My Florida vacation - the first three days

I am home once again after six days of vacation.  Because I led worship at a praise and worship service this evening as soon as I was home, I'm just posting pics from the first three days tonight.  My eyes and my brain want to go to bed!

After George picked me up at the airport on Tuesday, we went directly to Sophie's gymnastics class where Lisa was. Sophie's a beginner, but learning quickly. 

We got take-out at Subway and went to their house to await Lori, Anthony, and Austin's arrival, which was probably after 9 PM. Sophie and Austin were so delighted to finally see each other again.

Wednesday morning Lori and George had to leave for work and Lisa had to go teach a Yoga class, so Anthony and I hit the pool with the kids. To our amusement, Austin's primary interest was throwing every poolside toy into it.

There was plenty of time after Austin's nap for more play. While Austin loves Sophie and the dog with all his heart, he is a two-year-old boy, all boy, so it was not all peace and joy! Unfortunately he thinks it's fun to kick and poke and pull - hair, fur, tails..... It took constant supervision, but thankfully there were plenty of adults most of the time, even with Lori at the conference.

After a taco salad dinner and getting the little ones to bed, we had a fun time sitting around talking and laughing until way too late. 

Thursday morning Lori didn't have to go to the conference until after lunch, so they all went to the community pool where there are more young-child things to do. Austin was looking like a cool little man!

I decided to stay home and take advantage of some me-time. Sitting by a lovely pool with a very good book is about as good as it gets.

Right after lunch Lisa taught a Yoga class by her pool. I observed and kept Nilla Bean from licking the women's legs! 

Anthony had lunch in Tampa with one of his customers and Austin was napping. Sophie was in the dining room with the six other kids that came, having their own Yoga class. 

Later in the afternoon we had another fun time in Lisa's pool. Nilla Bean never, ever tires of games of fetch, and it just looks so cute when she swims across the pool with her treasure in her mouth. Austin got braver as the week progressed, especially after having the little "life jacket" on. And Sophie is a total fish, trying her hardest to give swim lessons to this very frightened grandma!

That evening we grilled make-your-own pizzas and had a nice, long iChat visit with Dick.  

 After the kids were sleeping Lisa lit all the tiki lights around the pool, and we had the loveliest time out there, sitting around the pool or in it or in the hot tub. Again, I felt so sad that Dick was missing it all. I also missed having Jeremy there. For the last seven years he was always part of our trips to Florida.