4th of July and the Moss family vaycay Part I

Zach's parents are here from Washington, and his younger sister Mashaela is here from Utah so we've had some fun spending time with the whole family this week. Zach and I have been pretty lucky with work so far. I did have to have my phone on me 24/7 but didn't need to be at the office on the 3rd or 4th, and Zach's been done early so he's been able to come with us to most things.

The family arrived the night of the 2nd, and the next day (Friday) we had a verrrry late start (a lot of jet lag goin on) but took an afternoon trip to the beach on Sanibel Island. We've only gone to Fort Myers beach since I've been out here, so it was a fun little trip. Here is where we had to drive:

The blue circle shows the bridge we had to take to get out to Sanibel Island. If you look closely you can see a blue dot in the same color that shows where we live.

They have some cute stores on the way out, such as:

Sanibel is renowned for seashells. We walked on piles and piles of them. It was beautiful!

Hallie and Nana with all their seashells

July 4th we had a fun day at the park, making burgers, playing frisbee and eating smores.

Yes, I also have a nephew... Hallie ALWAYS wants her picture taken so there are quite a few more of her

On the 4th of July there is an overpass that they block off and allow you to walk on to watch the fireworks, so since Fort Myers canceled their show due to budget problems, that is what we did, along with the other pest control-ers we're friends with.

Here is Chase! with the fireworks

The next day after church we took Roxy and we all went to a beach in Bonita Springs that was quite a ways away, only to find they did not allow dogs! Since it was too far to go home, we tried to sneak her in but got stopped before we even put our stuff down. We had to have our $8.00 fee refunded, and went to another beach called Lovers Key, and same problem. Then we went to a dog beach we heard about but it was DISGUSTING, we were all grossed out, and turned around before even trying to find a place to sit. After a couple hours of driving around, loading and unloading, AND Roxy throwing up in my lap in the car, we ended up right back at Fort Myers beach (where we always go). I did not take any pictures by the time we got there! After being at that dog beach we made Roxy swim in the ocean to wash off. She may or may not have been traumatized.

After getting cleaned up though we had a great dinner at Doc Ford's, this cute place right on the water. (I had key lime pie for dessert... Kenny Chesney would be so proud.)

We were fairly unsuccessful at taking any good pictures, though the night was beautiful and the moon looked awesome reflecting on the water next to the boats!

Monday Zach and I both missed another day at the beach because we had to work, but yesterday everyone went early enough that I could go before work at 3. This time we visited Naples beach. Comparatively the waves were huge and we couldn't go out very far, plus the seaweed totally grosses me out, but it was a good time and the water was a little cooler there. And let's face it... a beach is a beach, so I'm happy!

Later we came back to our pool for a BBQ dinner. This smelled even better than it looks!

Tonight Zach, Mashaela and I are driving up to Orlando after work to meet the rest of the family who is leaving today. Tomorrow Cocoa Beach, Friday Disneyworld and Saturday Sea World! I can't wait!

See more pictures here!