Whirlwind Tour- Stop #1: Sarasota, Florida

Our summer travels began in Sarasota, Florida for a few days to visit Darren and Ashley. Basically, we just spent it hanging out. We packed as much in as we could in two days, but it was over before we knew it.

Here is a series of pictures that capture our daughter's wonderful toddler obedience.

Mommy- "Bella do not stand on that or you will fall."

Perhaps she heard--"Bella, stand up on the chair nice and tall!"

I'd like to tell you all that she was only testing us because we had the camera out, but I cannot tell a lie. She tests the limits to the fullest......but isn't she cute doing it?

We purposely stayed on the beach for Bella, thinking about how much she loves the sand and water. She had never been before. Well, it was a little disappointing in a few respects.

1. She wasn't that interested in the sand at all.
2. She was scared of the ocean.
3. It was so humid, my camera started acting up so any pics I did get are a little fuzzy!

The one highlight, however, was I did pick her up and got her to go into the water in my arms. She delighted in the waves as they crashed on the both of us. That alone was worth it, I guess.

She's staring the ocean down.

Scooper? Check. Pail? Check. Shovel? Check. Rake? Check. Bella loves to hold all things in her hand at once.....crayons, markers, etc.

Bella is Ms. Independent these days. She will do anything she can by herself to the point of frustration before asking for help. (unless she is in a rush or tired) Here she is taking on the steps of the hotel while also modeling.

Daddy with all of his babies.
Bella with Darren and Ashley (and baby Lauren on the way)