Ahhh Florida!

The sun was setting as we crossed the Florida state border. We were soooooo glad to be there! The flights had all filled and we were so determined to get out of the Tundra that Casey and I loaded up the van on Friday, picked Cary up from his trip that afternoon and we started driving. We drove straight through and arrived in Florida Saturday evening. We crashed for the night at a hotel and got a long, good night's sleep!

On Sunday, we picked up Grandma Dot and took her to her favorite places, Wal Mart and Captain D's for lunch. She is so funny and we always enjoy the time we spend with her.

After seeing Grandma, we headed over to see Gary, Ilene and Tanek, and we really enjoyed sitting in their newly screened-in pool enclosure. Tanek was very excited to show the kids his Lego catalog!

Tanning their translucent bodies.

Tanek and Nicole playing a fun game of catch the flip-flop!

After picking up Mom & Ed, we headed to Ocala to see Bethany before she left for Costa Rica. It was good to see her and we ate dinner with them at, where else, Olive Garden!

Switching cars, dogs, kennels, and equipment!

We finally arrived that evening at a hotel in The Villages called The Waterfront Inn and it was beautiful! The sunshine and warm temps and blue skies were balm for our winter-weary bodies and souls.

Each morning, we watched the Senior Crew Team hard at work getting ready for their Sr. Olympics. They had WAAAAY more muscle and energy than I do!

Monday morning, and we were at the pool with no time wasted! We took this pic of the girls in their suits and Nana in her "cool morning" sweater. I think it was 70 :)

One of the fun things about being in the Villages is that we can ride golf carts anywhere, even through the drive-thru!

Mom and Jennie came to see us for the day on Monday and we had lunch at Sonnys, swam in the pool and walked the boardwalk. It was a relaxing beautiful day.

AJ's first time ever in a pool and he LOVED it!

Monday evening, we drove up to my dad's house for dinner. One of my dad's oldest friends, Tony, had just arrived with his wife, Gail, for a week-long visit. The last time I had seen Tony was when I was about 7 years old. Their families were friends in England before each family relocated to the States. They have stayed in touch through the years, and it was special treat to visit with them.

And that was just Day 1 of Florida!