St. Augustine 2014

Every year my mom, "Nana," takes the boys up to North Carolina with her for a week during the summer. This year she decided to meet us at the beach instead. Her step-brothers live down in St. Augustine, and we used to visit every summer when I was little. It's one of those places that will always have a part of my heart--lots of good memories, family, and good times. The boys stayed for a week but I was only able to stay for four days, having only just started a new job. I didn't want to request my second week off, that might not look so good! Adrian couldn't go at all because of work. Boo.

Our first day there, we of course headed straight for the beach. Julian and Jack are big enough now that they can boogie board and, oh my gosh, did we boogie board! Uncle Joey was there as well and we all had a blast riding the waves over and over, and over and over again.

Oliver wasn't a huge fan of the waves, so he mostly played in the sand, napped in the beach cart, and waded in the surf--toe deep.

Sunday, we visited Ripley's Believe or Not Museum. As a kid, I was OBSESSED with this guy. This has rubbed off on my oldest, who likes all things weird and freaky. Still, he got a little spooked by the torture device portion of the museum but, with a little coaxing (forcing), he soldiered up and continued through the museum. No pictures, you'll just have to go there and see for yourself. We then visited St. George street to do a little shopping. This is in the "old downtown," as we call it. The kids liked visiting all the little shops and choosing souvenirs.
                                                                     
We ate at a beautiful restaurant called Zaharia's, that served Greek food and seafood. The decor and food was great. The kids really enjoyed the "Flaming Cheese" appetizer. Seriously, it was just cheese lit on fire, but it  was cool.

Monday was my little Jack's sixth birthday! Nana told him he could do whatever he wanted that day. His choice? Beach, pool, Alligator Farm, mini golf, and cheeseburgers for dinner. Done. After a morning at the beach and some pool time, we headed to the little zoo. We went to the Alligator farm when Julian was two but Jack had never been. He really enjoyed it. He's a little animal lover, just like his mama. I enjoyed photographing all the birds and other critters, maybe a little too much. The excess of photos below serves as evidence of my obsession with critter watching.

Send me photo editing tips please!

I want to fix the too light background on these skyward photos.

Mini golf was fun. And by fun, I mean crazy. Oliver took the eighteen hole course as an opportunity to run wild and make up his own golf game--beating the ball with the putter or throwing it toward the hole. Nana and I took turns watching (chasing) him while the boys played with Uncle Joey.

We went back to St. George street to find Jack a good burger. We ended up at Cruisers--a casual outdoor diner just across the street from Castillo de San Marcos. Back at the condo, we celebrated his birthday with a small ice cream cake. I can't believe my sweet middle is six years old!!

Tuesday was my day to head home with Oliver. We spent the morning at the beach, hit the Shell Shop, and headed home. The Shell Shop has been there forever and my grandmother used to take Joey and me every summer when we visited. The boys enjoyed looking at all the various shells and items made from them. They each chose a shell covered treasure box and a few shark teeth to keep in their box. After that, we said our goodbyes and I headed home. The boys stayed three more days and enjoyed all the beach and pool time they could handle. They just got home today, brown and exhausted. This was their third trip to the beach this summer. I don't think they realize how lucky they are!