A new state

In March we were inivited by our neighbors and dear friends Beth and Kyle Hubbard, to join them on their vacation to Florida. Kyle's parents live in Bocca Grande, along with Kyle's grandparents. So we decided to join the famile abode---four generations under one roof!-- for a few days of fun in the sun. Surprisingly enough Naomi had never been to Florida. Julia neither, for that matter!

Baby girl did great on her first plane ride. She screamed a bit getting on the plane--but who wouldn't when they hadn't eaten in five hours and were getting dirty stares from strangers who didn't think they were that cute anymore since they were fussy---but calmed down during take off and for the remainder of the trip...except for a brief throw up all over Tucker, but hey, that happens! Tucker (the smellier of the two when they got off the plane) did not have a change of clothes. Even more of a bummer when we realized they'd "lost our luggage." Thankfully we got a $30 rebate which really made our day and made up for the dammage. And hey, the bags got there speedily the next day at, oh approximately 11 pm. Way to go, Jet Blue-It!

Thankfully at Bocca Grande there was a surplus of clothing---we were offered shirts, shorts, bathingsuits and underwear....needless to say, we were glad when our things arrived. Bocca Grande was the perfect destination for us as new and a wee bit frazzled, parents. Beth and Kyle have a baby boy Owen who is 2 1/2 months older than Naomi. We enjoyed the time with our friends and the time spent just delighting in our babies as we took walks, trapsed all over the island in a golf cart---even in torrential rain---made and ate yummy meals, played croquet in matching khaki/white attire, climbed trees, walked on the beach and even attended a Capitain Hook St. Patrick's day party. The weather was warm and delightful, although not particularly hot. We loved how staying with the Hubbards felt like a stay with our grandparents. I found myself thinking a lot about my grandma Pat and missing her a bunch. There were orange slices strewn all over in little china bowls, chocolates, coconut candies, M&Ms and chocolate covered nuts. We watched Jeopardy in the evenings---and saw the first time ever three-way tie!--- and played games (including our family card game "Up and Down the River") A wonderful time was had by all and the bonds of friendship strengthed. It was fun to return home and continue living alongside these dear friends. Only 4 states left for Julia to hit, a bunch for Tucker and 46 for Naomi. But hey, she hit Florida way before her mom did!