We had the pleasure of spending this year's Thanksgiving week in Florida with my parents, uncles, and aunts. The trip got off to a great start with the friendliest flight crew ever - the attendants and pilots let Liam and Greta sit in the cockpit, play with the controls, and even push the plane's fire alert buttons (after landing, of course!).

 
Once in Fort Myers, we took in a sandsculpting competition on the beach. I've always wanted to check one of these out, and the real deal didn't disappoint. There was even a Gumby entrant in the amateur section much-admired by this crew of fans :0)



Liam got a turn playing captain of Uncle Bernie's new boat.
 
And of course we had to include a day of play at the beach. It was super windy (hence the crazy hair in the group shot), but warm. Plus we almost had the place to ourselves!
 
 
 
We ate, and ate, and ate our way through the week. Shawn and I can't get enough seafood, but the special cupcakes a friend brought the kids at Thanksgiving were most definitely their favorite. (I don't remember the reason for the goofy face and pose, but it's the only shot I managed to take during the actual holiday gathering!) 
 
We spent some time at Manatee Park, played lots of cards, and wrapped things up with a visit to the Shell Factory. The guys were good sports about taking the kids out on paddleboats while there.
 
Greta was ecstatic for a chance to ride a pony.
 
And almost as thrilled playing with this lizard Shawn snagged in the parking lot.
 
Thanks for the tasty food, good times, and wonderful memories, Grandpa Louie and Grandma Sue (and the rest of the Florida gang!)! We love and miss you - and the warm weather - already.