Forever Memories.

It has been a long time I have written and updated this blog and let me tell you, A LOT has happened! We have spent some much needed time together, visited with our wonderful family, seen all that southern Florida has to offer, shopped for a much needed new wardrobe for Jason and ultimately just had a lot of fun. And during all of this, Colin has changed and developed exponentially as well.

Tomorrow, we will head home, back to the reality of schedules, renovations and the everyday chores that life brings. Although I am excited to get back to "normal" and to see our pup again, I am also sad that this amazing trip has to end. It has been very busy and jam packed with excitement, however has also offered a lot of downtime for swimming, naps and overall relaxation. I would also argue that the shopping that we have done has also been relaxing, however I know that some (Jason) would disagree with that!

Our trip started with the longest day of life, getting up at 4:00 a.m. and not arriving in Naples until 7:30 p.m. Although Colin did not sleep at all on either plane ride, he was fairly happy, therefore there isn't much to complain about. He loved looking out the window and playing with the new toys I saved for the ride.


He did however save all his crying for the 4 hour car ride from Orlando to Naples where he got it ALL out...believe me. At least it was only Jason and I listening to it, rather than a plane full of others. Once we got there and were able to move around again, he was much happier. Here is his getting to know his new home for the next week. Every inch needed to be explored!

The next two days were spent with some friends and their son, who has already been deemed Colin's best friend for life. Hopefully as they grow up, Colin will stop scaring the crap out of him with his constant yelling and roaring :). These two had fun together playing in the pool, and the 4 of us adults had a great time catching up, fishing on the ocean, visiting an amazing secret home of tortoises and viewing the most amazing fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July.



It was then back to Naples for some relaxation and family time. Since Colin was born we really haven't had much time to spend just the 3 of us, so we made the most of the days we had in Naples. A beautiful condo gifted to us for the week was the perfect place to do just that. We enjoyed the space so much as it sits directly on Vanderbilt beach in Naples, a beautiful spot with a unobstructed view of the Gulf of Mexico and all the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that come with it.

Except for a couple fall-ins, Colin quite enjoyed the ocean and playing and splashing with the water and all the shovels and pails he could ever want. Unfortunately for me, while carrying a bag of garbage to the trash shoot, I cut my leg on some broken glass and ended up with 5 stitches in my leg preventing me for going into the water anymore. Although it was frustrating and disappointing, the entire process at the hospital was actually quite pleasant and wait-free! I was sure to keep my leg free of water and sand and chose to enjoy the sun instead.

On our last day in Naples we met up with the same friends from earlier in the week, as well as her brother and family whom we are also friends for a day at the waterpark and a feast of blue crabs for dinner.


We had a great time to end our week in Naples and headed out for Orlando the next morning. After meeting my parents, sister, brother and families in a great rental home about 10 minutes from Disney we were up bright and early Monday morning to start our week at the happiest place on earth.

First up was none other than the Dumbo ride...could any other ride ever really be first?

The rest of the day was spent on other great rides including all our favorites from 1988 (the last time we were all together in Disney) as well as some new favorites. Even though it was VERY hot all week, the kids (including Colin surprisingly) did awesome and were happy and energetic all day long. I am loving this next picture...one to keep for sure.


To my relief, our little man did occasionally chose to fall asleep in his stroller as well. THANK GOODNESS. Although it was only for half an hour a day, it did wonders for him and gave him the little bit of energy he needed to finish off the day.


Thankfully on the Epcot day we even ran into an old friend of mine and a new friend of Colin's. Epcot proved to be just as educational as I remember it being...so naturally, Jason loved it :).



At the Finding Nemo ride in Epcot, Colin got himself into an dangerous predicament. When I showed this picture to my nephew, he got a very concerned look on his face and asked "how did Colin get away?"

I am not one to take pictures of "fake" scenery, however this "Tree of Life" in the Animal Kingdom really took my breath away. I don't know if it is because I have never seen it before (as this park was not around the last time I was at Disney), however it is truly something to see. It is massive and smack dab in the middle of the Animal Kingdom for all to enjoy as you make your way through the park.

Like I mentioned earlier, even though we were busy trying to squeeze as much Disney as the kids and the heat would allow, there was still lots of time to relax and enjoy the pool that as my nephew pointed out "was glad that Grandpa bought for us!"



After my sister, brother and families left back for home, Mom, Jason and I took the opportunity of Grandpa staying home with Colin to check out Universal Studios for the day. Stop number one was a given, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as both Mom and Jason are avid readers.

The castle was something to be seen, looking very unique and authentic, even in the Florida sky. What wasn't something to be seen, at least I wish I hadn't seen it, was the 2.5 hour wait for the main Harry ride. We did however wait, and it was fun...I guess :). I did however get a Coles notes version of the entire Harry Potter story while in line. I probably had time to read the entire first book had I had a copy.

After the ride, we took a break for some butterbeer, something I was told was a must!


Something I found out on this trip is that my days of riding big roller coasters and simulation rides may be over. I just can't handle them and end up wishing they would end seconds after they start. I almost have a mini panic attack and do not enjoy the feeling. So instead of boarding some of the thrill rides Jason was excited for, Mom and I enjoyed walking through Universal for the rest of the day while Jason sampled some of the coasters. I did at one point almost leave with Captain America...he is very dreamy :).

Over the past 2.5 weeks, Colin has become a quick, brave little mover and has us on our toes even more than before we left. Here is a quick look at a new skill we have mastered while here...

We all have so many amazing memories that will last a very, very long time. There are so many more pictures, stories and quotes that I am sure will be recounted for years to come.

This trip would not have happened had it not been for my parents. Even though the official reason we are all here together at this time is to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary (Happy Anniversary!), I feel like an even more amazing reason to celebrate is just how wonderful our family has always been, and continues to be as little people are continually added to it. We could not ask for better and I am eternally grateful that I get to be a part of it. Thank you Mom & Dad/Grandma & Grandpa for an amazing couple of weeks. It was just what we needed and we will remember it always!