Florida 2013 [ Leo's first trip ] Part Two

After spending the night at my dad's in Tampa we all drove to Daytona Beach to stay the rest of the week. We've gone to Daytona every year for a pretty long time (Last year was G's first time to join the family there) and this time was very different with a newborn in tow. Leo loved being outside and for the most part, he would fall asleep immediately after stepping out the door because it was just so warm. I had my first drink in over a year but it was kinda overrated. Leo alone is such a better feeling than any kind of alcohol or anything you miss out on that whole 9 months. We walked the boardwalk, shopped the flea market and stopped for car racing. G made a maker's mark for my stepdad's birthday because it's his favorite drink. It wasn't the most shapely cake but I never called him a baking and pastry chef! The two of the went golfing as usual, and we swam the lazy river and ocean. I thought Leo was too young to get in the swimming pool but I can't wait until next time when he can enjoy all of it! It was so weird being there with my husband and son after being there as a 12 year old and on. How life changes!

Drey $ Nicole

The Queen Mary

Right before Leo was born my parents came to Long Beach to be here for the birth. He ended up being two weeks late so they had to change their flight and work arrangements, and we had lots of down time. We spent one day strolling the decks of the Queen Mary, which is actually right by G's work and we'd never been. It brought back memories of the time I went on a cruise and being in London, and it made the day so happy. Almost enough to forget about how miserable and impatient I was starting to become! 

Drey $ Nicole

Surprise Visit Day 4: Knott's Berry Farm

Contrary to spending the day at a young spirited theme park,

it really had me feeling rather old. It'd been quite some time

since I'd ridden on a roller coaster and I've gotta tell ya, it kinda

rattled my brain and jerked my bones to exhaustion pretty early on.

I learned that I am more afraid of heights than even I myself knew, 

and that I'm not as spontaneous or fearless as I was once or would

like to be. However, I did ride every ride in the park excluding the

water rides, (have you smelled that water?!) and the boat will forever be my 

favorite. My mom even jumped on a couple coasters and we had some fun 

convos while we sat out the repeat rides for the other two. It was so 

much fun squeezing misters hand tight, laughing at screamy face photos, and watching him be the sweetest and so cute with Trinity. He said she stole his heart when she made friends with another kiddie in line and said she 

was here visiting her "aunt and uncle." Precious.

Having her here this week and doing so many kid things has got the both

of us feeling preeetty baby crazy. I keep reminding toots that I

hate odd numbers and I don't want a baby born in 2013 but then I just

feel a little silly. Were gonna keep pushing through and try to hold out

as long as possible, but I know it will come sooner rather than later, 

especially with his eagerness for a baby and my weakness for babies.

It's weird how it's what I've looked forward to my whole life, and now that 

it's here in front of me, the subject makes me so scared and anxious,

but like an excited scared and anxious! Eeeek! I can say though,

 that I'm more confident in doing anything to move forward with him

than I have been ever before in my life by a landslide. I couldn't

be happier with the person I chose and I feel too lucky that he 

chose me back. (This got way off topic.) KNOTT'S!

Drey $ Nicole

Surprise Visit Day 3: Dinner and Movies on the Beach

After a long day of soakin' in the ocean and the suns warm rays,

we polished up with a shower and hit a local favorite called Berth 55!

It's the freshest seafood in town and it's a true hidden gem!

(Took us a couple re-routes on the maps AND a pull into a gas

station for some help to find it!) It's so good that it's quite the

controversy around town right now! Someone with the city is trying

to out buy the owner of 40 years because the spot is ideal for 

his potential docking plans. This has the town in a fit, posting

pleads rants and raves in their reviews online, and even going so

far as to start a petition to keep the place in business. (Which

we signed after dinner.) 

After stuffing our guts with loads of halibut, calamari and snapper,

we topped the night off with the weekly showing of Movies on the Beach.

Trinity was extra excited over seeing Titanic, having only seen half of it.

She even out did mister and stayed awake until the very end!

I feel a new tradition coming on.

Drey $ Nicole

Surprise Visit Day 2: Retro Row

1. Up bright and early for a day of vintage shopping on the infamous Retro Row

2. Mom got to ride shotgun all week since I immediately took over her mini cooper

3. We all died over this beautiful 3,000 dollar pair of vintage chairs

4 & 5. Little hipster in training? She loved my favorite shop almost as much as me!

6. Brightness and feel-good item overload

7. This is about the time she couldn't hang and was over how much my mama and me shop when we get together

8. The cutest little retro barber shop called Salon Pop! The colors are fitting, Eh?

9 & 10. This little lady loves fruit more than anyone- including adults- that I know! I've lost count of how many "fruit salads" she's had since being here while the rest of indulge. She even orders the fruit cup over the waffle fries with her chickfila kids meal! Beats me.

Drey $ Nicole