Spring Break

Flying is so exciting!

We are so happy to feel the sun!

Have to visit the juice store

Hanging at the kiddie pool

Beach fun with Grandma

Uncle Pete arrived and we get ice cream!

Easter

The kids love Uncle Pete

We love them

He is laughing, not crying

Beautiful Florida

All 8 of us fit, barely!

Easter egg hunt!

Ok, Stephen doesn't like Uncle Pete

Brotherly love

Spring break finally arrived and we went to Florida!  It was so good.  We all needed a break from cold weather and it was time to see Grandpa and Grandma again.  We drove into midway airport and had two flights.  The kids did great on the first flight, Stephen struggled on the second flight.  But it was all worth it once we arrived!  We hit the pool that evening, don't want to waste any time. I also went running that evening, such a nice feeling to run in warm weather.  On Thursday we went to the juice store and Lakes Park.  The kids played on the playground and then complained it was too hot.  No complaining about the heat! We spent the rest of the day enjoying the pool.

On Friday we had breakfast at Perkins to celebrate Grandma's birthday. We then packed up the gear and went to the beach along the causeway to Sanibel Island.  We took two cars everywhere, which worked out nicely for some of us going home early for Stephen's nap.  Saturday morning we participated in the neighborhood Easter egg hunt.  The kids love candy! After that we went back to Lakes Park and rode the 8 person bicycle.  Four people pedal and the rest ride.  Caleb was able to help pedal this time.  Isaac wanted to, but his legs aren't quite long enough yet.  We swam in the pool again and waited for Uncle Pete's arrival- the older boys were especially excited.  We all went to Culvers for ice cream, which was especially good after our Lenten fast of ice cream.  We're still not sure the kids really understand the connection between giving something up during Lent and Jesus death.  We may have to tweak how we practice Lent in the upcoming years. :)

Easter morning we enjoyed a brunch at Grandpa/Grandma's church and then an Easter service.  Grandma played the organ and it sounded beautiful.  I also met a Korean-American woman and her daughter.  They live out east and visit family in Ft. Myers.  They sat with us during church and it was cute to watch Julia and the other little girl whispering and being friends.  For Easter lunch we had steak and shrimp on the grill, tasty. That afternoon/evening we went to Ft. Myers beach.  On Monday we made the trip to Sanibel Island.  The kids love collecting sea shells on Sanibel.  It really is a beautiful beach and the Florida sun finally burned me.  That night Grandpa ordered pizzas and we ate by the pool- pool party!  Dad and I drove the car from their house to the pool, not very far.  So I put Stephen in his carseat, but didn't buckle him. Just as we pulled into the pool parking lot, Stephen opened his car door while the car was moving! Thankfully he did not fall out, little stinker.

Tuesday morning we hit the mini-golf place with the alligators.  You buy alligator food, put the food on a fishing pole and feed the gators.  That afternoon we enjoyed some Love Boat ice cream- that is a busy place.  And we finished out the day with more pool time.  Wednesday morning brought us back to reality as it was time to head home.  We were excited to have a direct flight to midway, but then had a 2 hour delay before leaving Ft. Myers.  Some of that delay was spent sitting in the plane, not fun with small children.  As much as we loved Florida, it was also nice to be back in our own beds- even if the weather was cold. Thanks Dad and Mom for hosting us again!