We planned a sort of impromptu trip to Florida to visit Jason's family and we're so glad we did!
We hadn't seen them in almost two years when we visited them right before we moved to Cali and Jason's grandpa "Pa" has had a few surgeries lately so we wanted to spend some time with him.
Traveling across the continental US basically corner to corner just plain takes long...not much we could do about that. We had a quick change of flights Thursday morning because we were supposed to connect through Houston when they were getting their crazy winter storm...so they rerouted us through Denver instead. We had to leave our house earlier than planned and it was a bit crazy getting out the door but it all worked out great. Denver had lots of snow and winter weather as well but they were much more adept at handling it than Houston!
We got in late Thursday night and Jason's dad was anxiously awaiting us..mainly to see this little girl!
We got our rental car, grabbed some Steak 'N Shake, and then made our way to Lakeland to get some sleep. Time changes are a big deal...for us...and especially for Riley so we were all out of whack with our schedule. I think we all got to sleep by 2 am Florida time that first night and slept until 10 or so.
We stayed with Jason's cousin Ryan and his sweet wife Amanda! They have a great house and we had plenty of room! Riley is very fond of their dog Toby and he's so sweet!
Riley and Toby ran around in the backyard and got some energy out!
Our first day Jason went running around Lake Hollingsworth which is something he always enjoys doing while Riley chowed down on some Pop Tarts - I think she's only had these twice in her life but her Uncle Ryan hooked her up and she was so glad!
I may or may not have had some myself - I lived off these things in college and wish I could get away with eating them for breakfast every day now but that is just not the case!
After Jason got back we grabbed lunch at Chili's and then went to his Aunt Cindy's office to say hi!
Riley sat in the conference room and denied us all a raise...she's going to be one tough boss someday!
Then it was time to see GG and Pa...they couldn't wait to see Riley and GG always has all kinds of sweet treats for Riley! GG always says "she can have whatever she wants" and Riley learns how to take advantage right away! :)
GG had these cute little teapots and Riley loved serving everyone tea!
Pa loved playing with Riley and liked to get a rise out of her...he would yell "calm down" and she would yell it right back at him..it was hilarious!
It was during one of these times that we realized she just might have gotten some of her strong-willed personality from Pa!
Riley loves Joey their dog and always joined GG when it was time to take him on a walk...sometimes she kept wanting to walk him inside too!
Riley didn't get much of a nap that day and we headed back to Ryan and Amanda's for dinner...Riley ate her dinner and then crashed on the couch next to her Papa John. She NEVER falls asleep on the couch like this and I know he enjoyed getting to cuddle with a sleeping baby...she was so tired!
Saturday morning the guys all went to play golf so us girls...me, Riley, and Amanda...headed to get our nails done!
This was Riley's first mani/pedi in the salon and she did GREAT! She had the whole place going...she was talking to everyone and just working her charm! She sat so still and just did great!
She kept telling everyone her favorite color was pink...shocker! She also said to the girl painting her nails "I like your jacket...maybe my mommy could be a doctor and get a jacket too" I just love her to pieces!
The finished product...now the tough part...sitting still to dry!
My mom and I always got pedicures together (pre-Riley) and I have such fond memories of that...now I get to share that with her and when my mom is in town the three of us can get pedicures together!
I didn't pack any sandals for us girls and Riley wanted to show off her nails so we grabbed a yummy lunch and then headed to Target to get some sandals. That is the last time I go shoe shopping with Riley..haha! She is opinionated already and I'm not ready to give up control of her wardrobe. She had such a meltdown she almost didn't leave with any new shoes but she turned her act around and got some cute pink sandals!
She got a nap that day...thank the Lord! After her nap we headed to dinner with more family!
Riley loves Jason's cousin Sarah who is Gaby's age!
Who thought it would be a good idea to give my child ice cream this late in the evening?
She was a little difficult to get calmed down that night for bedtime...she was in her tent and we were in bed but she was so restless and kept chatting and turning all over the place...finally she gave in and went to sleep!
The next morning was an early one...Jason's dad really wanted us to come to the Salvation Army center that he works at in St Petersburg and attend church with him.
We enjoyed the services and it was great to meet everyone...he was especially proud to show Riley off!
After the first service he took her and when we finished talking with some of the people at church we came in to find this...he had set her up with chocolate milk and a huge donut and she was in heaven!
After church that morning we went to the beach to eat some good seafood!
Jason's dad introduced us to soft shell crab and it was delicious!
Jason is such a goofball!
Riley wanted to get in on the fun!
Riley still trying to make another silly face!
After lunch it was time to head to the beach!
Poor girl has seen snow much more recently so she yelled "snow" at first glance and wanted to make snowballs!
I just love this pic of her sweet painted hands and toes in the sand!
There were a ton of seagulls hanging around and she loves to chase birds. One family was feeding them french fries and kindly gave one to Riley to feed to the birds. They attacked her before she knew it and then she was freaked out!
Here she is yelling at the birds!
"Aaarrrggghhh"
She had an absolute blast playing in the water...I wish we could have stayed all day!
Papa John would bury her feet in the sand and she got a kick out of that!
Kicking and screaming we had to pull Riley out of the waves...it sure does stink when all the fun comes to an end. We headed back to Lakeland for the Super Bowl and to spend more time with family before we headed home!
Here's Riley with Sarah and Uncle Ken!
Jason's cousins Sarah and Carter...Riley had them wrapped around her finger!
The binky came out and it was time to cuddle with Amanda and Toby before bed. Yes she still sleeps with her binky.
It was a whirlwind trip but we were so glad we did it! It's always great to see family and we all had a blast!
We had a great dinner and a great evening out...I think Riley kept Bryn entertained all evening and they had fun too!
