Ft Lauderdale - Day 1

 It has been a very long time since I've written. We've been on a few small trips here and there but life has changed a lot in the past few years, and we've got more changes coming up. So this trip is a very welcome break. 

Camille has taken us all down to Florida for a long weekend. Last year she brought us to Miami for a few days in March. We had a great time but I wasn't up for blogging and so alas my pictures will sit forgotten in a folder while my memories fade. Anyway, it was lovely so we've come down again this year for some time in Fort Lauderdale. 

We left Thursday night and our flight was unremarkable. Which was actually quite wonderful. The last few trips have been on airlines which seem cheaper but nickel and dime you and those experiences were dissatisfying on almost every level. But this time we went back to JetBlue and it was like we'd traveled back to a more pleasant time. Complementary snacks and beverages, kind flight attendants, free movies at every seat, and sufficient leg room. Small comforts but they made a world of difference. 

Christian's view

Late night flight

We left late on Thursday, after James and I had both finished working, and it was almost 2am before we arrived at our vacation home. This place is small but lovely, beautifully furnished and cozy, with everything we need plus a pool, 2 bikes, and a 2 person kayak. I wish I'd taken pictures of it before we made ourselves comfortable... but in my defense it was 2am. 

Today has been absolutely wonderful. My goal on this trip is to read a book and play a game. Very small goals but I have already accomplished the first one. It sounds terribly lazy to write it out, but I spent all day reading. Out on the patio, inside on the couch when it got too hot, back to the patio as the sun turned, over by the canal, then sitting with my feet in the pool, etc., it was perfect. I did take breaks from this strenuous day to nap, ride a bike with Christian, and eat lunch, so it wasn't ALL reading. But it has been a glorious day. 

My view when reading

Christian with the Rizz

Camille relaxes in the living room

The pool and canal

We've all had a relaxing day. We all slept in and each of the boys has taken a dip in the pool. It is heated by a nice little waterfall on the side and ended up perfectly warm by this afternoon. There is a TV out on the patio and a bluetooth speaker so Christian has been listening to his music while swimming. The neighborhood is very packed so he can't play it too loudly, but he's enjoying it. 

Christian also loves the bikes that are available for us to use. He's been riding up and down the streets of the neighborhood all day, showing off his wheelies and admiring nice cars. Will went out with him for a ride and so did I this afternoon. Bike riding is so pleasant when there are no hills! His dream for this trip is to fish from our dock.

The patio

There isn't much to tell today. We love this house, I would stay here again in a heartbeat if we ever return. And it has been truly wonderful to relax, to be lazy, to really rest. James hasn't been quite as relaxed, he's currently on his 2nd shopping trip with his mom and the boys. Soon they will be home with dinner (and hopefully a fishing pole) and then we'll watch a movie before bed. And maybe I'll have time tonight to play a game with the kids or start my second book. :-)

Outside movie