We celebrated our 21st Wedding Anniversary and went south! Every time we go to Sarasota, Florida, we are again reminded how much we love it there!!!! Easy flights there and home! Good food! Sandy beaches but we had COLD weather this trip. Florida is just supposed to be warm and balmy always right? Well, not this trip. Sadly, we lived in our winter coats as we walked the beach and streets of St. Armands Key but the sun was shining and we were not shoveling snow!!!!! We did need our sunglasses, we ate yummy foods and more importantly, Mike and I spent four days straight with just the two of us!!!!
We boarded the plane early Friday morning. Mom came and helped get the kids off to school and then the kids spent the rest of the time at Ava's house one night and at Matt and Lenas the rest of the time! We are so blessed to have a good place for them to stay while we travel! We boarded the plane and pulled out to the runway but had to turn around and go back because there was something not right with the switch board. ???? We went back to the airport, everyone got off the plane, waited a few hours for a tire repair to be done on another plane, boarded again and we took off for the south! We arrived late and sick of wearing our masks all day long but we arrived safe and sound! Thank you Jesus!
Foods are so good in Florida! Mike and I walked through the streets in Downtown Sarasota and visited the farmers market on Saturday morning. It was cold and windy and we walked fast!
The first meal was at Venezia Italian Restaurant. We shared pizza and salad! This was the first Mike heard of a Shirley Temple drink (spirit with cherry syrup added) and liked it!
Of course, I had to grab us some fresh fennel to eat while we were there! And we got some guacamole and ceviche.
After walking the market streets, we rushed indoors to get of the cold windy streets and warmed up with breakfast at First Watch! It was so delicious! The lemon ricotta pancakes with eggs Benedict was fantastic!
We stayed at the Holiday Inn at Lido Beach. Our room faced the beach and we had pretty sunsets to gaze at each night!
It was too cold to sit out on the beach but with the door open and sitting right inside our motel room, the sun felt really good! We did walk the beach but didn't touch the water.
We love to drive around the Sarasota area together. We rented a Tesla and drove out to Anna Marie Island! We stopped and walked around. A fresh bag of hot tortillas chips went with us back and we ate them with our guac and ceviche. Mike also found chocolate baklava that he loved!
We went back for round two the next morning and ate again at First Watch! It is so amazing! Mike is on a gluten and dairy free diet right now and so when I told him macaroons are gluten free, we grabbed some of them at the circle while walking around! The basil white chocolate was my favorite!
And yes, I had to do laundry because we were living in our long sleeves and sweatshirts. So much for the shorts and tank tops this trip!
I found this perfect sand dollar on the beach for Ashlyn!
We couldn't wait to watch the Chiefs play football on Sunday afternoon! We wished to be out on the beach, in a tiki hut watching the game but the weather was tough on us and instead we opened up our motel door again and let the sun beat in on us while we watched the game inside!
At half time, we took a quick walk on the beach. I was laughing to see the seagulls looking cold too!
We wiped a tear when the Chiefs lost by going in overtime but it was a good game! Such a good game to watch again! St. Armands Key had an art gallery show that took over the circle over the weekend. Mike and I walked from one exhibit to the next and picking out our favorite arts pieces. It felt good to walk in the sunshine! We ate dinner at Crab and Fin and grabbed more macaroons and hot coffee on the way back to our room! Florida is so fun even if it's chilly! The main reason we went on this trip is to just spend time together ... talking, laughing and wishing for warmer weather! Monday morning arrived so soon and we grabbed a coffee at the Postal Cafe and a breakfast wrap, said hello and goodbye to Mom Lapp and Mommy D. and headed to the airport to fly home to our kids! Austin was in tears a few times while we were away and really couldn't wait for us to come back home! Matthew and Ashlyn seem to be fine with us going on short trips!
Another short delay at the airport but we had a safe flight and now we are back home in the snow, ice and bitter cold tempts.
Anniversary trips have not always looked like this for us over the years. Some years, we chose to just do dinner and spend the night out but stay local. It is harder to get away with small children but the past few years, Mike and I planned away trips and they are so fun! We love to travel together! We love warm places in January! We love to go but it's always good to be back home with the family!
Mike rushed off to Matthew's basketball game while I went to pick up Austin at his basketball practice. Ashlyn went with me and we all got home later last night! Austin was so happy to have us back home! He said, "I just want to hug you and hug you!"
Thank you Mom, Lena and Ruthie for watching our littles while we were away! You are the best!
I LOVE YOU BABE!!!! Happy anniversary!
