Although Darren is a teacher, his band program runs from the first week of vacation until the end of July. Because of this we decided to take our family vacation in May. Our friends have a condo in Bonita Springs, Florida and offered it to us with a price we couldn't refuse. So...Bonita Springs or bust it was! 
The girls did WAY better than expected on the flights. We borrowed my cousin's DVD player as a last resort only, but didn't have to use it on the flight there or the flight home (the girls watch very little tv while at home.). Instead they spent hours coloring every page in their newly purchased coloring books.
The girls did WAY better than expected on the flights. We borrowed my cousin's DVD player as a last resort only, but didn't have to use it on the flight there or the flight home (the girls watch very little tv while at home.). Instead they spent hours coloring every page in their newly purchased coloring books.
Two content travelers!
As soon as we arrived to the condo we unloaded our suitcases and hit the beach, only a few minutes' walk from the condo.
We couldn't get enough of the ocean!
Beach Babe!
After some time at the beach a nap was in order. We had (4) great nappers (everyday) on our trip!
Since our condo was on the 9th floor the girls' favorite activity was pushing the buttons in the elevator.
We visited the Naples' Zoo on Friday. It was 103 degrees that day and since it was only our second day in Florida and we weren't accostomed to the weather we certainly didn't get our money's worth. I had 3 crabby travel mates until we were in the water later in the afternoon, but at least we are able to say we visited a zoo in Florida.
Checking out Cara's personal favorite, the monkeys. We had to take a boat ride out to see them as they were located on several different little islands.
Cara and I were very happy as we found some giraffes.
We had planned on picnicing at the zoo , but because of hot weather we relocated our picnic to the rental car.
The kiddie pool at the condo.
Darren sat next to a very nice gentleman on the flight to Florida. He was from the area and porvided Darren with mnay places to visit as well as a little tip for grocery shopping. We decided to check out the Whole Foods (organic and preservative free) and immediately fell in love. We picked up several premade meals that all we had to do was warm up in the oven. They were DELICIOUS! The best part was that there was very little prep or dishes so we could head right back to the pool or beach.
We decided to try out mini golfing with the girls. It happened to be Brynn's favorite activity while in Florida. Who would have thought?!? Cara enjoyed chasing around all the little lizardy things crawling around while the rest of us golfed.
Brynn kept commenting on how good she was at mini golfing. It may have to do with the fact that she put the ball RIGHT next to the hole every time.
Boy, it was HOT!
A little relaxing by the air conditioner was needed after returning from golfing. Florida heat is one thing while by the pool or beach, but a whole nother thing while golfing.
Cara's skin sure can't take the sun like Brynn's can so she spent plenty of time under the umbrella when we were at the beach.
View from our lenai (small deck).
Grandma Debbie sent us with a few beach snacks including licorice--which happened to be Cara's favorite.
Cara thought the "creatures" were so interesting. Brynn, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with them.
Shortly towards the end of our stay we decided pushing the stroller through all the sand wasn't worth it so we (Brynn got to try her hand out with driving) drove to the other end of the huge parking lot and carried what we needed to the beach.
Our condo for the week.
Before leaving Darren wanted to try out a restaurant, Mia . It was so yummy! To top it off Cara was so entertained by all the music and decorations.
I wonder where Brynn gets her cheesy, fake smile?
We stayed at a hotel the last night since we had to clean and wash all the bedding before we left. I figured it would be easier to stay a night in the hotel than get everyone up and out of the place by 4:30 in the morning to get it all done.
Cara insisted on pulling Brynn's luggage through the airport. Pretty darn cute!
We had a layover in Milwaukee on the way home. Lucky for us they had a little play area in the airport complete with a little girl Brynn's age and a little boy Cara's age. The kids had a great time playing with each other for over an hour while we waited to board. Evan luckier for Brynn the little girl had a DVD player with Strawberry Shortcake playing.
Cara and the little guy enjoyed watching all the planes.
Our condo for the week.
Before leaving Darren wanted to try out a restaurant, Mia . It was so yummy! To top it off Cara was so entertained by all the music and decorations.
I wonder where Brynn gets her cheesy, fake smile?
We stayed at a hotel the last night since we had to clean and wash all the bedding before we left. I figured it would be easier to stay a night in the hotel than get everyone up and out of the place by 4:30 in the morning to get it all done.
Cara insisted on pulling Brynn's luggage through the airport. Pretty darn cute!
We had a layover in Milwaukee on the way home. Lucky for us they had a little play area in the airport complete with a little girl Brynn's age and a little boy Cara's age. The kids had a great time playing with each other for over an hour while we waited to board. Evan luckier for Brynn the little girl had a DVD player with Strawberry Shortcake playing.
Cara and the little guy enjoyed watching all the planes. 
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