AMI - Year 2

Last year, we discovered the secret of Anna Maria Island. It was such a relaxing, secluded family vacation, we decided to make the 700+ mile trek again this year. Mimi and Poppa weren't able to join us, so it was just our little family of four, but we still had fun. In order to preserve our sanity, we broke the trip into several sections, and the kids did great.

We started the trip by spending the night at Mimi and Poppa's house, then left the next morning to head to Ocala, FL where we spent the next night. The following morning, we just drove the 2 hours into AMI and still were able to get some beach time in that first day.

It's always exciting to see this sign!

We had to stop at the welcome center for fresh orange and grapefruit juice! The kiddos look so big (and cute) here! Daddy's trying some juice in the background too.

Ready to surf!

Always a princess!

When we were about 20 minutes away from the beach, Jenna said "I smell the ocean water...do you smell it?" So cute--she couldn't wait to get there and had such a vivid image of what it would be like! They were so ready to go to the beach when we checked into our room.

Sporting their new swimsuits!

Joshua loved the birds. He kept pointing in the air saying "bir, bir," so Daddy had to get some bread to attract even more of them. I kept a safe distance and took pictures.

Our most relaxing time of the day...when the kids were sleeping. They gave us a run for our money keeping up with them all week!

Joshua enjoyed sitting (and standing) on the beach chairs. He started something new that week--shaking hands with everyone he met. So cute!


Such a big boy!

Loving the beach!

Ready for a night on the town!


One night, we checked out the Star Fish Company Restaurant. It was definitely authentic, with the smell of fresh fish in the air! We got a few good pictures on the dock of the restaurant...



After dinner, we went out to the beach to try to catch some sunset pictures. I love this one of Jenna--she's a natural model!

Our only family picture. It turned out pretty good except for the woman walking on Randy's shoulder--how rude--the kids also look very serious!

On our last night, we caught an amazing sunset though. All week long, it had been somewhat cloudy & cooler weather, but our last day was very hot so we decided to delay our afternoon time at the beach, eat an early dinner, and spend the evening at the beach instead. It was so much fun!

I love this picture of Jenna running on the beach!

Jenna's showing me her raisin fingers.

Joshua's starting to mellow out for the night.

A beautiful shot of our resort.

Posing in front of the gorgeous sunset.

These pictures don't do it justice.

Another fun time at the beach...be back next year!

For more pictures with great captions, go to Randy's Florida 2011 facebook album.