Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? Apparently, not us!
We spent Memorial Day weekend visiting Sanibel and Captiva Islands, staying at the Westin Marina Village in Cape Coral. We found a special deal with our travel membership with Direct Buy for the hotel, and thought the kids would enjoy seeing the islands, known for their shelling. Tangie and I had been to the area 9 years ago when Brae was just a year old, but the kids had not, so we felt we were due.
We were joined by the Clarkes and were surprised to find out that some friends from church, the Steubers, were also staying at the resort for the weekend, so we had a blast hanging out together at the beach and pools, going out to eat at restaurants, riding on the Steubers' boat, and playing rook and watching movies at night. It was a fun 3 days and we got to eat a bunch of cake!
My name is Allen and I'm a cake-a-holic...
Here was our week:
A mid week visit to the Science Center.
But first lunch downstairs.
Took advantage of a promo at a nearby frozen yogurt place.
Hanging out with Bullseye.
Taking Tux to the animal hospital before we left for Sanibel.
Loving all the attention from the staff.
And we're off!
3.5 hours later, we're here!
Bringing our excursion packs to our room from the parking garage. Seriously guys, it's only 3 days.
Making our way to the hotel
Sun setting from our front door. We had a nice view of the marina from the 15th floor.
Checking out the view from our screened-in balcony!
Group shot with the Clarkes after supper.
Lobby had a nice "waterfall" feature!
Waking up to check out the sunrise.
We chose to go to Captiva Island on the first day.
Kohlden ready to snorkel for some shells.
Pretty cool live shell we found!
Kids digging for more shells as the adults enjoy the shade canopy.
The moms heading back into the hotel.
We met up with the Steubers at the pool.
Heading out to supper, some of us rode on the Steubers' boat.
Kids table working on their worksheets while
the parents enjoyed having adult conversations!
A nice shot of all the kids together.
And then one with all the families.
Riding back to the resort.
We enjoyed the sun setting over the water.
The Westin and marina.
Captain Kohl got a chance to pilot the boat!
A beautiful night sky with the moon overhead.
Braelyn learning how to play Rook with the adults.
Kohlden has a light breakfast in bed!
Brae took hers on the balcony to watch the sunrise.
We went to the Sanibel lighthouse beach on Sunday.
Mommy and the twins get to looking for shells.
And we found some wildlife, including a couple of crabs, and this live lightning whelk!
We found a bunch of live shells that we brought in for the kids to see, but we put back in the ocean as we weren't supposed to take any live shells home with us.
Maddy getting a real nice tan.
It was a hotter day than the day before, and we were thankful for the shade!
Heading back from the beach, there were a ton of cars circling around looking for a parking spot. We were smart to get to the beach at 8 AM so that we wouldn't be doing what these people were doing, some for a couple of hours!
A quick stop for some cool refreshments!
Mommy and Braelyn catching up on their reading on the balcony.
The group going on a bike around the grounds. The resort had complimentary bikes for their guests!
Unfortunately Kohl's bike broke halfway through the ride, so we had to walk it back to the hotel and wait for the others to get back. You can tell we were both a bit disappointed.
We ordered in delivery for supper that night, we were all so exhausted from the beach.
The kids watching a movie while the adults chatted into the night.
Waking up is tough on vacation!
Having breakfast at the hotel.
The moms hanging around poolside while
the kids take one last dip.
Swung by the Thomas Edison/Henry Ford winter estates to check out the museum and grounds. We bought a membership since it has reciprocal benefits to a bunch of museums/centers locally and statewide.
Listening to our audio tour devices as we walked the grounds.
Checking out the Edison home.
Maddy and Isabella taking a breather on the patio.
Braelyn enjoyed checking out the laboratory with all of his bottles and chemicals.
Receiving a prize for completing the scavenger hunt.
Lunch at a Mexican place on our way back home.
Starting Mommy's birthday celebration early!
Back to summer schedule, doing a little bit of reading.
Playing with toys and making a mess.
Spotted a car just their size! Even Maddy was taller than it!
Ottatis came to play and they enjoyed Tux.
Maddy helping me out with supper, making a vegetable fritter.
Meanwhile Brae made homemade doggy treats for Tux.
Shaping them into bone and dog shapes.
15 minutes in the oven and voila!
Uncle Mike made a quick showing on his way to Chicago. He was in town for a day to do a shoot before flying up to the Windy City with Jared. It was a whirlwind 72 hours for the crew!
Supper and a show!
Staying up late and watching the NBA Finals with Daddy. Go Warriors!!
I must be fun to live in vacation land!! I wonder if anyone brought home some shells? Tell Kohl that papa said to stop jumping over cars and he won't break the bikes!
I must be fun to live in vacation land!! I wonder if anyone brought home some shells? Tell Kohl that papa said to stop jumping over cars and he won't break the bikes!
ReplyDeleteIt sure looked like a fun mini vacation! I was there in 1996 with Sylvia and Bill Ryan when I visited them when they lived in Tampa. Love you all!
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