How to Annoy the Neighbors and Have a Fun Evening

One of the great things about living in southwest Florida is the weather. It's March and we took the boat out last week to watch the sun set on a beautiful beach. We packed Publix subs for dinner, covered ourselves in bug spray to avoid the swarms of no-see-ums, and joined a herd of other people watching for the elusive green flash.

My family had a great time...not sure the rest of the people can say the same. They were sitting in their boats, drinking wine and expecting a sedate, serene sunset. What they got was three screaming children throwing sand and launching shells at each other. We explored the small island and the boys were absolutely fascinated by a dead fish that had washed up on the shore. They have video games and a toy box full of toys, but out on the beach sticks became pirate swords and pelicans were 'bad guys' who must be chased.

Discussing the dead fish and whether they should take it home

Cayden's in time-out because he has no regard for who he splashes (it happened to be the people in the next boat)

There were a few hiccups, of course. I forgot Ezra's swim diaper, so I had to be vigilent that he didn't go too far into the water and cause his regular diaper to inflate like a balloon. We also didn't have a life jacket that fit Micah very well so Chase and I were subjected to all the annoyance and loud sighs an almost-teenager can summon because of our cruelty in insisting he wear one anyway.

But all in all, it was a successful evening and I look forward to many more adventures out on the boat (just don't tell Chase I said that- he'll be looking for a bigger one before the year is out)

With Love,
Susanne

Sunscreen Saturday

Once upon a time, I got a tanning membership for the summer. I was a bronzed goddess! Clothing fit better, my legs looked thinner, the sun shone brighter, people smiled more, and there was happiness on earth. Then the dad guilt trip happened and I reluctantly agreed that skin cancer was slightly worse than being pale.

The summer of bronze

Disney Cruise- not even a hint of a tan

And now I've pretty much accepted my Casper the ghost coloring. Laying out peacefully at the beach or pool are not even a possibility with three kids. If I ignored them for more than ten seconds, I'd end up with a bucket of water poured over my head, or worse. They're so lucky I love them more than anything in this world- even a good sun tan.

10 year old me at New Smyrna Beach, notice the shorts tan lines

So I set low expectations for my tanning abilities on a paddle-boarding and beach trip this past weekend. Fortunately, I went with a friend and, while she brought her older son along, I was able to relish not being mom-ed to death for a morning. The sun was beautiful, the water so clear I could see schools of minnows, and it was just the perfect Florida day. We paddled out to the Gulf and watched flocks of pelicans filling the sky while dolphins jumped in the ocean. God's creation is a wonderful thing and it was nice to be reminded that there is a world outside my computer and phone.

In the afternoon, I met up with Chase and the boys to take a ride on his new boat. It's orange and blue so, naturally, Cayden has named it Daddy's Gator Boat. The boys had a blast throwing handfuls of sand into the waves to 'make them go away', and wanted to put every large shell they found on a shell tree by the beach. They also wanted to share their boat snacks with the fishies. So for every bite they ate, one had to go into the ocean. Not sure what those poor sea creatures thought of m&ms and blueberries. But hey, sharing is a win, right?

It was the best Saturday I've had in a while and it made me remember how much I love the water and the salt and the sun. Hopefully by the time we hit the beach for a week in July, I'll be a respectable shade of off-white, maybe even a light beige. Fingers crossed!

With Love,
Susanne

Ave Maria at 6am

I've started and stopped about three different posts, and I just can't focus on anything today. Maybe the cold weather is slowing my brain down. Then there's the long drive to work each day. Listening to my book on Audible is the only thing that keeps me sane on that drive sometimes. When I moved to Naples from Orlando, I thought it would be a much slower pace, and it is- during the summer. Southwest Florida during season is crazy! There's people here from all over the north, and half of them can't drive to save their lives. You know who you are, New York and New Jersey people!

Collier County has an app that keeps you up to date on traffic accidents. During my forty-five minute commute, there were five accidents! Five! What in the world are people doing at 8am in 38 degree weather? They're mostly snow birds, which means they're retired and going somewhere other than a job. If it was me, I'd be snuggled up under my favorite blanket at home, enjoying my view of palm trees instead of snow, and sipping hot tea.

