My Mom-ents: Sight Seeing

So while R and I would have been perfectly content being on the beach the whole time, we weren't sure about the girls. We didn't want it to feel like a chore by the end of the week or hear "Do we HAFTA go back to the beach?" (Although they never complained about going back!) We also assumed it would rain at some point (it's pretty rainy in Florida) so we figured we'd get out and do some other stuff. It did in fact rain twice--once at midnight and another day at 5 am! Perfect timing! Left nothing but blue skies by the time we were ready to roll!

One morning we took the girls to Perdido Kids Park, a free community park built by volunteers and Marines. It was HUGE. There was so much for the girls to do and explore. They had the most fun playing "bank" at some windows, though they didn't think it was quite as funny as we did when R and I tried to rob them. (We tend to be a tad bit ornery with them. . . )

We also spent an afternoon at the National Naval Aviation Museum. FREE admission and it was AMAZING. We were there for about three hours and still didn't make it out of the main building. There was SO much to see and read. I wish photos could truly show how many planes were in the building. They were everywhere.

All week at the beach and then at the playground, we kept seeing Blue Angels fly over. I'm SO mad that I never got a picture--just so you know, those Blue Angels guys are kind of fast. :) But it was really cool to see them fly over. There were several Blue Angel exhibits at the museum--and some real jets for the girls to sit in. It was such a great museum--a little something for everyone. When we go back, we definitely have to spend more than an afternoon there. Maybe it will rain next time. :)

Another morning, we headed over to a state park at the tip of the island we were on. We had packed the girls' kites because the beach has a few less trees than our backyard. :)

New t-shirts and Blue Angel cap!

We had a little bit of trouble with one of the kites. Can you tell whose wouldn't go up for more than a few seconds?

Poor Sassy. Her kite just wasn't designed as well and despite our best efforts, it wasn't gonna happen. (R and I spent a TON of time trying to get that sucker up and nearly took out a rather large, oblivious sunbather more than once with a dramatic, sudden dive-bomb.) You know, this was the only "fit" all week despite only two naps and crazy late bedtimes. I'll take it. We then broke out Daddy's new bocce ball set. It worked great on the beach and we can't wait to take it camping!

Our favorite outing was a three hour catamaran tour. SO fun! We could take our own snacks and beverages on board. Yes, even the High Life! :) We didn't see any dolphins, but we did spy a hammerhead shark! And I think he was a Blue Angel on the side--no pictures. :(

On the way back, we stopped at an island on the bay side to play (the water wasn't nearly as pretty so I was really glad our condo was on the Gulf side!) We took some kayaks out, and Sassy tried to paddle board. She did great! R, on the other hand, was less than impressed. "I don't get it. You just stand the whole time?" I think a kayak with a High Life close is his preferred method of transportation. :)

Keke also looked for more sea shells and started hoarding hermit crabs. She had no qualms about scooping them up; poor little things didn't know a Honey Badger was waiting outside!