Our second alligator sighting.

After the tour we were able to explore their animal exhibit but I'll spare you pictures, I'm certain you've all seen animals in cages before.

When we left the park we had plans to eat out, but Gabe continued with his epic diapers. So, while Julie and I cleaned Gabe, the car seat and aired out the car Craig and Andy purchased some sandwiches to go. When we returned to our resort Gabe vomited for the first time, I think I was more freaked out than little man. Afterward he hopped right into the tub, sang songs and giggled.

After Gabe was tucked in bed we watched an episode of 'Man vs. Wild' when Bear Grylles survives being stranded in the Everglades (click here for some video). We loved the air boat tour and would recommend it, but after watching Bear I would strongly caution that you STAY IN THE BOAT and don't visit at night.

That's all for now...more later.

Florida: Day One & Two

We've been back from sunny Florida for over a week but I'm just now able to upload photos and recount our vacation.

***Readers should be warned that this post will include details of poop!***

The evening before our group headed out, Andy called to inform me that Gabe had just experienced his largest and most explosive diaper to date. If not for Gabe's unusual 'output' he displayed no signs of feeling under the weather. So, we were pretty sure it was a fluke. Unfortunately Gabe woke up in the middle of the night with the same results and then again in the morning. We were getting off to a messy start, but pushed forward; sunny skies and 80* weather were beckoning us.

Our plane left at 11:20 am and we arrived at 6:20 pm (est), that's seven straight hours on a plane with an explosive toddler. Sweet Gabe was on his best behavior the entire flight, no tears or bursts of emotion but there was plenty of poop. Andy took on the role of Super Dad changing Gabe's diaper multiple times, once his entire outfit on what can best be described as a T.V. tray. Little Gabe didn't know where to fit his extremities and held his arms up during the process. At one point during the flight Gabe was peacefully asleep when his tummy woke him. The results spread up his back, sweet little guy was so tired that he just leaned over and attempted to continue sleeping. Unfortunately there was turbulence and changing Gabe at just that moment wasn't realistic. With few options I had to wipe what I could of the mess into the provided motion sickness bag and wait for the trip to smooth out so Andy could once again take Gabe to the lavatory. All the tight quarters and excess moisture created a pretty bad diaper rash, but somehow we all survived.

Eventually we did get off the plane and check into our hotel. Craig and Andy went on a food run while Julie and I set up the rooms. We were all ready for a good nights sleep and thankfully Gabe obliged.

The next morning we familiarized ourselves with the surrounding area, purchased groceries and checked into our long term condos.

Most of the residence at Vacation Village were retirees from New Jersey, we thought Gabe looked the part in his plaid shorts and navy socks. Our first night Craig and Andy grilled out while Gabe enjoyed the warm weather and worked up a sweat.

One of the highlights of the trip for Gabe was the large jacuzzi tub in his Grandma and Grandpa's room.

More to come later...