The craziness lasts from about Thanksgiving till Easter down here. Then they all go back north and Naples returns to a semi-sleepy little town. But there is always at least once that I nearly get in an accident because of someone driving the wrong way down the road. This year it was a huge Cadillac SUV barreling down the street coming right at me from the wrong direction. Then, he had the audacity to honk and flip Me off when he flew by. I may or may not have been sweetly yelling that he was a lunatic and should have his vision checked. I'm helpful like that.

It's really entertaining to watch snow birds, most of the time, though. They will literally stop their cars in the road to gawk at a palm tree. Or run screaming if they see an alligator in the water. I was out running in my neighborhood by a pond as a little alligator was minding its own business on the opposite bank. A car pulls up in front of me, four people tumble out and they start madly taking pictures. Then the gator lazily splashed into the water and started swimming. The group shrieks and runs for their car, looking over their shoulders as if the gator is going to eat them whole.

Enough rambling. I'll be back next time with a more put together post. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and stay safe on the roads!

With Love,
Susanne

The Five Best Holiday Events in Southwest Florida

I somehow managed to make it into town a whole half hour before I had to be at work, so I went to my dangerous place- Target. We all know you can’t leave there without at least five things you don’t need, but I had immense self-control today. I did leave with an excitement for the upcoming holidays, though, and Southwest Florida knows how to have a festive season! Without further ado, here are my top five holiday events you can’t miss in and around Naples.

The Tree Lighting on 5^th

Full disclosure- I’m a little spoiled with this particular tradition. My father-in-law is in charge of the event so we get reservations at Yabba’s Island Grill and watch the festivities from the perfect vantage point with drinks in hand. At the flip of a switch, the huge Christmas tree and entire street light up to the cheers of the crowd- it’s really a magical moment. Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance, vendors sell food, and all the stores are open to start the holiday shopping.

Ice Skating in Ave Maria

This event holds a special place in my heart because we moved from Naples to Ave Maria a couple years ago. It’s a tiny college town about half an hour away andI love the friendly, close-knit community. The event is technically called the Celebration of Lights, but I just found that out recently. Right in the middle of the town square is a large ice skating rink, a novelty in humid Southwest Florida. It is always packed with kids and families alike. The college has a stables on property and they do pony rides- if your child doesn’t scream hysterically, ahem cough. Not mine, of course. Then there’s the parade, which mostly consists of decorated golf carts. They’re the proud creations of enthusiastic retirees and things can get a little competitive. Last year we saw a life-size reindeer mounted on the roof of one such cart while a large sleigh was dragged behind and inside were two dogs dressed as elves. Sooo entertainment all around.

 This is right before he had a meltdown...

 

3^rd Street South 

This is one of my favorite places to go in December. Every evening snow falls down on the street. How it happens in Florida, I don’t know- it’s part of the enchantment. I recommend sitting outside at Campiello enjoying a glass of pinot noir while watching people shop in stores you can’t even afford to walk inside, or maybe that’s just me. Then, move on to Tommy Bahama’s where there’s always live music and my personal favorite, a pineapple yuzu mojito, waiting for you. Finish the evening off with a trip to the BarbatellaGelato Bar and indulge in the ice chocolate Italian sundae- you won’t be disappointed. 

Live Nativity at Seagate Baptist Church

 

Even though this is a relatively new event in Naples, it’s grown each year. Seagate Baptist is my church and their live nativity starts in the Naples Christmas Parade and goes for a weekend at the beginning of December. There’s singing and animals and hot cocoa. Pastor Wiggins gives a clear presentation of the Gospel and we’ve had quite a few people renew their relationships with God as a result. Just so you know, Cayden was baby Jesus the first year of the nativity. 

Unfortunately, he's grown too big to pass for a newborn in subsequent years.

Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton 

Put on your best sparkly dress and get dolled up for one of the fanciest places in Naples! What’s not to love when you, I mean your kids, can snuggle up with their favorite stuffed animal, have their fill of snacks and hot chocolate, listen to a professional storyteller read stories, and then top it off with a visit from the jolly man himself. Then, they’re so tired and full, they nap all the way home, so you have some peace and quiet. Win-win!

There are so many other fun things to do in Southwest Florida during the holiday season. I didn't even touch on the Edison Estate Winter Nights, the boat parade in Bonita Springs, or the dazzling variety of custom drinks at the Mercato. But never fear, I plan to enjoy them all this year!