We arrived to beautiful sunny 77 degree weather! Lovely! Rented a mini-van and drove out to St. Pete and had lunch. While at lunch we saw Brian Bosworth a retired football player for the Seahawks. (Now just to let you know I had to ask Jason all that info- cause I had noooo idea who he was!) He was spotted by my family before I even knew he was there.... I was in the bathroom changing Miss B and he opened the door for me. And then when we sat down Jason's all like "Hey Brian Bosworth's here" I'm like, "uhhh who's that?" and then proceed to tell him "Well- he just opened the door into the bathroom for me!! So we felt like we were off to a good start. After lunch we drive to this amazing resort in Ruskin, FL (about 20 mins. outside of Tampa) check into our 2 story townhome on the beach. And this cracked me up:
What?? Let's be exact huh? But Lovely. (And great pick Cher!) How beautiful this was and peaceful at that, even with 2 kids. Cherie and Shirley grab some groceries and we are set for the weekend. Saturday we hung out at the resort to play on the beach some. Again another beautiful 77-80 degree day. Lovely. Jade, Dagne, and Shirley played in the water. Me and Miss B. hung out on the sand with Daddy. fun stuff. Just hanging out. 
Attempt of a good family picture; At least this is us at our norm:
Brooklyn's first trip and first time at the beach:
We had noticed that about 5 guys were setting up to what appeared to be a wedding. Green bamboo stems and flowers.... ummm... our minds start running... what time is this wedding?- I wanna see!! Then it was far past nap time. Back to the townhome to nap. Jason, and the kiddo's take a nap and Dagne, Cherie and Shirley and I go checking out stuff. Back to the "wedding spot" they begin to take pictures as if the wedding is about to start.... and well let's just be nice and say that this girl didn't have the same taste in style and color as I do. So we sit in the parking lot observing- quite hilarious especially when they call "Big Mama" who we were expecting to see a "Mama" ohhh no- out of no where comes this 6 foot white gangsta (for lack of better words) wearing all back with just about all the silver jewelry that you could fit around your neck. He was def. dressed to impress. We got a kick outta that! As you can imagine. On to better things- we had noticed there were some brand new homes being built across from our place so we trotted over there to tour. That was fun and so my thing. $2 million beach home. I love to get decorating ideas. Saturday night we went to dinner at the resort restaurant. That ended up last from 6pm until 10pm!! They had a live band and Jade danced the night away!! Yes, Jade. He spotted this couple that was by the band dancing and he joined in. They were a sweet couple celebrating there anniversary. Jade was the hit of the night.... but really no surprise he normally steals the show! 
Sunday turned out to be an adventurous day. This was the day we planned to leave but apparently wasn't meant to be. Lovely. I'll repeat another beautiful 77 degree day. We checked out of the townhome and headed out about 11am to the Manatee view center. Jade as I have mentioned is turning into quite the marine biologist and this was sooo his thing!! He loves manatee, dolphin, sharks, sting-ray, fish... you get it- sea life! 
It happened to be right outside of an industrial plant- apparently the manatee like it there because the water is warmer due to the steam pumped in and out of the water.... so yes, we saw manatee, dolphin, and a sting-ray. Loved it!! Jade didn't see the manatee, but we did. They barely stick there little noses out of the water for air. and every once in a while you'll see a body and fin. But they are hard to see. What sweet creatures. So we got some memorabilia at the gift shop and on our way to the airport we went but the scenic route. It was beautiful and the kids were napping in the car and that was a beautiful thing as well. So we arrive at the airport with a flight out at 7:30ish. (And to note the last flight out to DFW for the day). We check in, get through security (which is no easy task with 2 kids), and sit down to eat dinner at Chili's in the airport just shortly before learning that our flight had been CANCELLED! What?! Yes, cancelled- meaning no way. The aircraft had to be serviced. Grrreat... We all have to work tomorrow- and most importantly tomorrow is my first day back to work. Ummm... So I call my boss and the great one he is- it was no big deal at all and then luckily Jason can work from home and well all in all there was nothing we could do about it. So the craziness begins. (Because we were flying non-rev also). Here's the not so fun part. We had checked in our bags. Well if you didn't know this like we didn't when you check in your bags they take them and put them on the next flight out to your destination. So because we were early.... you guessed it... our bag was on the flight to DFW. I have a 2 month old baby who's formula (only means of eatting) is gone. Well of course I had the handy little formula dispenser so I did have enough for 2 bottles- until 9pm... So now we have turned in the rental car and make arrangements for the night at a hotel. The kids at the hotel:
We had requested a hotel close to a store. Wal-mart was suppose to be close. Cool. We'll walk. So we arrive and Wal-mart is a good mile down this busy road and across the street. Ummm.. so we spot a Target on the same side of the road and think that might be safer. So imagine- Grandma Shirley at the hotel with the kids. Jason and I walking on a major road in nicer kinda clothes and me in heels. And best of all having to walk under a bridge of a major highway. (Ya know the kinda bridges that the bums live under) Grrreat. And we have no idea of what kinda area we're in. We continue to walk get to Target which is a regular Target. No food- which we will need with Jade and Jason. But we did manage to get formula which obviously was the biggest concern. And I decided that sleeping in jeans was no fun and well just like to have clean clothes we pick up a new out-fit for all. So the only grocery store was Whole Foods. Grapes were $7.99, banana's near the same. Jason and Shirley wanted beer. And well we're at Whole Foods. If it ain't organic they ain't got it! So we decide ordering pizza would be best. But still pick up the fruits and some organic beer. Now the hike back to the hotel on the busy street under the scary bridge. And two or three bags of food and clothes. Well the walk back was a little easier after sighting some nice cars in the area. Sigh of relief. Until we see a group of 3 headed towards us. Jason says, "Do you want to walk in front of me or behind me?" Me, "Uhhh... I don't know" Jason, "Walk in front of me". Me, "oook". For the moment scared. The group passes and ends up only being 2 kids and a Dad looking to attempt the same route we did. And this was so not my thing!! We arrive at the hotel eat our pizza and head to bed. Daddy and Brooklyn in there own "Happy land!"
Monday- wake up get a shuttle back to the airport. On our flight and home at 1pm. Home sweet home. And this picture is the result of the hotel not having complimentary straighting irons and make-up. Dang! But hey Miss. B and I got new shirts!
We had a super time. Florida was beautiful and we were so lucky to have pretty weather the whole time. Happy 50th Birthday Grandma Shirley!!
(Sorry so long- I just wanted to remember it all!)
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