Our summer trip to Florida looked a little different this year. Normally we go to theme parks and the zoo-- sometimes the beach and museums. But this year we had to get creative with our time in Florida. And I actually loved it just as much as all of our other trips. I can't wait to be able to take the boys back to our favorite places-- Legoland, Lowry Park Zoo, Explorations Children's Museum, and others. But we had a great week with my parents and it was the perfect change of scenery after months of quarantine. The boys didn't want to go home at the end of the week, and they had
the best attitudes for the entire week. Good moods, little to no fighting (except in the pool), and all around just happy hearts.
 |
We started the trip by stopping halfway at our favorite hotel in Walterboro, SC. There is nothing special about this hotel, except that somehow it has become our hotel when we are traveling to FL. We got take-out from the Cracker Barrel across the street and watched movies in bed.
|
 |
All my boys, Bentley included, are good at road tripping.
|
 |
Mom and dad bought a pool for the boys since we were staying exclusively at the house for the whole week. It was PERFECT. The boys swam at least three times a day every single day.
|
 |
They talk about visiting the dogs, cows, and goats all year long.
|
 |
I always go to the cemetery when I am in Florida. I like it there. Which is weird, I know. This year, since it was the year of our 40th birthday, I went every day while I was home.
|
 |
I drove by the church and the weather was amazing and ideal for picture taking. I think I always took for granted how beautiful my home church is. The church is not the building, it is the people there. And I believe this completely. But there is something about a traditional church, with stained glass and pews and an organ that just captivates me. It is like walking onto holy ground. I miss it sometimes, in my current more modern church in NC.
|
 |
Carson built a fort on the first day in Bartow. It stayed up all week long and he was super proud of it.
|
 |
Legos were a big event for the week.
|
 |
Movie nights with Granddaddy. My dad was home (from work) for the whole week and I am so thankful for that time with him that we don't usually get.
|
 |
We tried a new place this time- King Krabz in Bartow. It. Was. Amazing.
|
 |
They rarely take baths at our house. But in FL they love them.
|
 |
My parents did a lot to make the whole week a birthday celebration for me. It was the perfect place to be for this big birthday.
|
 |
Carson always sleeps in the tent 😊
|
 |
We went fishing! Easy social distancing (we were the only ones around). Fishing is most decidedly not my favorite. Nope. Nope. Nope. But it was still nice to do something a little different.
|
 |
We were going to keep the fish. But after seeing their sad eyes and gasping mouths I immediately made the executive decision that they were going right back into their pond home.
|
 |
Our only real outing for the week were two drive thru safaris we did. One was in Orlando, the other in Lakeland. Both were fun and let us get out for a bit while still being careful.
|
 |
This camel strolled right by our car.
|
 |
Mom made this whole week so special for all of us. I am so grateful.
|
 |
These two. My whole world in a picture.
|
 |
Feeding camels was the super fun part of our second safari.
|
Can't wait to go back. We look forward to these trips all year long 💕
