Longboat Key

We just got back from a wonderful vacation in Longboat Key. We needed it after this very long winter! We had perfect weather the whole week and had a relaxing, fun week.

On the flight down. We flew to Tampa and then rented a car

Of course, as soon as we pulled up to our cottage, we headed straight to the beach!

These 2 girls were very excited to finally be there

We stayed at Arbors by the Sea, a little cluster of cottages right on the Gulf

After an early dinner the first night, we went back to the beach for sunset

Heavenly!

On Sunday (Mother's Day), we spent the morning on the beach

Checking out (and eating) the sand

Tommy and MFG had lots of fun

My parents drove down that afternoon to spend a few days with us. So glad I got to be with my Mom on Mother's Day!

Francie loved it in the hammock

Another morning on the beach

MFG took a walk with Nanny and Papa

 Anderson took a lot of beach naps under the umbrella

We went to St Armand's circle in the afternoon for some ice cream

And then headed to Nanny and Papa's hotel in Sarasota to play in the pool for the afternoon. They had a beautiful view from their room!

Sweet little beach baby enjoying the nice weather

We went back to our cottage to grill out that evening and relaxed on our little patio

Tommy and Francie went down to enjoy the sunset while I put Anderson to bed

The next morning, I went down to the beach and enjoyed my coffee by myself and then took a nice long walk

That morning, we drove down to Lido Key to use the Ritz Beach Club

It was so relaxing!

There was an awesome pool, which we all enjoyed

Posing on the surfboard

Sweet Nanny gave Anderson a bottle

They had a pack and play which was a great way to keep Anderson in the shade

This little fish loved the pool and enjoyed our poolside lunch

Tommy had to try the surfboard on our way out :)

That evening, my parents offered to watch the girls so that Tommy and I could go out to dinner. It was such a treat! We went to a great place on the bay

My handsome date

There was a big thunderstorm during dinner

And then a rainbow came out right as we were leaving

Here is a view of our little cottage

The next morning, we all went out for an early morning walk to collect shells

Tommy found a Florida Fighting Conch

A post-walk family photo

My parents stopped by that morning on their way home. We were sad to say goodbye, but so glad we got to spend a few days with them!

We went to the Mote Marine Aquarium that day and had a great time.

They have a big shark exhibit and we got there just in time for the feeding

Checking out the touch tank

Anderson was mesmerized by the jellyfish

They have a big exhibit with sea turtles and manatees

A selfie with my girls

After lunch, we took the Sea Explorer boat tour of Sarasota Bay

MFG was so excited to be out on the water

The boat had lots of tanks where they catch animals from the bay during the trip so that the kids can look and touch. There were crabs, seahorses, sea urchins, sponges, and all sorts of fish!

We saw so many dolphins on the boat ride

They passed around all of the critters that they caught

MFG getting a "Seahorse Hug" - the seahorse wrapped its tail around her finger

 We attempted some sister beach pictures when we got back

Anderson eating sand

I think this one is sweet

A sunset selfie with my big girl

Another gorgeous sunset

I told MFG to do a yoga pose :)

Ahhh, another perfect morning!

This sweet little muffin woke up with a fever (but no other symptoms) on Thursday, so she slept most of the day

She perked up after a beach nap and we took her out in the little boat. She liked it!

The water was AMAZING that day - the best all week. Super calm, warm and clear

 A had enough of the beach, so we spent most of the afternoon inside relaxing.

Friday was our last full day, so we spent as much time as we could on the beach

Another pic of our cute little cottage

We went to St Armand's Circle again that afternoon for lunch

The Columbia - one of our favorites!!

One last afternoon on the beach

We left Saturday morning and I got one last sweet sister picture before we had to go

Goodbye, Longboat Key! We had a great time and we will be back. I think this is going to be a family tradition!