Wednesday Ringling Museum and Beach

Wednesday morning we headed off for some culture at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. This place was great, despite a moment of skepticizm at the start we all had a great time and really enjoyed the exhibits that we were able to visit.
The model of the Circus was really spectacular. I think everyone got a kick out of how big and detailed the whole set up was. From a model standpoint, it may be the best I've ever seen. There were so many cool things to see in both of the Circus buildings and we spent quite a while there. Justin really liked the Cannon Truck for the Human Cannonball.
The Museum grounds were really nice. Crystal got some good pics of the awesome Banyan Trees. We also had a quick lunch at the Cafe just under some of the spreading branches. Justin took some nice pics in the beautiful rose garden on the way. The pic below was by him.
We all liked the Mansion Ca d'Zan and took some good shots outside on the sprawling patios. We stopped at the museum shop for a clown nose on the way out and skipped the larger art exhibit halls for the soft white sands of Siesta Key. Dad forgot the camera in the truck but managed to capture some more of the beach fun with the phone-cam. Justin is becoming an expert Sandcastle Contractor, and Jenn is really enjoying the beach with all of us.
By the time we got back to the condo there was still enough light and time for another quick dip in the pool, and everyone however tired went in for a few minutes.
Justin even did some good arial work.... see below.

Looking @ pics back @ the condo

Nighttime pool fun

Pool fun.. heading back

Clowning around in fl!

Siesta key!

Siesta key sand castle! Pre destruction.

Enjoying the museum

Clowning at the Museum...

Blind monkey calling card holder from Barnum home. Cool & creepy.

Cool sculpture outside Ringling museum.

Children 25c ... any takers?

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.