Florida Family Fun Time!

So after we played for a few days in the Orlando theme parks, we headed down to Fort Myers for the real reason for the trip, to visit Ryan's family. We ended up getting in really early Wednesday morning (like 2am-ish) and were greeted by Ryan's Aunt who stayed up waiting for us. After chatting for a few, we crashed. When we got up, we had a big day ahead of us! We started out meeting one of Ryan's cousins' family for breakfast before heading straight to an awards ceremony for Chloe, their 7 yr old daughter. For her 7th birthday, Chloe had asked all her friends and family to bring a cash donation instead of gifts. She used that money to buy a bulletproof vest for one of the police dogs who didn't have one. She was getting an award from the city for doing a good deed. She was the smallest one there getting an award, so she could barely see over the table they all had to sit at. It was pretty cute.

Chloe barely peaking over the tabl

Chloe with the dog who got the vest

After the ceremony we went over to Ryan's other cousin's fire department where he was working to surprise him! He was actually out on a call when we got there, but got back a few minutes later and gave us a tour around the station and had a few minutes to hang out with us. Later that night we met up with people again for dinner on the beach with a beautiful sunset in the background! I love sunsets on the beach!

Thursday morning we spent a few hours at the pool before heading to the airport to pick up Ryan's mom!

That evening we picked up a bunch of food and did a little cookout at Ryan's Aunt and Uncle's house.

Ryan, Mom, Cheryl, and Keith

Friday morning we wanted to hit up the beach again! It's so pretty! We stopped at a super cute little beach side shack to grab some breakfast biscuits to bring to the beach and set up a spot. After a little swimming and tanning, Ryan's cousin, Adam, came out and we all joined him in picking up his son from daycare and going to lunch.

Adam on his motorcycle.

My hubby is so cute

After lunch we took Foster, the 3 yr old, back to the pool for an afternoon of swimming.

Foster learning to swim with Ryan and Grandma

Friday night we got EVERYONE together for a birthday dinner for Ryan! There's a lot of people there when everyone gets together, and a lot of small children! Really only 4 kids, but it seemed like a lot of energy to go around.

Avery helped Ryan blow out the candles...sort of.

Saturday we got to spend the morning on a boat! We piled 11 of us on a party boat and drove around for a few hours with a little stop off at a sand bar for some swimming!

Avery, Ryan, and KJ

Who's that handsome boat captain?!?

Foster did not want to wake up and walk to the car.

This happened for a long time...Ryan got a good work out.

Foster, KJ, and Chloe

This is what happens when a 3 year old steals your camera and takes selfies.

on a boat

Sunday morning we got up bright and early to take Ryan's mom to the airport. After that we met everyone else for breakfast again! As we packed and got ready to head back to Orlando to catch our flight later that day, we hung out at Ryan's Aunt and Uncles house and everyone ended up popping by for a little more farewells ;)

Avery loved Ryan ;)

Funny faces with Chloe

We finally made it home about 1am Monday morning. We had such a great trip and it was so much fun to finally meet all of Ryan's cousins and play with all their little ones, they're so cute!! I'm really glad Ryan's mom got to join us out there too, it's always awesome to spend time with family! Speaking of family...my little brother and sister-in-law will be in Seattle tonight...wooohooo!!!