Whitley's Week: Spring Break 2011

After an impressive snowfall canceled our trip to Florida at Christmas, we were understandably disappointed. However, it all worked out for the best, as we just got back from a fantastic week in Siesta Key with beautiful beach weather! Grammy and Papa picked us up at the Tampa airport last Saturday, and we hurried to Whispering Sands to hit the beach that very afternoon. Whitley kept herself busy, building sand castles, drawing with shells, and kicking the waves. She also really loved swimming in the heated pools, and Daddy and Grammy took her every day. We enjoyed many evenings with Aunt Joyce, cousin Phyllis, Uncle Don, and Aunt Marge, and they all got a big kick out of Whitley's enthusiastic exclamations over everything, and her repeated offers to be her "best friend". On Tuesday, Tom and I drove to Universal Studios where we were very excited to explore "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter"! We laughed so hard on the rides, especially the "Dueling Dragons" rollercoaster, and shared a few mugs of "butterbeer". (It was such a unique treat and a perfect anniversary present- thanks, Grammy and Papa!) Whitley got to visit one of her favorite places, too- the Mote Marine Aquarium. She continues to be fascinated by sea creatures; I really think she'd still be at the loggerhead tank if I hadn't dragged her away. On Friday, Whitley got to play at the beach and pool with her cousins Jack and Nicole. Jack and Whitley are 10 months apart and got along adorably! They shared toys well, and seemed genuinely disappointed to part ways! We adults laughed at their true "Hargreaves goodbye", saying, "Bye! See you later! Come back soon!" for several minutes. As usual, the days flew by far too fast, and our Saturday return flight came way too soon. It's a nice weekend in NC, though, and Whitley has been checking out all her toys nonstop since we arrived home. (Of course this doesn't keep us from missing you, Grammy and Papa! Thanks again for a wonderful week!)

Just a typical day at the beach for Whitley- looking darling while shoveling sand into the ocean. :)

Super excited to see Grammy at the airport! She got the most compliments from strangers on her hot pink shoes. (She picked them out herself!)

A hug for Grammy.

My mom didn't think Whitley would keep her hat on, but she really did!

Daddy is the best swim partner.

An annual favorite- Whitley grins gleefully at the "Dori and Nemo" tank!

Watsons :)

Ew... baby great whites in formaldehyde.

Tom thinks this is very funny. Whitley... not so much.

Whitley pigged out at the Salty Dog, one of our Siesta Key "musts"! After the hours at the aquarium, she ate every bite of her grilled cheese and fries.