Fun in the Sun

Nearly 5 years after our destination wedding, Ivan and I decided it was finally about time for another hot getaway.  The four of us just returned from a week in Florida together, visiting ‘Oma & Papa’ (Ivan’s dad & stepmom).  We’ve never been away during the winter before, so it almost felt like we were cheating nature to escape the snow and trade it in for palm trees. 

Since Mariah recently turned two, it was her first time needing her own seat on the plane.  We thought this might make life easier since she usually enjoys feeling like a big girl.  But one thing she likes more than independence is being a rebel – so she was not very happy with the flight attendants who insisted that she sit down with her seatbelt on.  Ivan and I wised up on the flight back – we left at bedtime, and had plenty of lollipops, coloring books, and a handy little blanket that just happened to cover the area where Mariah’s seatbelt may or may not have been buckled. 

But all the heartache of flying was well worth the excitement of the trip.  Oma & Papa have a winter home right on a canal, so each morning we awoke to a sunny sky overlooking the calm water.  Rya fell right into place since she has thoroughly been missing fresh air and outdoor activities.  She would run outside in her pajamas each day to talk to the dogs and sort rocks.  Some days we fished off the dock or hopped onto the pontoon boat for a quick ride down the canal.  We had a good balance of small sightseeing and shopping trips, and made pit stops at some great restaurants.  But best of all was the beach, which had lots in store for everyone.  Ivan and his dad smiled from ear to ear as they flew the kites they had spent the first couple of days making together.  Oma and her little bff snuggled and enjoyed long walks on the beach together.  Rya spent hours playing in the sand as I laid down next to her enjoying the sun.  And every now and then we all gave in to the temptation of the crashing waves, for a quick dip.  It was nice to see the girls spending quality time with their grandparents, and of course, it was an added bonus to have babysitters on hand so that Ivan and I could squeeze in some rest too : )

Papa G & Kassiah

Oma and her pal