New Smyrna Beach, FL

Our last 2 days in sunny Florida were at New Smyrna Beach about 20 minutes from Daytona Beach. The hotel was RIGHT on the beach. The first day the wind was blowing so hard, we didn't even get our feet wet in the ocean. The kids did lots of swim time in, the pool was heated to 85'. We ate a fish shack up the street and enjoyed the afternoon. The previous day was Lexi's 2nd birthday and we were celebrating at Disney World. The hotel had grills out on the beach and my brothers bought steaks and cooked them up. We did tin-foil dinners and it was soooo good. After dinner we had a little birthday party for Lexi.

After cookie/cake, Uncle Chad was having way to much fun with Lexi and the balloons. BUT it was very entertaining. The next morning we finally ventured to the beach to get at least our toes wet in the sand. BUT the winds had died down and the weather was warm and sunny and it was the perfect last day in Florida. We even got a great family picture by the ocean.

The three amigos

And lots and lots of pictures playing in the sand and the water. I wish a beach was closer, it was so much fun.

The pool was calling the kids name and the sun bathing chair was calling mine. We all got very toasty and came home with sun burns.

Grampa and Brody and Chad and Anna were also swimming with us. Maddy was getting a refresh swim lesson course from Grampa.

It was biker week at Daytona and the bikers and ladies and biker men were everywhere. The only picture of Daytona I got was Jack in front of this.

After seeing the race track at Daytona Beach, which is HUGE I might add (totally forgot to take a picture of it-duh), we headed back to town and attended a parade-marde gras. The KIDS got so many beaded necklaces, luckily you didn't have to flash anyone or kiss anyone to get some!! They also got lots of candy and balls. I also got pelted in the head by a ball.OUCH.


The next morning, 4 am Florida time 2 am Utah time, we loaded up the cars and headed to the airport. Got gas in the rental cars, hired a bell guy to help us carry 4 bags, 3 car seats and 3 sleeping kids to the airplane. By the time we landed in Utah it was 10:30 am and we had been awake for 6 hours. We all took great naps. Grandma Julie welcomed us at the airport.

What a great time we head in Florida. As a group of 17, our family split off a lot from the group. We missed out on some great restaurants and settled for Denny's Chicke-File and Burger King but still enjoyed being together as a family.

The trip was our 2 year Christmas present. I'm so thankful for parents who take me all over the country and world and let me travel with them. Thanks and love ya Dad. Oh and Happy Birthday Tif!

And weeks later, we've all peeled and the leprosy look has faded. I'm so excited for the spring temperatures outside today.