Tuesday 25 February 2020

Making the most of the mild Florida weather (before an expected cool change later in the week), we headed to the coast for a beach day.

It took just over an hour to drive there, but we spotted many interesting birds, and more than a handful of alligators sunning and soaking along the way.

The beach was busy, with a great big pier to our left, some permanent umbrellas in between us and the pier, and lots of people lazing to the right!

The wind was up, so the waves were big and filled with sand, but the sun was warm, as was the water once you got used to it.

We spent a few hours there, with the kids enjoying the occasional wave dunking, but mostly body surfing the waves and splashing around- big kids and small kids alike! Later there was loads of fun digging trenches and writing words in the sand.

An old friend from my exchange days, Dawn, and her 10yo son joined us for the afternoon too. Catching up was delightful, it felt like old times hearing about the swings and round-abouts that have made up her life. Her son brought shovels and buckets, making him instantly popular with the younger kids!

Cohen showed his typical beach-bum persona! The other kids were fairly unfamiliar with an ocean beach, and displayed due caution. Cohen was out in the deep waves straight away, keeping up with the big kids, and showing no fear.

We treated ourselves to an ice cream from the ice cream vendor who walked the beach with his cooler cart! I had memories of Bali seeing him!

Poor Mike lost his reading glasses within minutes of entering the water- rooky mistake I guess. We all kept a feel out for them, but I sadly suspect they’re lost forever to the big blue.

After leaving the beach we made a pit stop at McDonalds, loading the kids up with their favourites- nuggets, chicken burgers and fries!! The energy from the food was short lived, with everyone passing out on the journey home! Was cute to see the van filled with sleeping beauties!

The kids jumped in the pool when we got home, and I prepped lunches and snacks for the next day- Universal Studios! It was a late night, but so much fun being with our loved ones, and seeing Cohen so connected with everyone too.