Headin' back to Venice

We made it back to GG and Gpa's with Russ in tow. Lexie was ready to show off her swimming skills. Up to this point, she still didn't venture too far from the edge of the pool, the steps, or whomever was 'helping' her. She was getting much better about jumping into the pool, but still wasn't sure about getting water in her face. After a mid-morning swim with Nini and me, that all changed. While daddy was out golfing with the 'old 18 holers', we were busy practicing and perfecting our moves!

I managed to get Lexie to 'swim' in front of me while assuring her I had a hold of her from behind. The first couple of times, I did! It was almost like riding a bike...the child is on their bike while mom or dad is holding on to the back of if running along, then...you just have to let go and wait...and pray they don't wreck. Well, it was kinda like that, except...I knew she wasn't going to wreck--I just didn't want her to never trust me again. Long story short, after a few of those attempts of letting go so she could swim to Nini...she "didn't want 'help' anymore"...and she hasn't looked back since (well, except for a picture!)

Lexie was so proud of herself---and so were we!!!
Look at her go...kick, kick, kick!
Time to rest...and blow a few bubbles!
"I sure do love to swim mommy!"
Later that afternoon, we managed to sneak back down to the pool to show Russ Lexie's big accomplishment! Of course, Olivia had a few of her own too! Russ would since 'ring around the posies' and bounce Olivia up and down to the rhythm of the tune. When it was time for everyone to 'fall down', he would dunk her under water. It got to the point where she would sing herself..then proceed to duck her face into the water! It was a riot...and unfortunately, I didn't catch it on video! :(

We celebrated in style by going out to dinner...GOLD RUSH! All you could eat ribs...and boy did Russ put a few of them down! We had a great time!

Olivia says "Where's the beef?"
The last couple of days were busy ones--we tried to manage to squeeze EVERY little bit of life that we could out of our vacation! Russ and I managed to golf (thanks to GG, Gpa, and Nini for looking after the girls for us!) Nini and I went shopping while everyone else went to the park, we went to the beach, ate at Sharky's on the pier for lunch, and we even managed to find a place to call our own!!! (Again, thanks to GG, Gpa, and Nini for helping out!) Russ contacted a Realtor and we found, made an offer on and are in the process of closing on a condo of our own!! Pictures will be posted soon! Needless to say, it was quite an eventful and FUN trip! Can't wait for our next one!

Olivia is definitely "paa-pa's" girl!
Keeping herself entertained...with the help of a few dinosaurs. She really liked to stick them between her toes! Who knew THAT could be so much fun!

Sharky's on the pier...great food, good tunes, and FANTASTIC views!

Lunchtime at the beach!
Lexie enjoying the view from the piers

Walking down the pier enjoying our last day
We may need to look into gymnastics for this little one...she LOVED walking on the 'balance beams' aka parking stops!
We were all a little sad that the pool was closed the last day we were there. The temps dipped into the lower 60's so they put the cover on the pool. Still hard to complain where there are sunny skies and 60 degree weather (especially when it is snowing back up north!)

Our Time in Tarpon

Granny and the girls at the park
Olivia making her way over to the big play park

Olivia going through the tunnel on the 'big slides'
Lexie loves to hang like a monkey
Olivia enjoying a stationary bike with the help of Granny...I don't know who is having more fun
My lovable Lexie
The girls found a car to drive
After the park, we made our way over to the beach...it was a little too chilly and WAY too windy to get in the water, but we were able to enjoy the sand none the less

Olivia pointing...'beesh'....
"Come on Granny---let's go this way"
Picturesque palms

I have to admit, I was trying to be a bit artsy with this photo...and I LOVE IT! Lexie running on the beach with her bucket of sand with Granny and Olivia in the background
Busy, busy, busy...she couldn't pick up the shells fast enough
More shells...though this time she braved the cool water temps to get one
We had a great couple of days with Granny! We made it to the park, the beach and the pool---and even managed to get some Christmas decorations up too!

Here, There, Everywhere---4th of July Tour

We decided to hit the open road to celebrate Independence Day! I don't think anyone was looking forward to the 7+ hour drive (especially Russ since he had just gotten off work) but I had the Suburban loaded up and ready to go so away we went. Our first stop was North Jersey to visit with the Berks. We had a BLAST! The Berks are such wonderful hosts and the kids got along great! Lexie was in heaven playing with the boys! We went to a local park, took a train ride, played on the playground, and headed back to the Berks for a 3rd of July celebration! What a FUN FUN F U N time!!!

Jake took Lexie's hand to help her to the train! It was sooooo cute!


Lexie and Jake are ready to ride!!!
An attempt at a group shot...the conductor cut out Ash! :(
Tyler trying to explain to Lexie there was going to be a tunnel, but not to be scared---I love these boys!
Jake waving good bye to all the on lookers as the train left the station/
Olivia rushing to get in line

Lexie couldn't wait to take her turn! She ran right up to this lucky Zebra!
Jake picked a horse right next to Lexie
Tyler...or "Ti-yer" as Lexie pronounces it, picked a horse too
Lexie was loving the ride!
Jake, Lexie, and Tyler posing for the camera! What cuties!

I didn't realize Ashley was even taking a picture...Olivia and I both look as though we were deep in thought.


The next stop on our 'tour' was Long Island for a 4th of July visit with the Raymars! But first it was a quick detour to visit with Brent at Panther Lake. The girls swam their little hearts out and were ready for a nap! On our way out of town, we passed by Daddy's old house...



I think Lexie was fast asleep before we even made it to Russ' childhood home...they were TIRED!!! The girls managed to sleep most of the way to LI which made the drive a very quiet one.
Crossing the G W Bridge on our way to Long Island

The girls were out C O L D!!!


Once we arrived, Lexie and Olivia were ready to play with baby Sami! What a miracle and beautiful little girl! Sami was born at 25 weeks (a little over 3 months early)...unfortunately, we won't be back to celebrate her first birthday, so we took advantage of our visit and celebrated with her a bit early! The girls laughed and played until bedtime...then the adults enjoyed an amazing dinner and the NYC fireworks (via NBC!) The next morning, Mel and Brandon took us to their beach club. It was so much fun and there was EVERYTHING you could want and more! Kiddie pools on the beach...perfect weather...a nice cool breeze...sun...fun and great friends! Thanks again for all the hospitality!



Olivia took a dip in the beach side pool!
Lexie was busy building her sand castle.
She was on a mission!

The view from the cabana at the beach club. Thanks again Brandon and Mel for a great visit!
Lexie was having a great time at the beach club! She loved the sand, the sun, the surf...and the company!
Baby Sami on the beach--such a happy little girl!

The final leg of the trip (minus the journey home of course) led us to south Jersey. We were able to spend some time with Uncle Walt, Great Grandma Jones, and Grandma Barbara. Lexie and Olivia even showed off their swimming skills!! Thankfully the pool was near by as it was hot Hot HOT (to the tune of 103 by the afternoon)!!!

Russ and Lexie heading in the pool for a swim!
Olivia posing on the deck of the pool...such a little cutie!
After a quick visit, we loaded up and headed back home! We had a great time on our journey...but it was sooooo nice to be home! It was a loooong trip...a fun one--but there truly is 'no place like home'!

This is how much time we spent in the car....

...and we put a few clicks on the odometer!