It's so hard to believe that we have now come to the last day of our vacation. It seemed so far away, to now almost a memory. As I sit typing this post in our condo this morning, I'm so thankful for this time with my family, yet I'm truly ready to make the trek home. It's been a
fantastic vacation, from start to finish, and I think the week and a half that we choose to do this each year really makes a difference! I think because it's enough time to be away, but when it's time to head back home we're ready and this year is no exception. We didn't have any major weather to speak of this year, like we did last year with the tropical storm, but I will say its been HOT! So hot in fact, we've actually enjoyed the 2 nights that we had evening rain showers to cool it down. I feel like my skin is crawling, but it's nice to have some color again...LOL! This week at the beach really has rejuvenated me, has given me the break that I needed to escape reality for a bit, and given me the chance to think while sand was between my toes! I love it here and the heat was something I needed after having such a cold, long winter! So many feelings are coming over me this morning, as I sit typing this waiting for the laundry to be finished and thinking about this place. We've met some new people this week and Ethan has made some new friends, as well. When I was taking our laundry to the machines, I took a look around at such a quiet place, surrounded by beauty, that in a few hours would be saturated with people ready to enjoy their last day here at Suntide. It's awesome here, such a "homey" feeling and I love the fact that this very place is where my husband has so many memories as a boy, so to bring our boys here, is something I know he loves...but I too, very much. We have 2 little fish on our hands and this week they have used every ounce of energy they had in the water....rather it be the pool or the gulf, they have swam their little hearts out. I have loved watching Colin! That little boy has been a gem and so fun to watch run back and forth from the beach to the gulf or counting 1-2-3 then jumping in the pool. He was Mr. Independent and figured out how to swim to get from point A to point B wherever he was at the time. Brenton and I have truly just sat back and watched him and Ethan, neither really needing our help much. I think this was the first vacation that we didn't have to run rampant trying to keep them entertained or getting them in and out of the water, its been nice to not feel so exhausted in the evenings. LOL!! It's moments like these though that remind me how quickly life is moving, because I no longer have babies on my hands. As our boys grow, it is this place that they will hold in their hearts...just like their daddy! Maybe one of these years, this might be the place we get to call home, but until then we will just escape here to get a break from reality!!! So, goodbye beach, it's been fun and I've loved you, but it is time to head back to Ohio!!! ;)
Our week in pics....
 |
| The city Brenton loves best...Tampa |
 |
| heading to that bridge...Sunshine Skyway |
 |
| going up |
 |
| Yay, we made it....I love seeing this sailor every year |
 |
| that sign makes me smile |
 |
| on our way...1st visit of the week...Ethan is already at the water |
 |
| so glad to be back |
 |
| Hey mom, sorry they are still sleeping, but this is the perfect road |
 |
| ready to go to the beach |
 |
| ready, set, GO |
 |
| my boys |
 |
| beach boy |
 |
| he loves the pool |
 |
| Hey Mom |
 |
| chillaxin |
 |
| 1-2-3... |
 |
| JUMP |
 |
| my water boy |
 |
| my surfer boy |
 |
| just a swimmin |
 |
| ready to "go byes" (aka: swimming) |
 |
| this box holds.... |
 |
| 1 of our favorite treats = Kilwins' PB Fudge |
 |
| during our breaks, he'd watch a movie right here |
 |
| my loves |
 |
| He loves the pool & this day I felt bad, b/c I made him stay at the beach longer than he wanted =) |
 |
| he loved swimming at night |
 |
| and walks on the beach |
 |
| sunsets are beautiful here |
 |
| Venice Beach |
 |
| loving the water at Venice |
 |
| "Mommy I love this beach" |
 |
| searching for sharks teeth |
 |
| Daddy searching |
 |
| my lil fish |
 |
he loved doing this
Daddy found the most
he was having the time of his life w/ the waves |
 |
| we loved Venice Beach and had a great day there Wednesday |
 |
| love that view...on our way back to the condo and that bridge gets us there |
 |
| Date Night |
 |
| at our favorite spot....Venezia |
 |
| Shroyer Charm in action |
 |
| the back stroke |
 |
| Goodbye Suntide...we'll see you next year |
