Baby Graham: Taking Naples by Storm

Nothing slowed us down as we threw ourselves into a fantastic vacation.

Totally a Beach Girl

Day 1: Easter Sunday. We enjoyed a leisurely morning and watched Evelyn as she hunted down easter eggs (in the buff no less...clothing is optional in Florida). Then we headed out to the BEACH! It was fairly windy and a little chilly (lots of clouds). The north beach had pretty big waves, and we were a bit worried about undercurrents so we didn't go far into the water. Ocean air seems to make Emerson very sleepy -- he was passed out for most of the visit. Pelican Bay is spectacular - with a golf-cart tram that takes you through the mangroves to a private beach with a cafe and beach attendants that will set up chairs and umbrellas for you. Awesome. I applied tons of sunscreen to Ev and Em, worried about the strong Florida sun pouring out between clouds. They were fine, thank goodness, but Tag and I neglected to protect our own hides and got a fair bit of sunburn (duh).

Day 2: Monday at the ZOO! Naples has a fantastic zoo with stunning gardens.

Lulled to sleep by the ocean waves

Day 3: Tuesday BEACH day! Ev was pretty worn out with all the excitement and lack of normal routine so she struggled a bit with her mood. It was also a bit chilly. We tried out the south beach and found the water to be shallower which made it more fun for us to play in. Emerson had fun getting his toes wet in the surf. Like his sister, he LOVES the water. Tag and Ev took a kayak out for a bit, which was pretty cool. And he didn't even flip the boat (a first for Tag in a kayak!).

At the End of the Naples Pier

Day 4: Wednesday the PIER! Checked out downtown Naples and strolled the pier where lots of folks fish, and the pelicans like to hang out. Had a spectacular lunch on the patio at an italian bistro. Heaven. Love this town. Ev needed a break, and I needed a sunset, so Tag stayed back with her and I took Em for a stroll through the mangroves to check out sunset. He is so sweet -- was a perfect date.

Coppertone Baby!

Day 5: Thursday epic BEACH day! Warm, calm, perfect beach day. We had to walk a bit, but were able to get a "front row" beach spot and felt like we had our own private section of beach. Ev and I had so much fun playing in the surf. She even ran back to put on her life jacket so she could swim with me. We built a sand city whose streets we lined with shells. Walked up to the beach shop to have ice cream (vanilla cone with rainbow sprinkles -- she ate the entire thing (that's a first!)). Stayed for 6 hours on that beach. Loved every second.

The Mangrove

Day 6: Friday clean-up, pack and the Botanical Gardens! And a sunset farewell (see you again soon) to the ocean. Evelyn continues to insist that she "never ever ever ever EVER" wants go home. She is a true Florida girl, that is apparent. And she has loved this adventure. I feared that she would meltdown with sadness when leaving the next day....

Day 7: Saturday fly home....made it home without any craziness. I think Ev is happy to be home in familiar surroundings. She seems to have made the transition alright. Emerson is thrilled to be back in his excer-saucer and jumping-johnny with all the familiar sights and sounds of home. And the puppies are glad to have their family back, even though they were rightly spoiled by Michael all week.