Sad to Leave

 Olivia and Leo were so sad to leave. Both cried at one point during the day. 

Thumbs up for a fantastic trip!

A Caveat + a Lenten Promise

The caveat - my camera broke and I didn't have time to get it fixed before we left. Most pics are from my cell phone, with the exception of a few that I took with my Mom's camera. 

Olivia told us that the school's lenten promise is "love in action" and she felt the best way to demonstrate that was to greet strangers when walking by them. We went to the beach twice a day, so that gave her plenty of opportunity to say "good morning" or "hello" to quite a few strangers. Also, quite a few "retirees" as Olivia noticed. What a card. 

Foggy

 One of the days was so foggy. But also very windy, which proved to be great kite flying weather. 

 Leo got the kite up by himself. 

 This picture looks like it is black and white except for Steve and Leo. 

Leo also loved to let go of the kite string. Steve was able to catch it every time. 

Swimmy the Fish

We love that story (the author's name is Leo, btw). Also swimmy? These two. They could not get enough. Leo is swimming by himself (granted, with a life vest) and Olivia has forgone all floatation devices in favor of swimming under water. 

Beach Bunnies

Olivia and Leo took to the beach like...fish to water. Literally. Even the last day, when the red tide rolled in and everyone was gag-coughing, it was nbd to them. 

The Village

 Marvin (a Minocqua staple) in Siesta Key! So ironic!

 Birds of a (blonde-haired) feather flock together

 The free ride - an electric "trolly" with no sides - was so up Leo's alley

Appetizers by the Pool

Tag along

When Leo caught sight of this fishing gear he was all over it. We don't know what he asked them in the first picture, but whatever the discussion was, he must have thought he was going with them. Very disappointed to learn otherwise. 

First Day

 Partaking in Grampie and UB's nightly ice cream ritual. When walking home with our cones, I heard Leo behind me say "dewicious" under his breath. 

" MOM!"

We arrived in Siesta Key after a bit of a delay with out luggage, it seems someone (Gary) had mistaken Leo and Liv's suitcase for his own. Thankfully we caught him before he got too far. They had their first dip at the beach followed by the pool. 

Ready to Burst

 Stop it Olivia. Don't you have a strawberry shortcake coloring book? 

 The night before leaving. He wanted to sleep in this. 

 Olivia was thrilled with every aspect, even waiting in a long security line. 

 Leo kept on yelling "ready set blast off" at top volume. 

A New Tradition

The past two years we've had a valentine's day tea party for Olivia. This year I decided to take her downtown for tea at the Peninsula instead. She was so resistant to the idea. But once we got to the hotel, she was amazed. Seeing the delight and wonder in her eyes was priceless. She loved everything about it - the food, the hot chocolate, the waiters, the bathroom. She even got her own teddy bear slippers from a waiter. Adorable. One of my most favorite things we've done together.