Spring Break in Naples!

My sweet parents took us to Naples, Florida for Spring Break this year, to stay in their lovely condo...which is truly paradise and a place of relaxation for us all! It had been a while since I had been, over a year, so I was looking forward to it so much...until about a week before we were leaving. :) then i started to freak out...thinking about packing, flying with 2 kids, Bennett's schedule, etc...

But i must say, it was a fabulous trip, the boys did beautifully on the plane rides, i was flexible with Bennett's schedule and just rolled with whatever came our way! Which, if you know me well, isn't always easy for me. :) God was so good!

We also got lots done for Kari's wedding! Kari also came with us, and i don't know if i'd blogged about this yet, but she is having a little destination wedding in Naples, this July 4th! We've grown up (well, over the past 10 years or so) going there, and Kari has always wanted to get married there. The condo's main clubhouse is gorgeous and will be beautiful for her outside wedding, and then reception indoors. :)

She met with the florist, the cake lady, photographer, the wedding coordinator at the clubhouse, finalized menu for dinner, found her bridesmaid dresses (at our favorite lil outlet mall that is close by, at the BCBG store!) and scoped out hotels for guests. whew, it was a hugely productive trip for her, and i assisted her on errands as i could. :) fun times.

Josh and i got away a few times for some family outings with the boys, and even got away for a 'lil date night. The beach was a little too chilly for swimming, but the pool at the clubhouse was warm, and Jackson looooved practicing his swimming. Grammy also took him to the beach many mornings to go walk and find seashells. :)

All in all - it was a great getaway for our new family of 4! We couldn't have done it without the help from Grammy, Dubs and Aunt Kiki tho. In fact, Bennett was spoiled all week and wanted to be held all the time immediately after we got back...he was used to being picked up at every whimper. thanks a lot guys!! ha ha...

Mom and Dad - thanks for always opening up your place so generously to us. We always have such a great time, and come back feeling renewed and refreshed from a little touch of paradise.
Bennett taking in his first FL trip...checkin out the place...

sweet time with Aunt Kiki....

Tasting wedding cake options with Kari & mom...and OMG!! That red velvet was the best ever!! So excited they chose that for the grooms cake!

Jackson's new obession: lasagna. Umm...since when did he love lasagna?? Well he was eating leftovers in this pic for breakfast. Whatever, we're on vacation!!!! ha ha....

Jackson on the beach at sunset...

Bathing Bennett in the sink...have this exact same picture from 4 years ago when we took Jackson to Florida for the first time...check it out:
And those are NOT the best pics of me nor my mom...and these are NOT the best quality photos...so you can't really tell BUT....i am realizing that Bennett resembles Jackson SO MUCH as a baby....
This pic {above) is of Jackson!!! Crazy resemblance!


Jackson swimming..this is the best shot i could get...he wouldn't look at me of course. stinker.

Bennett's first time at the pool. he loved it. :)

Bennett looks like an old man...ha!

This was karaoke night at the clubhouse. Now remember, most people that live in this community are all retired and "older." So they really got a kick outta us singing that night - it was hilarious. :)
I was totally in my element! (don't even know the lady in black!) It was a karaoke happy hour so everyone was real happy and friendly. I loved it!!

Josh and Jackson watching their crazy mama...

Awww yeah, we did a duet and tore. it. up. (well he did...i was sooo off key.) We sang Summer Nights from Grease...classic!

Dad and I...love this man!

Caught Bennett smiling!! Finally! His sweet smile sugars have been making all of us melt!!

Being a good boy at the airport...what a trooper! Our flight was delayed!

I am excited that we'll be back there in just a few short months for Kari's wedding...i am planning on staying for a while following the wedding with the kids from a mini-vaca. awww yeah.

And to my all girls - we soo need to plan a girls getaway trip and stay there sometime ok.
More blogging soon - got lots to catch up on!
Sal

p.s. I have to share two cute pics of Bennett that are too precious not to post. He was looovin' his bath the other night...check him out!