It was great to get home and sleep in our own beds! For a few nights, at least.<\/p>\n
Our cats, Cari and Emma, were so excited to see us again. We’re so lucky to have Sunny, a super special soul, who comes to check on them, plus Louise, our neighbor, who helped out, too.<\/p>\n
First stop … Fleming Island, the Grandparents and the pool!<\/p>\n
That Friday saw us off to Camp Shands (Boy Scout Camp outside of Gainesville, FL). We were there to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Order of the Arrow … plus my handsome husband was one of 10 gentlemen that were awarded the Centurion Award for the North Florida Council. This was for his amazing leadership and program initiatives. Way to go, Courtney!<\/p>\n
While there, we got caught in a rainstorm (the girls and I took shelter in a camp tent), rescued a frog from the bathroom, tested out a tipi, toured camp and of course enjoyed the company of friends.<\/p>\n
We stayed the night in Gainesville and the next morning took a quick drive to Ichetucknee Springs to go tubing. Well, the drive was quick – but the wait to get in took a little while.<\/p>\n
We were all a little tired when we woke up, so we took it easy and didn’t leave the hotel until 10am. It seems people start to line up before the park opens at 8:00am. Oh well. It wasn’t that long of a wait. And it was well worth it.<\/p>\n
Here’s what we looked like after getting loaded-up with our tubes and my boat – one tube had to be smushed into the back of the mini van. (Yes, Courtney got me a boat! No cold feet or hands on this trip.)<\/p>\n
We started at the mid-point and spent about an hour-and-a-half on the river. We’ll definitely do this again – maybe even with some time spent in the swimming hole.<\/p>\n
Once we got out and got back to our car, we were all famished. A quick stop for lunch and we were off driving again. This time to St. Petersburg and visiting with the Tantes. What was another special treat for me was remembering the times that I used to come to St. Petersburg to visit my grandparents.<\/p>\n
As soon as we could, we were off to Pass-a-grille Beach at St. Pete Beach.<\/p>\n
“According to legend, it is thought that Pass-a-Grille derives its name from the <\/span>French Passe aux Grilleurs<\/span>, which <\/span>means<\/span> “the passageway of the grillers” in honor of the fisherman who used to grill their catch of the day on the shore when the island was still a post for pirates.” –Tampa Bay Times<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Maybe it was the first ever drive-through for pirates? Who knew?<\/p>\n
Who better to wait to go see the new Minion<\/i> movie with then the Tantes?<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\nOf course, they were all decked out. Chayton had planned out his outfit the week before …<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNext up, a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. We have all been fans of the dolphins Winter and Hope since watching the movies Dolphin Tale<\/i> and Dolphin Tale 2<\/i>. <\/div>\n<\/div>\nIf you aren’t familiar with the story … Winter was rescued as a baby after being tangled up in crab trap ropes. Unfortunately, the ropes were around her tail in such a way that they caused her tail to degrade. Fortunately, the people at the Aquarium stuck with her and came up with a solution (through much trial and error) of creating a prosthetic tail. <\/div>\n<\/div>\nTalk about an inspiring story. Since then, Winter has become a symbol of courage and perseverance to millions – both able and disabled. (This is “told” in the first movie – with a little creative license.) The second movie showcases the appearance of Hope (another dolphin pup rescue) and how she actually helps to rescue Winter. <\/div>\n\n