Tuesday Busch Gardens

Everyone was jacked up to go back to Busch Gardens given that our passes were good for the rest of the year. So we knew we could go back for minimal cost again and see the things we missed out on the first time 'round.
This time we stuffed the cooler with snacks and drinks. We still ended up having some lunch for everyone at the Zimbabwe Grill and it worked out great.
This time around we were able to visit the Egypt section and saw the replication of King Tut’s tomb, that Justin really enjoyed. He’s been on an Egypt kick since, drawing hieroglyphics and the Sphinx. Nearby The Montu coaster was really fun, which we hadn’t ridden on Friday. Even Crystal… yes that’s right, Crystal rode the coaster with Amanda and had a great time.
Another few go rounds on the Sandstorm and the Scorpion for Justin which he really liked.
Twice now we have been able to spend the whole day without waiting more than 5-10 minutes for the rides. We’ve been able to do all the stuff we left out the first day like the
Rhino Rally Egypt and Safari Sections.

Why yes, I am a star...

Ponytail... Outside the Rhino Rally waiting for Mom and Dad and Justin

Busch gardens take two... Roar...

Monday Summary

Monday we decided to head over to the Mote Aquarium and St. Armand's Circle over on Longboat Key. Uncle Peter's neighbor Art was very nice to provide us some passes (thanks!) so we headed over mid morning to check it out.
The exhibits were great and everyone had a fun time seeing the Manatee, the Sharks and all the other fish. Some favorites were the huge hermit crab, the squid and the Sea-turtles.
After the Aquarium we went over to St.Armand's Circle for some lunch and shopping. This was a very cool place and we had a cool lunch at a small pizza place sitting out on the hot sidewalks. The shops were all really interesting and cool, kind of a tropical East Hampton and we all enjoyed walking around.
Best of all Lido beach was right off the circle and by the time we were ready for the beach around 3:30-4pm we zipped right over and enjoyed the beautiful beach. The sand was so fine and white, kind of different from Venice beach the day before. More fun with building sand castles. Jenn seemed to enjoy eating the sand no matter what beach we were at...apparently it all tasted good. We stayed until it was time for food and sleep again and headed back to the condo. Another super Florida day.

Check out the cool ship model we found. 

St. Armand's Circle shops...

Octopuss sculpture

Waiting for Lunch @ St. Armands...

Jennifer is being inconspicuous, enjoying the shade under her beach towel. 

The manatee munch...

Octopus... I've got my eye on you....

Nemo... Is that you?

Kids and coral\

Hello fishy.

But whats over there?

Sharks are great! Behind the glass!

Stingrays @ mote aquarium...

Shark

Waking up in florida! Day 4

Sunday Wrap

Today we decided to head down to Punta Gorda to see Grammy and Pa. The ride was shorter than we thought and about 45 minutes after leaving (twice thanks to Dad forgetting the camera) we arrived at their really nice new condo.
Justin and Amanda and I went in the pool with Pa for a little while before lunch. We had a great lunch thanks to Gail and the kids played around the condo while we visited. Dick gave us some alternatives for the route home.
On the way back from their house we stopped in Venice and (finally) went to the beach. Jennifer had her first visit to the florida beaches and Justin and I swam in the Gulf of Mexico for the first time. The beach was right next to a small airport, that apparently Papa and Grandma have flown into a few times.
Justin and I had fun building castles, and Crystal hung out with Jen on a towel for a while. Amanda got in on the castle building as well then she and Crystal went for a walk with Justin for shells while I sat with Jenn.
We drove around looking for a Dairy Queen with no success on the way back. We rode up the coast road 41 all the way back to Sarasota.

Fast & yummy for tired beachgoers...

Woo-hoo dunkies! The girls are psyched.

The "traveling" artist prepares his new work...

Waiting for mom & amanda @ starbucks... On our way 2 grammy & pa this morning.