Family Fun in Florida

Fun at the Condo Pool
How long can you hold your breath?




Uncle Larry, did you learn how to handle a knife in scouts?

MMMMMM. Fresh cocnut milk.

A version of the card game spoons but with tootsie rolls.

Playing with cousins is so much fun.

Matching souvenir bracelets.

We joined my brother Dave's family in Sarasota, Florida for a wonderful family vacation. We had an incredible time at the ranch house equipped with 4 wheelers, a 'Rhino' ATV, and all kinds of wildlife including a pond full of alligators! We went on a ride on a BIG boat, and stayed in a luxurious condo. Thanks Dave, Melinda and their friends Dr. and Maria Sweeney for hooking us up and being our expert tour guides. It was a blast for our kids to play with their cousins, for Larry to play with Dave, and for Chloe and I to hang out and visit with Melinda and Mabel. Dave's family has been there numerous times and were able to put together a whirlwind tour of some of their favorite experiences for us. We were only there a week but feel like we took in a wide variety of what the area has to offer.
Trip highlights include:
Riding atv's through the dark hunting for armadillos and alligators, but seeing a lot of big spiders and insects.
Trying to catch baby alligators in the pond outside the lakehouse.
Riding the tractor to the giant old oak called the 'hugging tree'.
Playing cards.
Playing in the waves and the pure white sand at Siesta beach.
Watching 2 guys make an unbelievable sand castle.
Going to Myakka State Park where we saw several alligators, tons of neat birds, and a big turtle. Larry also tried Alligator stew at the snack bar. He thought it was delish!
Going to the condo and picking coconuts from the trees right outside. Draining and drinking the milk and eating some grilled Hogfish Dave caught on his spearfishing excursion.
Going out to the pier and observing dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat.
Swimming at the condo and watching Dave and Larry have breath holding contests.
Having lunch on Gasparilla Island.
Going out on Sweeney's yacht to swim and snorkel.
Playing at the park with cousins, climbing unusual trees, and splashing in the sprinklers.
Eating yummy ice cream and going on a statue tour with Uncle Dave of John Ringling's settlement.
Touring Sweeney's new home and going to the models with the Hawkes' girls.
Riding in the Hummer and 2 sweet rental mini-vans.
Staying up too late talking, but enjoying every minute.