Four Little Fishies

The hotel pool was well utilized this afternoon.  Luckily I had four extra hands to catch, throw and guide the little fish we call Evan.  Amanda and Scott more than fulfilled their aunt and uncle duties and got a complete workout in the process.  And of course we got more than enough footage...

To complete the pool experience we also took some video footage to make sure we didn't miss any of the action:

We're Baaaack

I suppose we'll never escape Florida completely, but that's how I prefer it. So far I have found visiting is much more pleasant than being a permanent resident.

We hit the road again yesterday to make our way down to Orlando.  Robert is spending a few days at the Wonder Works Orlando while Evan and I take advantage of a nice hotel and make our mark in the shopping mecca of the southeast.  Unfortunately making our mark will consist mostly of browsing, but there are a few stores that I'll be hitting up that I don't get the chance to visit very often.  Hello H&M...

Evan and I ventured out this morning to the Florida Mall where many high end designer stores can be found.  I would normally go to all the great designer outlet stores, but the Florida Mall has H&M which is known to be extremely affordable, but still stylish.  I was more than disappointed that I had to skip over the entire first floor since my body won't be fitting in any regular-sized clothing any time soon.  I headed up to the kids department instead where, to my surprise, I also found a maternity section.  Evan scored a pair of "designer" jeans and a shirt while I took advantage of a great sale and bought two shirts for this ever-expanding belly.  Our visit was short due to Evan's demands to go "bye bye!"  He absolutely hates to shop.  Every store that I tried to stroll him into after that he kicked and screamed until I turned around.  Thank you for the huge candy store where I was able to purchase a ring pop (his favorite) to distract him.  I compromised and only took him to a couple of other stores.

Evan was happy to be heading back to the hotel, but instead of smiling he finds it way more entertaining to make funny faces at the camera.  His school pictures should be interesting.

While baby boy is napping I am finishing up some work and may possibly nap myself - I always say that, but never do.  We're taking it poolside when Evan gets up since all I've heard since we got back is "pool, pool, pool."  Evan spent at least 10 minutes staring out the window at the pool below.  I must say - it looks inviting.

We're also expecting Amanda and Scott tonight.  They are spending the next couple of days with us here in Orlando.  Yeah.

The Santel Visit

We are so fortunate to be living closer to good friends.  Not being able to plan a weekend visit in a matter of a few days is one thing that made living in Florida such a bummer.  But we are finally able to reap the benefits of living in closer proximity and in just two short months it has already made our move back worth it tenfold.

We had a great visit from The Santels yesterday.  They decided on a whim early last week that they would drive over from Durham and spend Sunday with us and venture over to Broadway at the Beach today for a little Myrtle Beach action.  I was so excited to have them here and FINALLY get to spend some much needed time with them.

Evan and Ella got along as well as toddlers can considering they all seem to live in their own worlds.  They swung on the swings and slid down the slide, played their own version of soccer and took wagon rides with Robert as their chauffeur.  They definitely played hard and were left red-faced a sweaty by the end of the day.  Bedtime couldn't come quick enough.

The adults were able to catch up on each others' lives and share many laughs in the process.  The only regret I had about their visit is that it wasn't longer, but I know now it only takes a quick decision and drive to have this experience again.