Manasota Key and Englewood Day

(Samantha smiling.)

(Swimming!)

(I just love being a mother!)

Today we met Dee for breakfast at the Sun Garden on Siesta Key and then she took off to West Virginia. So Mom, Samantha and I went down to Englewood. I wanted to go to the Tervis Tumbler store to get some lids and a cute cup for Samantha. Then mom had to go to Venice Island to return a broken bracelet. We shopped around there for a little while and stopped for smoothies...our new favorite snack! Then we went on down to Englewood. We stopped by my Great Uncle Dick and Great Aunt Mary Lou's house (they are in Yellowstone). Then we drove past my Mamaw and Papaws old house. Some weirdo guy lives there now and the house is pretty run down which is sad. This guy was sitting in the front lawn behind a big sign with "KEEP OUT" on it. I am not quite sure who he thinks would want to come near his train wreck house... We then crossed yet another drawbridge to go out to Manasota Key. We wanted to pick out a place to stay for vacation next year. Mom wants Grady, Samantha and new baby to take a vacation at Englewood Beach. We found a few places that would be awesome so hopefully one will pan out. We came back to Venice for dinner at Rosebuds and mom and I both had Steak & Lobster. Now we are at Dee's, "spending time with the cats", and doing laundry. We thought about feeding her pet opossum but we could find anything to feed the cute little guy! Since we are leaving tomorrow I hope to spend some time at the ocean in the morning. I am so looking forward to seeing Jeff and I know that Samantha has been missing her Daddy too!!!

Parasailing

(Fern, me and Harry Cantees.)

(Mom, Samantha and I at Venice Beach.)

(Mom and I parasailing!)

(Take off!)

**Another picture from my cell phone...I love her finger. I can hear her saying, "Just one more minute minute mom!"***

Mom and I went parasailing today while Aunt Dee watched Samantha. We had such a great time. Although right when we got back to the boat the captain told us there was a 10" Hammerhead Shark eating a Tarpon in the same area we were dipped! (It is insane that I am more afraid of Jellyfish and Drawbridges that I am of a shark!) For dinner tonight we met up with Dee's Mom and Dad, Brother and Sister-in-law and niece at Sharky's on Venice Island. I have known Harry and Fern for as long as I can remember. They are really great people and Fern is a great cook! Next time I am in Florida I am hitting her up for a home cooked meal!

Days 4 & 5

Was too lazy to post last night so am catching up today. I didn't know my posts were that interesting until today when Lauren told me that her, Tina and Dee have been making bets about what I eat. Sorry to disappoint ladies.
Yesterday was a good day. Yogurt for breakfast, ham sandwich and veggies for lunch with an afternoon snack of grapes. Got home from work, immediately changed and ran 4 miles. It was a little rough and I am a little sore today but all will be fine if I keep running. Had Salmon patty burgers (no buns) and a salad for dinner. A couple spoon fulls of peanut butter was dessert. Very pleased with yesterday.
Today has been a mirror image. Exact same breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Came home from work and worked out back and biceps. I hate chin-ups. My arms are officially annihilated. Dinner will either be leftover salmon and salad or eggs and turkey bacon again...undecided as of yet. If my diet sound boring and repetitive...IT IS. I know I am in the zone when I view food as fuel and not a vehicle for pleasure.
It's only Wednesday and it feels like Lauren and Sam have been gone forever. I fear Samantha is growing and developing and I am missing it. I hope she hasn't forgotten me already...
Cannot wait for my girls to get home safe!!!

Rainy day @ the beach.

(Samantha "swimming" in the Gulf of Mexico.)

(Another beautiful sunset.)

(Mom, Nick and I being silly.)

(Samantha, Nick and I in our condo.)

**This picture was taken today from my phone...there is a hanging plant that she just LOVES.**

Nick came into town today so we have been running around with him a little. We had dinner at Phillipi Creek...I love Coconut Shrimp! We did not go parasailing today since it was raining but we made a reservation to go tomorrow at 3 PM. Nor did we go to the ocean, but I am hoping to go tomorrow. Dee is going to babysit while mom and I go. Tomorrow should be a really fun day!

Jellyfish...

(Mom, Dee and I celebrating Dee and Steve's 32nd Anniversary.)

(JELLYFISH with a sand dollar.)

Today we saw 2 jellyfish on the shore. Since being stung by a Jellyfish is my # 1 fear in life, I will NOT be getting in the water anymore. But today while looking at some houses with Mom and Dee I put Samantha's feet and legs in the water...she loved it. Well she did not cry so I will take that as she loved it. Then we went to a Japanese Restaurant for dinner (Dee and Steve's 32nd Anniversary) since Steve is out of town we took Dee out to a nice dinner. Hopefully we can find a pool to go to tomorrow since the ocean is officially off-limits! I think mom and I are going to try and go Parasailing tomorrow morning and Dee is going to watch Samantha...what fun!

Super Duper Sleeper...

(At sunset.)

(Mom and I at the beach.)

(Miss Princess.)

Today Samantha has been a super duper sleeper. Jeff even commented, "She has been asleep in every single picture you sent me today." But she still took a big nap from 4:30 pm to almost 8:30 pm. We had a late dinner tonight and will probably be up until midnight before she is sleepy again. We took some really nice pictures tonight right at sunset that I will post when I get home.

Day 3

It's Monday now and my beautiful wife and daughter are enjoying the beach while I am home with just the dogs to keep me company. :) Every time Lauren sends me a picture of her or Samantha I realize just how blessed I am to have them in my life. Sometimes I think God will realize how much He has blessed me and take some time off...

Yesterday was a really good start to my "program" and so far today I have been able to keep it up. I had a protein shake for breakfast, yogurt for a snack, turkey sandwich w/ veggies for lunch and an afternoon snack of grapes. I came home and went right to workout. I worked chest, shoulders and tri's today and kept the pace and intensity up and managed to average a 126 heart rate which is pretty good for me for a non cardio workout. Going to take out the trash now, shower and have a high protein dinner of eggs (I LOVE EGGS) w/ turkey bacon...