Just Beachy

We left warm Minnesota on Friday afternoon for a quick weekend trip to warmer Florida. After flying into Orlando around dinnertime, we made a quick stop to visit Lael who was also staying in Orlando for a Mini Mommy Summit.

Then it was off to Lake Mary for a night before heading to our final destination - Daytona Beach Shores. The hotel we stayed at didn't have cribs, or two beds in a room, or king size beds. So, it was three of us in a queen size bed, and the little one said, roll over, roll over! I'm not sure any of us had a particularly restful night. Ella probably slept the best, since she had the most real estate in the bed.

After breakfast, we continued our journey and stopped at Blue Spring State Park. We were hoping to see some manatees, but they've already moved out for the season and were replaced by swimmers. It was still beautiful to see.

The lagoon where everyone swims, over a really deep cave where the spring bubbles up.

When we got to Daytona, we were ready for some fun, sun and beach time. Our hotel was splendid, right on the beach, but we had places to go! (after a quick walk on the beach of course)

Our hotel, beachside - The Shores

We drove out towards NASA to the wildlife refuge. Once again, no manatees. But, we did see one alligator, many birds and a beautiful sunset. We stopped at Dixie Crossroads for a seafood dinner. I discovered that bacon wrapped shrimp is awesome and Ella discovered that she doesn't enjoy chocolate pudding.

Wildlife!

The Rock Shrimp at Dixie Crossroads

Sunday, our full day at Daytona was set aside for relaxing. We had a quick breakfast at Waffle House. We eventually made it out to the beach after naptime. Loran and Ella built a sand fort. Ella did some walking around it, but eventually fell into it and ate a little sand.

The fort, in progress.

Checking out the fort.

Going, going...gone! Falling into the fort.

"A little help here..." Loran's not pushing her in, he's rescuing.

mmm....sand.

We played in the waves and walked up and down the beach. Then we had to make a quick stop to play in the pool. Then watched a wedding while wrapped in beach towels.

Ella loved the waves, but when they were a little too powerful, she pulled her legs up to escape.

On our way back from dinner, we stopped at Congo River to play a little mini-golf. We had a blast and Ella was a great little golfer on Loran's back.

The big gators have been replaced with babies.

After mini golf, we thought we'd bring Ella out, in her jammies, to the bonfire thinking it would calm her down before bed. WRONG. Wild Child blossomed! The fire had the opposite affect on her and she became a party animal. A group attending a wedding at the resort came out and joined us and Ella became the life of the party. Eventually, we had to reel the party girl in and send her to bed. She sacked out immediately.

Monday, we had to head out. We took our last beach walk, snapped a few pictures and headed back to the airport. We had an hour flight delay, which was nice. We grabbed some lunch and relaxed.

Apparently, Ella is like Chelsey - creeping into photos.

The fort made it through the tides, but didn't survive the beach patrol.

Ella was a super flier, both flights. No ear troubles! Luckily, she had a Daddy who is happy to hold her most of the time. We arrived home to rain and cold, but it's warming up again, so we can handle it!

It was a great way for Ella to spend her 16 month birthday!

Also, this is the before and after the Gutt Disaster.