Spring Break, Day 5

Day 5

March 31, 2013 – Easter

Naples

We woke up to discover that the Easter Bunny does in fact find you when you are on vacation.  Thank goodness!  Although one child, who I will not name, was rather disappointed because that the EB doesn’t “bring as much stuff to a hotel.”  Ah, probably because he thinks you’re spoiled, since you are in a hotel, in Naples, for spring break!

Hotel coffee was awful, so I ventured out to Starbucks.  I gathered everyone up and we went to Nana Natalie’s place, to have our Egg Hunt, which took all of 3 minutes!  Of course, the hunt was not without a battle between Frick and Frack…Lord give my strength.  We decided to go to the beach by the Naples Beach Club, since we were already there.  It was very convenient to park at Natalie’s, because we only had to cross the street!

Great picture of Bear!

Absolutely gorgeous day at the beach!  Did I mention that I LOVE NAPLES?  The water was a bit chilly, but that was okay.  Natalie joined us, so we got some bonus time.  We got lunch from the Beach Club and ended up staying for four hours.  That my friends, is a major record with the kids!

 

We had our own little Easter dinner at the hotel.  The suite has a small kitchen and we heated up a ham, had potato salad, real salad and green beans.  It turned out quite nice.  I then cajoled everyone back in the car, so we could go see the sunset.  It was just so pretty last night, I couldn’t miss it. 

Gorgeous!

Cam & Daddy

Aud & Mom

Aud, Hunter & Bear

 

Early to bed, as everyone is a little bit sunburnt.

Tomorrow we’re off to the east coast.

Spring Break, Day 4

Day 4

Sarasota-Naples

103 miles/1 hour 45 minutes

Rich and Hunter got here last night, and it was nonstop (which I’m sure my guy didn’t appreciate).  In quick succession, we went down the street to see Jean, played basketball with all the kids, went to the beach, took pictures, unpacked and then Rich and Jay went in search of a seafood restaurant, that could accommodate 10 people, with no reservation, on Good Friday, in South Florida.

Eventually we scored, and our wait was under an hour.  We had so much fun, laughing and catching up.  I love that our kids, who don’t get to see each other very often, get along so well.  Marcie’s youngest boy and Audrey definitely get along well – which could prove problematic in a few years!

Cammy seems to be on the mend, fingers crossed.  I went to bed early with him.  I didn’t have it in me to stay up for the UF/FGCU game at 10:30p.m.! 

A little B-ball

Rich and the kids

Jake, Tanner, Bear & Hunter

Me and my girl, Marcie!

Smithes & Nashes

Me & my guy

Good Friday Dinner

 

Getting silly!

 

Jay & Rich

 

Saturday morning we had to pack up and drive to Naples.  I felt a little rushed, which is my own fault.  I try to fit too much in, in too short of time.  But I just have so many people I want to see.   I guess it’s better to leave them wanting more, yes?

Halfway to Naples, I realized I left Cammy’s antibiotic at Marcie’s, so that took more than one phone call to straighten out.  Dummy.  Then, when we got to the hotel and unloaded the car and got everyone to the room - I discovered that we were in a one bedroom suite, not a two bedroom suite.  No way would it work, for six people, over two days.  Some more phone calls before we managed to get that worked out. 

Then it was off to lunch at the Dock.  I LOVE NAPLES!  Love this place.  Lunch was good, but ridiculously overpriced.  Then we went to Publix, to get supplies for Easter dinner and it was a zoo.  Complete mayhem.  Then we stopped by to see Lisa and Sandy at their store.  Then back to the hotel.  All rather boring, I’m sorry.  No major drama, so far, on the trip.

We were supposed to have a sitter, so Rich and I could meet some friends for dinner, but there was a snafu, so I ended up meeting Michele and Natalie for a drink at the Turtle Club and witnessed an amazing sunset.  I grabbed some take out and went back to the hotel to have dinner with Rich.

 

With Michele

The Kids and I on the Naples city dock.

Spring Break 2013, Days 1-3

Spring Break Day 1-3

ATL – Sarasota /560 miles, 8 hours

March 27-29, 2013

I departed ATL with Bear, Aud & Cammy around 1p.m.  It was so cute.  When we left Bear’s school, I asked him where we’re going and he replied, “Road trip.”  Love it.

With the exception of a half hour hold up, due to road construction north of Macon, it was a pretty good drive.  I almost think I should have pushed it and kept going to Sarasota, but I had mercy on the kids.  I stopped in Valdosta, after checking in at the Courtyard, went to Chili’s (yuck) for dinner.  I was tired.  It had been a long week.  So at 8 p.m., I climbed into bed with the kids and we watched Enchanted.  I love that movie.  We all fell asleep early, except for Bear, who was up till midnight.  I think he was really missing Hunter.  It was his first time on the road without his twin.

The next morning we were heading south by 8:30.  Other than a huge tire remnant landing on the hood of my car – scared me to death! – it was an easy drive.  The trouble was in Sarasota, because you would not believe the traffic.  Unbelievable.  It took about 45 minutes to get from I75 to Marcie’s house (roughly 10 miles).  Once at Marcie’s, I noticed that Cammy didn’t quite seem himself.  When we went down the street to see Marcie’s mom (Nana Jean), he fell asleep in my arms.  Uh-oh. 

We went to lunch with Jean, at The Boatyard, which is on the intercostal.  Oysters, sangria and boats cruising by ...almost heaven, except for the fact that it was windy and the temperature was in the 60’s.  Brrr.

After lunch, it was very apparent that poor little Cammy was not well.  He had a very high fever.  Not good.  Tylenol and a nap for Cammy, while Marcie and I hung out with the kids, outside - freezing!   We fed everyone a late dinner and then watched the basketball games.  Cammy’s fever wouldn’t abate and I started to panic a little.  At one point it was 103, and the Tylenol and Motrin didn’t seem to be helping.  I don’t like fevers.

After a fitful sleep, in which I woke up many times to check on Cammy, I knew a doctor’s visit was in order.  First thing in the morning, I took him to an urgent care, where they diagnosed him with an ear infection.   However, getting the prescription from a crazy busy Publix Pharmacy, which was on the corner of an incredibly congested intersection (that offered direct access to Siesta Key), well that wasn’t easy.  Wow, I forgot how crazy “season” can be, in Florida!  It took over an hour – and this included the 1 mile drive back to Marcie’s.

The good news is that the temperature has begun to rise!  Although the sun was burning bright, it didn’t warm the pool water very much (65 degrees), but it didn’t stop Bear.  After administering antibiotics and Motrin, I donned a swimsuit and hit Marcie’s roof for a little sunbathing…just a little.

Hunter and Rich are currently in route to Sarasota, so the family will be reunited.  We’re planning a Nash-Smith Happy Hour at the beach and then a Good Friday dinner of pizza and salad, while watching the Gators (Rich, Hunter & Audrey) play FGSU (the rest of us).  Good Times!