Florida Fun

 

With closing quickly approaching for our Sudduth home, the Martin Crew made the trip to Fort Walton Beach to have a proper send off and hug up on some of our favorite people

We went directly from the airport to Tijuana Flats with Leaha and Stella and Alyssa, Kiera, and Elena

Kiera was worried she might not recognize Potatoes without his glasses, but I had let him take a break from them, so the two long time besties had no problem getting reacquainted!

Our two littles got along also.  I kept laughing at how close in size they were, despite Niko being only half Elena's age!

Alyssa looks amazing with her little baby bump for girl number three!

I was physically and mentally worn out from a solo parenting travel day that began at 4am

We spent most of our trip enjoying Ferry Park

We fed the turtles every day, and even got to see two alligator snapping turtles up close and personal

Ferry was the perfect spot to get to see lots of friends and have all the kiddos play

The only problem was being there without Zoey....the squirrels didn't even run from us!

When we weren't at Ferry, we enjoyed Leaha's backyard

It felt so right to be with my bestie!

Niko loved the sandbox so much, I ended up getting one for him today!

Stella wasn't quite sure what to think of the boys being in her home, but she found her place in mothering Niko, and snuggling Alexander

Our neighborhood is every bit as wonderful as I remember

Paula playing bumble bee with the babies after they went for a dip at the yacht club

We got to meet the buyers and I am so happy to see another young family build their memories in this house and surrounded by the amazing people of Sudduth

There wasn't enough time to spend with our friends, but we tried to make the most of our short trip

The boys were all smiles to get hugs and kisses from Reluca!

It felt so good to see our Florida friends.  Especially the Teegardens, who we haven't seen for exactly FOUR YEARS!!

Niko took to Elena immediately, running up for hugs within minutes of meeting her.  he must have known she was critical in my life when I was a brand new mom!

We got to explore lots of our favorite places and 

We even got to go on a classic dinosaur hunt near Props

Leaha and I braved the beach with the kids.  It wasn't easy keeping up with both my boys, as Alexander wanted to play in the waves, and Niko wanted only the sand, but Alexander and I made a game of five waves, high five to keep him close by but still able to splash and play.

Niko wouldn't move from Leaha's side when we first got down to the beach

We even got to see some of our besties from Las Vegas!

Daniel joined us for as long as work would allow, but I juggled both flights solo with the boys.  It was exhausting but I was very proud of how well they did!

Alexander worked hard to entertain his brother, especially during our extended layover in Dallas on the way home

We landed after midnight and yet both boys were troopers

This trip ran me through every emotion, from indifference and wishing I hadn't made the trip, to sorrow and wishing I could stay forever, to finally being ready to say goodbye to the house forever, and to the area for now.  It was really great to know I still have a strong community and that our family still has a place in this wonderful area.