Weekend in Florida

On Friday, April 13, Jeff and I dropped the girls off at school/babysitter.  Then we were headed to the airport in Austin by 7:30 AM.  We arrived just in time to check-in and walk right on the plane.  We left Austin and went to Houston where we enjoyed lunch before catching our connecting flight.  The Little's picked us up from the airport and took us to the hotel in Pensacola.  When we arrived, we didn't have much time before the rehearsal dinner for Jeff's cousin's wedding.  We did sit out on the balcony and enjoy a cold beer and take in the scenery.  Everything was beautiful and so calm!

We stayed at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Hotel.  That is where the reception for Ruth and Kevin's wedding was held.

That evening, we headed to Flounders for the rehearsal dinner.  The atmosphere and food were great!

We enjoyed visiting with everyone, especially Jeff's cousin Erica and her daughter Olivia.  We were lucky enough to see Erica a couple of weeks before when we were running the relay.  She was running with her team from work.  She is not just a runner, but does triathlons too!  Maybe one day I'll try a triathlon too.

The hotel gave us these coupons for a free beer.

Saturday morning, we were up by 6:00 AM.  Jeff and I went for a 3.5 mile run.  We ran the first part on the trail and the last mile, we took off our shoes and ran along the shoreline.  That was a great workout!  I thought my feet would hurt afterwards, but they didn't.

After breakfast, we walked to some shops to look for goodies for the girls.  Then we headed to the beach.  I wanted to spend as much time as I could there.  Jeff tried out the water.  We looked for sand dollars for the girls.  Jeff found pieces, but not a whole one.

Yaya had to try out the water, too.

Uncle Doc, too.

Then we headed to Landshark Landing for lunch.

After lunch, we headed to the pool to enjoy our free beer.

While Jeff and I went shopping, he got me this huge ring.

That afternoon, we got all dressed up and headed to the church for Ruth and Kevin's wedding.  Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel for the reception.

Yaya and her sisters and brother.  These ladies are fun and crazy.  I love them!

Sunday morning, Jeff left about 3:00 AM for his 6:00 flight back to Austin.  He got there in time to play golf and attend his conference.  I stayed at the hotel with his parents.  We went to the public pier and paid to walk down it.  It was definitely worth the $1.25.

We saw some people trying to surf.

And their were tons of people fishing.  It was amazing, watching the art of the type of fishing they do.  These guys can spot out the king macral before they hit.

I even got to experience it first hand.  A kind man motioned for me to come to him, when I did he handed me the pole and said to reel it in.  It was hard work and I was scared I was going to let go when the fish was pulling.  He said, "Just don't let go of the pole."  After a little workout, I let him finish reeling it in.

Then he handed me the fish and fishing pole so I could take a picture with it.  He was a very nice and humble man.

Here is the best picture I got of him.

I love my in laws and I appreciate them taking care of me.

After leaving the beach, the Little's dropped me off at Sylvia's sisters house and they headed to the airport.  I stayed with Aunt LouAnn and Uncle Tom for about an hour, then they took me to the airport.  I was a little nervous since this was my first time to fly alone, so I made sure I was at the airport extra early.  I got there, ate some lunch and waited for my flight.  Then I made my first solo flight to Houston where I met up with Bobby and Sylvia, who landed within minutes of me.  I was a great trip!  I hope we get to go back again soon and take the girls.