Fun in Florida!! Part I

We went on our first Jordan Family Adventure road trip!  Although we have flown out of state to visit my family in Chicago, we took our first multistate road trip from April 18-26th.  We drove about 2,100 miles, driving from Texas to Florida and back.  It was a wonderful trip of beaches, swimming, family time, and a little Disney too!  

We set off Thursday morning for an 11 hour trip.  The time actually went fast and the girls did amazing well in the car! (thankfully Maddie was completely better after being sick with some awful bug that made everything come out of both ends.  We were a little nervous getting on the road since she was still sick Wednesday evening.  Praise God for healing her!)

 We unknowingly made a restroom stop at a place where you could pet a baby alligator. (Welcome to Louisiana ) They are completely harmless because they are on a soy diet, until they are larger.  Once they have their first meat, you can no longer pet them.

 We arrived at Watercolors and had a chance to walk down to the water right at dark.  The next morning, we had our first chance to really explore.  The girls are ready for the beach and waiting patiently on the swing in our screened in porch of our condo that was one block from the beach.  (Awesome recommendation Melissa, but now I am officially a beach snob.  It was wonderful!)

 It was a beautiful morning to walk along the beach

 and play in the sand!

 Kevin couldn't resist the water and waves, although it was really cold.

 He took each girl out to enjoy the water as well.

Here is Maddie and Kevin getting splashed by a wave of cold water.

Maddie showing off her shell

Allie's turn

Here is my view as I was lounging on the blanket!  It was beautiful beach for as far as you could see.  White sand and clear water.

Allie with her partial sand dollar

 We buried Maddie's leg. She called it her cast.

Sand dinosaurs

 Maddie and Allie showing off their sand castle!

We spent a little time in the pool.  Then the wind turned and a storm blew in.  Within minutes the temperature dropped at least 10 maybe 15 degrees.  We ran in the pool grill restaurant to get out of the elements.  Thankfully it was nearly lunch time, so we ate and then had a quiet afternoon.

The next morning started off very cool, as evidenced by the hoodies and pink noses.  We enjoyed walking around the lovely grounds.  

 Maddie loves having her picture taken!

 Allie walking with her Dad.

 The beautiful lake where you can go kayaking and canoeing, it was a little cool for that.

 After an hour or so, the wind stopped blowing and the sun had warmed things up a bit.  We went back to down to the beach to play in the sand for a little while before another 6 hour drive to see my Dad and Suzanne in Hernando Florida.

 The water was much calmer and so clear!

 Allie dancing and singing in the sand.