This trip was planned pretty spur of the moment and only planned a month in advance. My daycare was going to be closed the week of July 13th, so we had taken time off to be home with the kids. Initially, we didn't have any plans to go anywhere, but the more I thought about it, the bigger itch I got to want to go somewhere. I started searching the VRBO.com website hoping to find something that struck my eye, was available and within a reasonable price range. I looked at all different areas in Florida and even South Carolina. I didn't have a particular destination in mind - it would all just come down to what was free. I ended up finding a rental (house) in Naples, Florida that looked like something we'd be interested. It was a 3 bedroom house with a screened in in-ground pool and a short distance from the beach. I did a bit more research on Naples and then just went ahead and booked the house. Originally, we wanted to go Monday through Saturday. When I inquired about the house, we learned that it was only available Tuesday through Sunday. We decided to move our plans around. Even though our rental wouldn't be ready until Tuesday, we still flew out to Florida on Monday. One of my good girlfriends lives in Ft. Myers, so I reached out to her and we made plans to get together for that day.
On Monday, July 13th our flight was at 6:30 am out of Midway. With a flight that early, we had to get the kids up extra early! Their wake-up call came at 3:45 am, so we could leave the house by 4:00 am. Wow - I was dreading trying to get two kids out the door so early, but they both actually were in great moods. They were so excited to go on an airplane, so there was no crying or fighting and life was good! We drove to the airport and got there around 5:00 am. It was extremely crowded and it took us awhile to get through security and to our gate. We did make it in plenty of time. Both kids were on their best behavior and we had a great flight!
Mason all ready to go!
We arrived in Fort Myers around 10:00 am Florida time. After we got our luggage and our rental car, we headed to the hotel we were going to stay at for the night. Unfortunately, they didn't have any rooms ready to allow for an early check-in, so that was a bust. They said to try back in an hour. We went and grabbed a light lunch and then tried back again. Luckily, we were able to get to our room! Once we got situated, I called my girlfriend Erin and made our plans for the door. Her and her kids (Colin and Cameron) were going to come meet us at our hotel and swim for the afternoon. Erin and I go way back and I was SO excited to see her and her family! It had been almost two years since the last time I saw her. They came and met us at the hotel and the kids had a complete blast! Leah and Cameron got along great and were so cute together. They reminded us of a little Lori and little Erin!
Mason was digging his new lady friend
Swimming fun!
Taking a little break
Friends just like their mama's
So cute!!
After swimming for a few hours, Erin's fiancé was getting off of work so we were all going to head to dinner. We were staying in a cute area with several restaurants right nearby. We ended up going to Miller's Ale House. It was so great catching up with Erin and Jimmy!
One of my favorite girls - reunited after way too long!
It was Mason's birthday the next day and Cameron's on the 20th, so we got a dessert to celebrate.
It had been a long day considering we had left the house at 4:00 am that day. We decided to call it a night after dinner and went back to the hotel. The next morning, when we woke up it was Mason's THIRD birthday! We all sang to him and told him what a special day it was. We went downstairs and had breakfast at the hotel restaurant. The kids had yummy chocolate chip pancakes. We also had a little bit of time before checkout so the kids were able to get one more dip in the pool.
Leah enjoying her coffee (or chocolate milk)
Mason being a goofball
The rental wasn't going to be ready until 3:00 pm, so we didn't check out of the hotel until 11:00 am (when we had to) and then went and drove to check out the different areas of Naples. First we drove past the house just to get a look and then we drove around the town. It reminded me a lot of Oak Brook or Naperville. We wanted to find the beach, different restaurants, shopping areas, etc. The kids started working up an appetite so we stopped in the downtown area and grabbed lunch at the Old Naples Pub. Leah ordered a hotdog and it was bigger than her head! They also had some games to keep the kids busy!
After lunch and cruising around for awhile, we stopped at Publix to pick up our groceries for the week (and cupcakes to celebrate Mason's special day). After all of this, our house was finally ready. As soon as the kids saw the pool at the house, they were so excited!
Our house for the week
The heated pool in the backyard.
Since we didn't get to the house until the late afternoon, we decided to just stick around the house and do what the kids love - SWIM! We relaxed and swam and had dinner at the house. After getting our pool time in, we did pull out the cupcakes and sing happy birthday to sweet Mason!
Happy 3rd Birthday Mason!!
Leah was jealous that Mason got to have his birthday in Florida. She said she wants her birthday in Florida next year.
The kids went on a walk with Rob and found a coconut! Leah spent about an hour trying to get that thing open. We have a funny video of her efforts!
Mase and the coconut.
All tired out - relaxing on the couch!
We were all pooped and went to bed. The next day was going to be a beach day and the kids were so excited! We packed a lunch, grabbed our towels, chairs, umbrella and beach toys and hit the road. We found an area of the beach that was not crowded and more private. It was just perfect!
Leah loves the beach!
Cloudy day
Muscle man Mason!
We had a great time at the beach for about an hour and then the dark clouds started rolling in and within a short time, the rain came too! We hurried up and packed up our camp. We thought the rain would pass quickly, so we didn't want to go back to the house just yet. Nearby there was a place called "Tin City." It essentially was an area with several little shops, restaurants and touristy things. We decided to head there, even though we were all in our bathing suits! First thing the kids spotted....was an ice cream shop!
Warning message for Mason!
Yay! He got his superman ice cream.
Happy with her cone!
The rain cleared up a bit and we found these friends!
Mason riding the bull!
We stuck around Tin City for awhile and the weather did clear up, and we did to go back to the beach for a little bit.
The bad weather passed quickly
A young boy, around the age of 12 or so caught a SHARK fishing from the shore! Needless to say my kids were a little freaked out about going back in the water!!
A little later in the day after we got our beach time in, we all showered up and ventured out for dinner. We went to an area called Venetian Village.
The server gave us crackers to feed ALL of the fish! The kids loved it.
When we were at Tin City, we learned that they also offered Boat Tours. So the next day, we decided to do something a little different and take the kids on a tour. It was a huge boat that took us through the gulf and down different canals. The kids really enjoyed themselves.
I found my new house! :)
Later in the evening, we once again ventured out for dinner. This time we went to a fantastic Latin/Mexican restaurant called Agave. It was by far my favorite meal of our time there!
After dinner, we stopped for ice cream again! This time, it was at a place called Sub Zero, where they basically make the ice cream right in front of you using, their sub zero machines. It was pretty cool!
Enjoying their freshly made ice cream!
The next morning, Friday, w wanted to go back to the beach! We packed up around 10:00 am and had no plans but to stay there the whole day! It was perfect! Both of my kids LOVED the beach. I am very happy with the area we found at the beach. We stayed away from the public beaches - just because they were SO crowded. Where we were, we could park on a side street and just walk onto the sand. It was perfect.
This crab apple just wanted to sit and shove his face with food.....then he was ready to play.
Saturday was going to be our last full day in Florida. It was another gorgeous day and wanted to take advantage of one final day at the beach. I knew my kids were going to miss it.
I think my kids liked the shower almost as much as the beach!
They constantly wanted to go 'rinse' off!
After all of the fun in the sun, we went back to the house to get ready for our last Florida dinner. That night we were going to Tommy Bahama's to eat. I will say, I was a bit underwhelmed. It was pretty pricey and I didn't think it was really that great. Oh well - we had a table outside and were able to enjoy the evening weather.
The next morning, we left the house to head home. The flight was pretty uneventful (besides the fact Leah ended up throwing up on the plane). She was all good afterwards though.
Overall, it was a great family trip in Florida and I know my kids are already itching to go back!
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