When we realized our Ireland trip scheduled for July would be cancelled because of the Coronavirus, we began to look for a way to escape to the ocean. We were all going stir crazy! Florida houses and beaches were closed to rentals, but in expectation of their opening by Memorial Day weekend, we reserved a house in Alys the first week of June. DAYS BEFORE we were set to leave, the Florida governor finally approved moving to the next phase of reopening, and we were SET!
We brought both sets of grandparents with us this time. We were curious what kind of 'new normal' we would find in Florida. Restaurants were operating at 25% capacity, and they set up extra tables outside and reduced the number of tables inside. Menus were mostly found by scanning a QR code. Waiters all wore masks. We tried to sit outside when we could, and we felt pretty comfortable. Shopping was a bit more varied, but we could control how and where we shopped so that was okay too.
As usual, tricky weather followed us, and tropical storm Cristobal brought some rain and lots of clouds. We were still able to have some fun in the sun and partly cloudy sky. As Cressey said, she loved having all of her grandparents there with us and no one having to go to work! We enjoyed getting away from our quarantine life at home and being together.
On our way! We decided to drive this time which is new for us. We split between two cars on the way there (HG and Grandma with me and John, Cressey with Spiffer and GD), and then Spiffer and GD came home a day early.
BUNK BEDS! A requirement for a beach house for HG and Cressey
Look at those little bare feet at dinner. Makes herself comfy wherever she goes!
Our first dinner 'out' in since March: on the porch at George's
Ice cream, good to the last drop!
We tried out a tandem bike for Cressey this year. It was fun for a few rides, but the next morning, she took a spill on it and banged up her feet and knees. Back to the seat bike she went!
Gotta put our feet in the sand asap
First morning: Despite being told to come straight to our room in the morning, Cressey found her way to Grandma's room, and this is how John later found her, happy as a clam.
Time for the beach!
As happy as she was about the sand the night before, she was NOT happy about the sand this morning.
Living the life
We had dinner at La Cocina and walked down to Rosemary afterward
Why is she always trying to be taller than me?!
A bike ride date
Back to the beach Wednesday morning before the rain rolled in
Her mermaid suit matches the mermaid pattern on the wall- she was so tickled!
She found this pretty sandcastle down the beach from us
Poolside snacks- this girl could have stayed in this pool the entire time and been happy
Headed to the Caliza pool like a diva
HG wanted a mama hug, but this was NOT what she had in mind!
The girls found a table tennis game in the console which entertained them for hours
Poor Granddaddy!
Finally, the sun came out!
HG loved boogie boarding with her daddy
And Cress learned to fly a kite!
Not asleep under there- just protesting the sun and wind
Dinner at La Crema
I walked down to the beach after dinner to take some sunset pics, and as I approached the house, I heard a raucous. I looked up and realized it was MY people up on the balcony! :)
Friday morning, HG wanted to have a mama date, so we rode our bikes down to Rosemary to shop. IT WAS SO HOT. We lasted an hour or two and then had to head home to the pool to cool off, but it was fun while it lasted.
Riding bikes to dinner at George's
More ice cream, of course
Spiffer and GD headed home on Saturday morning. A tropical storm was supposed to roll in, so Grandma and I went shopping with the girls. We started in Rosemary and then drove down to Seaside.
HG and I bought our first two pairs of SHARED SHOES! We are only a half size away from the same size!
Cressey found/made this cozy spot in her closet
