Sanibel Bean

Bill and I had a lovely breakfast at the Lighthouse Café before rousing the sleepy heads. The eggs Benedict had a hint of Key Lime in the Hollandaise sauce. Yum! The boys returned their rental bikes in town and we ran a couple of errands. We all met up at the Bean for drinks before heading over to Ding Darling Nature Refuge. It was a peaceful place to commune with nature on Easter and snap some pictures of wildlife (outside of the hot tub, as Bill said). We did go to the Bubble Room for a late lunch, but no one was really in the mood, nor even hungry. Ft. Myers airport hotel was our last stop for the day. A dip in the pool, a quick dinner and back to organize our bags and catch some zzzzz's. A restful week.

Happy Easter!

It's Easter Sunday already! What a beautiful morning on the island. We were all sad to check out of the condo yesterday. We had to be out the door at ten, so the boys were rather zombie-like as we pulled it together for the departure. The few hours before check-in to the hotel was spent hanging around; the kids on bikes with their friends, and Bill and I in Captiva. The Holiday Inn Sanibel is a total dump, they upgraded our room after a battle, but we're still a little creeped-out. We're going to the Bubble Room for our Easter meal. The boys both heard that it has good cake. Have a great day!

Pizza Under the Full Moon

The two Deloitte families from Tuesday night joined us at the condo for a pizza party.  I thought it might be a little crowded with fourteen people, but it worked out just fine.  The kids did some swimming while the grown-ups chatted it up over wine and snacks.  Five pizzas arrived and we gobbled most of them down before a walk along the full-moon lit beach.  

Crazy, Awesome Day

There was not a drop of humidity in the air yesterday.  It was a rare and beautiful Florida weather experience.  We had to be extra careful with sun protection.  Aside from a minor spot, here or there, we all managed to get through the entire day sunburn free.  Which was, after all, pretty remarkable considering a full day of outdoor activities.  We honed in our on frisbee and Katama skills, swam, walked/ran along the beach, and just simply worshiped the sun.  Mid-afternoon, the boys rode their bikes into town and met up with classmates from Jersey, twins Brain and Kaitlin.  The four rode back here and splashed around the pool before I broke up the party to get ready for the evening pizza party.  The boys had some cleaning to do!

Seashell Worship

On a six-mile fun run along the beach, I was totally entertained by a plethora of sand sculptures embellished with seashells.  Truly works of art, ranging from juvenile to sophisticated and elaborate pieces.  A very entertaining sideshow.  

Hump Day on the Island

After a breezy, cool Tuesday, today was simply gorgeous. The wind was calm and the temps were in the upper sixties. We continued with our lazy routine, and then drove to Captiva Island for a late lunch. The Mucky Duck restaurant is a must-stop for beach front dining. We all had fried seafood. Yum. And we are totally into Key Lime Pie. The boys hacky sack skills are getting better by the day, too. We can't decide if we like these islands better than the frequently visited island of Martha's Vineyard. A lively conversation ensues!

Dinner with Friends on Sanibel

Deloitte friends from Chatham are staying on Sanibel with one of Bill's partners from the San Francisco area. We were invited to join the party for dinner. There were eight kids among the three couples. We had a fun night in a beautiful island home near Ding Darling Nature Preserve.

Lazy Bones

What a difference a day makes. With the temps in the upper 80's yesterday, we started the day early with a sunrise run, then an afternoon bike ride and finally, an evening swim. Today, we bundled up and went shopping, while the boys lazed around the XBOX. It's a chilly 63 degrees and breezy here, but it sure beats the weather back home.

The More Things Change

The more they stay the same.  Or something like that.  It's been years since we visited Sanibel Island, probably 16 or 17.  Bill used to frequent the island annually, for many years, from the Midwest.  In fact, most people we have met this week are from the Midwest, mostly Michigan (which was clearly evident from the NCAA support). Hurricane Charley took it's toll on the island in 2004.  The tree canopy over Periwinkle Way is gone, there is a new toll bridge, and Cheeburger, Cheeburger is in a new location, but that's it for the changes.

Bill's Photo Collection II

Bill's Photo Collection

Scenes from Sanibel