This Is Why I Live In Florida

There are certain times of the year when I wish K and I would move somewhere different.  This usually happens during fall when I see all the beautiful fall pictures from people who live in the Carolinas or Virginia. I look at all the beautiful colors and wish I could see that.  Sometimes I wish we had snow.  Especially around Christmas time.  Then there is Florida summers.  Oh my they are so hot!  Especially July and August.  There's nothing like 98 degree temps with humidity that makes it feel like 120.  It really is the humidity that will get you.

Then there is the times every now and again that I just want to go somewhere new.  Somewhere where no one knows us.  Somewhere where we can start over and be whoever and whatever we want to be.  Both K and I have lived here our whole lives.  Not just in the state, but in the area.  We live about 20 minutes away from both of our childhood homes where our parents still live.  Of course this is wonderful.  Very few people live in the same area as their entire family and yet both of us do.  It will be wonderful when MG gets here.  We will never have to search for a babysitter.  It's so nice to have family around.  But, sometimes I still long for somewhere new.

But then there are days like Saturday.  Days when I am reminded why I live in Florida, and why I'll probably never leave.

Saturday K and I took a day trip to Ft. Des.oto.  It's only about an hour away.  We used to go all the time when we were dating but it seems that lately life has taken over and we haven't been in well over a year.  Saturday the weather was beautiful.  The forecast called for a cloudy day and it was when we left our house.  I was disappointed but figured at least it wouldn't be too hot.  However when we got there there was blue skies and a wonderful breeze that kept the temp from feeling too bad.  (In reality the temps are only in the low 80's which isn't too bad but this little girl in my belly also acts as a space heater)

This beach is the perfect mix of white sand and plenty of trees.  There are picnic areas that are totally wooded and tree lined but where you can still see the water.  Then you can walk along and be on white sandy beaches.  There are tons of picnic tables, grills, bench swings, playgrounds, and covered areas for parties.  There is an old fort that you can walk through, a camping area, and a dog beach.  There is a reason it has been voted best beach in the US.  It's beautiful!

We decided to have lunch right when we got there because we got a late start and it was already 1:00.  Usually we grill something but this time decided to just grab some Pub.lix Subs on the way.  YUM!

This is a view from our picnic table.  This was actually taken the last time we went.  I forgot to take one this time but we were sitting at the same table.

After lunch we went on a short walk.  Short because I'm 37 weeks pregnant and swollen. I don't move so well lately. :)

See.  SWOLLEN!  You should see my feet.  They aren't recognizable! 

Beautiful!

 
Along the trail, K noticed a little path through the trees that had obviously been created because people kept walking through it.  It wasn't supposed to be there.  I wasn't sure about going through because I didn't want to trip on all of the mangrove roots.  But K convinced me.

How could I say no to that?

I was so glad I did!  This is what was on the other side.

It was an adorable little secluded beach area.  Not much sand though.  I think if the tide was up we wouldn't have been able to get back there.

After hanging out there for awhile we decided to head back and drive down to another area of the park searching for some beach area to lay a blanket and relax.  You can't park too close to the beach so we found an area that didn't seem too busy and parked.  We gathered our things and went searching.  We found this...

Please excuse my ugly cr.ocs!  They are the only shoes I can find to fit my fat feet.

I enjoyed watching these two little guys.  They were hilarious!

This little guy was cool too!

After we left we took the long way home and stopped by Pasa Gri.ll.  This a little beach area just North of St. Pet.e Be.ach.  Again, beautiful area.  Such a cute little beach town right next to the famous Do.n Cesa.r Hotel.  I've never stayed there...but I will one day. :)

Of course I forgot to get any pictures there.  I actually started having quite a few contractions while we were walking on the beach there.  It got pretty uncomfortable at times so we decided to leave.

Besides, this girl was getting super hungry so we decided to finish the night off at my favorite restaurant, Bah.ama Br.eeze.  It's located right on the bay and has a wonderful patio overlooking the water.  They have a beachy band playing every weekend.  You kind of feel like you are on vacation there.  Not to mention the food is awesome!  I really wanted a Bahamarita but decided that I should probably wait until MG was actually here. :)

It was such a wonderful and much needed day.  Things have been so stressful lately and I've sort of been in a funk.  I feel much much better.  I think all of the walking did me some good too.  I think MG dropped a bit.  For a long time her little bum has been up in my ribs, this morning I noticed that she is several inches lower.  I can breathe so much better!  Now if I could find a way for all of the contractions I have to be more during the day than at night when I'm trying to sleep I would be really grateful.  The contractions aren't too uncomfortable and I'm sure I could sleep through them, and probably do through most of them, but when I move at night during one, it jolts me right out of my sleep.  It's just such a reminder that my little girl will be here any day now.  Its so crazy!  I'm ready.  I wasn't sure I was ready yet just a few days ago, but something changed.  All of a sudden, last night I realized that I just can't wait.  I don't care that I still have several things to do, I want to meet my little girl.  Everything else can wait. :)