Hoping to catch Ken's sister and brother-in-law in Florida, we booked our trip to Florida via Charleston. We had a fun trip down memory lane as we headed to the Palmetto state, South Carolina. The kids and I were excited to return, as it's been over two years since we called South Carolina home.
We immediately fell right at home in the warmth and humidity! The ocean air and being at sea level seemed to give all of us a bit more energy to run around and enjoy the southern sun. Our very first night we arrived to took a stroll around Daniel Island (where Ken's offices are located and where we were staying). Ella loved watching the cranes flying over head and Eric loved the boats that would pass us by. We all loved looking out at the water.
This was a work trip for Ken, so while Ken was at work the kids and I got to play. We ventured out to the Children's Museum.
Ella and Eric had the most fun in their children's run mini store.
I had many memories of taking Ella to the museum and remember taking Eric when he was just an infant. My times have changed!
I also remembered taking Ella's school trip to the Fire Museum in North Charleston and knew Eric would love seeing all the antique engines.
I was right about the kids loving the museum. However, Eric was a bit disappointed he couldn't ride all of them. We learned about fire safety and of course tried out the long fireman's pole, red slide, and enjoyed the simulated ride in a real fire truck.
South Carolina was built for the heat. The kids had plenty of chances to cool off, as we ventured out to the Wannamaker Sprinkler Park and downtown Charleston's Waterfront Park. The weather was perfect and we were sad to leave, but excited for the next adventure.
Unfortunately, Ken's frequent flyer miles only stretched so far during this busy summer season. So, we rented a car and drove to Florida instead of flying everyone out. The kids did awesome on the almost nine hour drive though and were definitely ready to the hit water when we arrived. They jumped right into Grandma and Grandpa's swimming pool.
We made our usual stop at Anna Maria Island, where the kids could go fish and hit the beach. They were excited to see the Swift Family name carved into the boards at the pier and hope someday they will be taking their own children to the island. Ken's family has a long history with the island and purchased the board back in 2007.
Ella found an awesome sand dollar, but elected to let it go so it could live on in Gulf of Mexico.
Eric preferred splashing and playing the water. He was quite at home and looked like he was born to live near the beach (maybe, it's that he was born in Charleston).
We were disappointed we didn't get to meet up with Aunt Kelly and Uncle Mark, as our schedules didn't coordinate as we had hoped. However, were happy the kids were able to spend time with their Great-Grandma Swift
and Uncle Mikey. We always enjoy our visits to Grandma and Grandpa's house, probably because it's like a mini-vacation in itself. Beaches, pools, wonderful family, the kids had a blast! Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa for always making us feel at home!
We weren't quite done with adventure, as had one major stop still to go. We were ready to unwind and ready for our family vacation. We took advantage of our trip to Florida to take the the kids to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where Winter the dolphin from the "Dolphin Tale" movie lives.
Not only were we able to see Winter the dolphin, but able to tour props and sets from the movie itself. Winter was a sight to see and both kids were thrilled to get up close to see her for themselves.
We also learned so much about all the marine life that this wonderful and active marine hospital continues to save. We watched doctors perform surgery on a sea turtle to remove Fibropapilloma tumors that plagued this defenseless creature.
We were so happy with our visit to Clearwater's Marine Aquarium. We were surprised when we walked in to see how little the facility was, but even more surprised that we spent over six hours learning about Winter and all the other extraordinary care they are giving to injured marine life in Florida. The kids are already asking to go back again.
We enjoyed our last day in Clearwater sitting by the beach. Of course, I had to take advantage of the beautiful ocean view and grabbed my camera.
Ella @ 6.5yrs.
Eric @ 3.5yrs.
Taking in the amazing sunset!
Just as the kids were getting used to beach life,
We knew it was time to head home.
What a wonderful trip down memory lane for us and the kids!
We jumped right back into our normal routine and was surprised when Ella's horseback riding instructor informed us the night we arrived home that Ella could participate in a show that weekend. Ella was thrilled and it was quite a treat for her that weekend. She did well and definitely showed she knew the basics. Ella is sporting her first class ribbon here, with her favorite horse "Brenner."
Just a week later, we were watching Ella at her first piano performance. Ella has been taking piano since she was three and is always singing around the house, making up songs. She definitely enjoys music and I think it shows in her performance.
She selected Express Train for Eric, since she knew trains were his favorite. She learned the melody to Peas Porridge Hot and then composed the entire piece herself. She practiced so hard for her performance and it showed in her confidence and demeanor. We are so happy to have such a wonderful piano teacher and look forward to her final year at her piano school (the program is only for 3 years). What a wonderful foundation they are providing for her both musically and academically.
Eric will be starting his own piano lessons in the fall; however, definitely enjoys keeping busy with his new found love of baseball. He did awesome this season, during his limited time at play. Probably, one of the younger ones on the team he definitely picked up on the fundamentals and is excited to play again.
We have a busy summer planned, not just with activities but camping trips. Stay tuned to see where we are adventuring to next!
