Florida 2012 - part 1

As I write this update, Ryan is calling out for anyone he can think of.  Mommy? Daddy? Nonni? Papa? And now, Easton and Annie?  I can't imagine how they came into play.  He is so incredibly tired, and so incredibly in denial.  Nonni peaks through the door - and there he is, trying to ride the little stuffed white tiger that was his "favorite" and came home with him from Busch Gardens.  When mommy checks on him, he is offering the tiger his pillow.  Ryan has an eventful three days behind him and he's still hungry for more - I am certain nap is not in the cards.  As for Samuel, he has settled in to taking fifteen minute cat naps, which must be lovely for him.  But really, he's five months old and hasn't missed a beat over the last three days...he should be spent.

Pictures - Florida, Part 1

Ryan and Sam are lucky enough to be visiting Nonni and Papa in Manasota Key, Florida this week and every day they have been enjoying every minute (literally) of their stay in the Sunshine State.

The Rimkus family flew out of a chilly Chicago on Saturday morning.  Ryan was up and at 'em...ready to fly at 5 a.m.  He woke from his bed, with hair, fresh from a new haircut, sticking every which way (but down) and shouted "Saturday!"  He knew he was going to see the ocean and couldn't wait.  Ryan and Sam were very good boys in the airport, not uttering a peep between them as we found our way through check in and security.  Not easy to push a stroller and pull a bag, I suppose its a lot to ask that many wheels to go in the same direction.  Also not easy - carrying the infant seat, with the base attached, and Sam inside, through the airport while rolling a bag and managing all the carry-ons.  But in all, not a bad experience.  Ryan had a good (McDonalds) pancake breakfast and milk at the gate (a true traveller!) and we boarded the plane with ease (there are two sides two every story, the lady who commented that I should throw my coffee away as I had two small children to deal with and every person we hit in the face with our four carry ons may have a different interpretation of our boarding).  I don't care and Tony Esposito, who was on our flight and gave Ryan a wink and nod, didn't either.  God was smiling down on us, as there were three (yes, just three) unused seats on the planes, so Sam got to ride in style in is car seat, and got a window seat no less. They were good through out the flight - no tears, limited squirminess (I am knocking on wood - hard).

As soon as we arrived at Nonni and Papa's condo -we changed clothes and went to the ocean!  I was shocked that Ryan wasn't more impressed by its vastness, but he liked it just the same.  He had no problem walking right into the cold water...up to his waist, straight out of the gate.  Next,he was on the hunt for shells - and was very particular about what could be picked up and what would be thrown away.  All of us would pick, what we believed to be the most beautiful shells, perfectly shaped, indescribable colors - and Ryan would inspect it and declare "no - broken' and throw it back in the sand.   To me, it was funny to watch him pick up the shells and hold them next to his ear and tell me he could hear the ocean.  If he didn't hear the ocean, I would have to have had his hearing checked when we get back to Chicago.  The kiddos have watched the setting sun, played in the waves and built sand castles.  Sam, thankfully, was happy to sit in the stroller or his "pod," with his toes in the sand, when we were on the beach.  Naturally, Ryan was more interested in the cabana I brought for Sam than Sam was - and Ryan found some respite from the sun for snacks and diaper changes in his little shaded paradise.

The sun, sand and waves are wonderful; however, I would bet that the highlight of Ryan's trip so far was our trip to Busch Gardens.  Sure, he likes the animals - loved watching the fat tigers letting their bellies bask in the sun during their afternoon naps, and was fascinated by the grandeur of the precious pacaderms we only get to see in books.  But, did you all know that Elmo has a summer place in Florida?  And all his friends visit there from Sesame Street?  Oh yes.  And Ryan could not believe he was seeing them live and in person...and dancing!  He was so happy to see them and gave every single one of them hugs.  No fear, didn't need (or want!) to hold mom or dad's hand to meet these larger than life buddies of his.  Not even Big Bird, who is really...big.  Sure, he enjoyed meeting Grover and Zoe, Big Bird, and Elmo.  But he stopped dead in his tracks for Abby Cadabby.  He ran to her like you see two long lost friends run to each other the slow motion sequence of a bad/ wonderful 80s movie.  I wish I could have captured it on camera - clearly he is in love.  He loves Cookie Monster too, but not the same way.  After all the excitement of meeting his friends - he rode his first ride with his beaming daddy and loved it.  Papa said it's in his blood, and he's probably right.  Ryan excited the ride and stated, "'nother one?  Mommey?"  How could I resist?  Mommy went with on a ride that went not only round and round, but up and down at the same time.  Mommy was green aftewards, but didn't care - just couldn't believe what a brave little guy we have here.  And a brave mommy - I almost sent him alone in a kiddie canoe - thank God he was too short.  Did I really think he was ready for that?

The kids did great (again) - and napped only for a few minutes in the stroller while mommy went on her one roller coaster (daddy and papa did three).  But they were still smiling and happy after an entire day at the park...and awake for the two hour ride home...and two hours after that.  Seriously kiddos?  Get some sleep...

Speaking of...looks like we're in luck...

...well, we had a 50/50 chance :)