Florida Trip 2018/2019

For the first time since Autumn has been born, we were able to take a long vacation in Florida to visit the Hazeltine clan! Autumn did -okay- with the plane rides... it could have been far worse, but she was pretty fussy and displeased with having to sit on our laps for 3 hours straight. She took a half hour nap each way, which was a small reprieve, but otherwise required constant entertainment to keep her from losing it!

Playing with brother while waiting to board our flight

Hitching a ride with Ember!

We stayed at Nana and Papa's house in Venice, Florida for 8 days, and had a wonderful trip.  We had a belated-Christmas celebration with the whole family including Nana, Papa, Uncle Ross, Great-Aunt Anne, Great-Aunt Sharissa, Great-Uncle Hugh and Gigi! We exchanged gifts and also celebrated Dada's birthday at the same time.  Autumn received some great gifts, including fun toys, stuffed animals and adorable clothes!

Having some lunch with Uncle Ross

Nana and Papa's house has a pool, so Autumn was able to go swimming for the first time! We weren't sure how she would like it, because she has completely hated bath time so far, but after some initial fussing she started to love it, and happily floated in her little baby boat and splashed in the water!

Next up was a visit to Great-Uncle Hugh and Great-Aunt Sharissa's boat, "Blue Skies," and a dinghy ride to the tiny "Snake Island" for exploring and wading in the water.

Safety first!

Headed out in the dinghy

On Snake Island

The following day included a yummy lunch at one of Mama's favorite restaurants, "Phillippi Creek," on the way to the "Sailor Circus," which is a circus show put on by a local youth circus arts program.  The show was really cool, but we were in a big circus tent with no air conditioning or ventilation, so we were all dying of heat. I had to strip Autumn's clothes off to keep her from overheating, but we were still all miserable. We decided to leave at intermission because of the overwhelming heat, which was unfortunate because the show was really cool! Hopefully we can see it again on our next visit, at which point the show will be relocated to a new (air conditioned!) facility.

Next up was a return visit to "Blue Skies," and the chance to take her out on the water and accompany Great-Uncle Hugh and Great-Aunt Sharissa on a boat ride from Venice to Sarasota. It was about a two-hour ride, and Autumn loved looking out at the water and watching the other boats go by. She took a little snooze in the Ergo carrier along the way.

Watching Captain Hugh at work while we prepare to depart

Hangin with Gigi.

Waving at the passing boats

Getting loves from Great Aunt Sharissa

Nap time!

Uncle Ross met us at our destination!

On Sunday evening, we attended a weekly ritual on the Siesta Key beach, which is a big drum circle that happens at sunset.  Autumn was a little fussy and tired, but did enjoy watching and listening to the drumming and doing a little dancing with Mama and Dada.

Next, we were able to visit the local aquarium, "Mote Marine." Autumn enjoyed looking at and pointing at all of the animals, and particularly seemed enamored by the big tanks with the sharks and large fish.

Munching on an apple during a scenic and serene lunch following the aquarium. 

Last, but certainly not least, we ended our trip with a beach day on the Siesta Key beach! Autumn loved playing in the sand, but was not a huge fan of being in the water.  We are guessing it was a little chilly for her liking, because the second the water hit her even a little bit she would fuss and cry.  When we were near the water, she clung to us for dear life! Luckily, she enjoyed the rest of the experience and even had a nap while Mama walked up and down the beach.

Please Mama don't put me in that water!! 

Nap time! 

All in all, it was a very special trip with lots of quality time with the Hazeltine family.  It was wonderful seeing Autumn get to know this part of our family some of whom she had never met before, and many of whom she has had limited time with.  It is safe to say that everyone fell in love with her immediately (how can you not?).  She was a trooper, going with the flow for the most part with our near-constant activity each day.  We are excited to return for another visit next year (if not sooner!)

Diaper change entertainment provided by Ember

Who knew pizza crusts made such good teethers? ;)