On with the planning!

Above is a photo I found online of Siesta Key, Florida.  Stunning, isn't it?  Now you can see why I was completely open to throwing out everything else and changing plans.  Hannah really wanted to go somewhere tropical so this is pretty much the closest thing I can do. Here's another shot....

I'm hoping that the photos are not 'fixed' to make the beach look better than it is, but I think I'm pretty safe since all of the photos online are pretty consistent.  These pictures ignite many giggles of excitement within me.  I can't wait!

So we've now opened the window to Siesta Key.. we're interested.  We want to go.  Where do we stay?  Once again, I turn to the internet and Google is my savior.  What in the world did people do before the internet?  How did my Dad ever find motels to stay in great locations?  I quickly discover that Siesta Key doesn't have many motels.    Keep in mind that the motel room we had on the books for Treasure Island had a full kitchen included in the room!  A BIG plus for us.. a BIG money saver for us!  I realize that we will have to rent a condo.  This isn't a bad idea, as it gives us more room.  Room that a family of 5 surely needs if we are going to be together for 7 days.  Actually, it's a BRILLIANT idea.  A condo it is!

Hannah had one request, and that was we stay somewhere that she can see the beach from the room.  Beach front is preferred.  After all, if we are going to drive 998 miles, we deserve to stay right on the beach!  Finding a condo to rent in Siesta Key was fairly easy.  They are pretty abundant.  Finding one that's available for our travel dates was more of the challenge.  Adding in the factor of wanting to stay right on the beach, just one more hurdle.  

After numerous searches, inquiries and discussions with the family, we decided on The Jamaica Royale Condominiums.  This place seems like a little slice of paradise, and we were able to snag a condo that is beach front!  Whew!  Check that off the list!  

  

Planning: Important Decisions!

So now that we've decided to somehow manage a family vacation to Florida, there are many details that need to be figured out.  Details such as WHEN  to go, WHERE to go, and HOW we will get there.  Well, the how is pretty easy.. we have to drive.  Airfare for 5 is not cheap.. then having to rent a car would be a PITA.  So one decision made.  As for WHEN.. That came pretty easily too, as the soon to be 16 year old would like to have her freshly painted toenails in the white sand on her birthday.  Dates are set (being flexible with a day or two). Now for the WHERE...

Florida's Gulf Coast also holds a special place in my heart, and I have more fond memories with time spent with my Dad on the Gulf.  My Dad loved Florida.  In fact, he took me there several times.  At one point he wanted to retire in the Ft. Myers area, but ultimately sacrificed that desire to stay around his grandchildren (my brothers children).  One of the things we want to do while we are down there is to visit with some family friends who live in Largo, just outside of Clearwater.  So my hunt for a beach began in that area.

We first looked at Treasure Island, FL, and my fingers typing away on the laptop brought me to the Thunderbird Resort.  A place my Dad had taken me in High School.  Loved this place.  I quickly was drawn in, and placed a reservation for a Beachfront room.  So excited!  But then I began second guessing my decision.  Reading more about the beaches of Florida's Gulf Coast, I stumbled upon information of a place called Heaven... I mean Siesta Key.  Powder White Beaches... Clear Azure water.. Apparently ranked the #1 beach in the USA... Okay, I'm interested.  I can invite the thought of possibly going elsewhere. Now where to stay...

Planning, planning!

For the last several years, we have taken our family vacation in July, and have headed to the Maryland/Delaware shore.  We've stayed in Fenwick Island and Ocean City.  I grew up spending parts of my summer in Ocean City, and have fond memories of those hot summer days.  Waking up and looking out the window to the crashing waves on the sand, and the gulls searching for food.  I have been happy to be able to share this special place with my children, though I have wanted to do more.

This June, my oldest offspring will be turning 16.  What!  I remember when she was just a tot, my father in law telling me not to blink during these years, or I'd miss it, as it will go by so very quickly.  He was spot on. It seems just like yesterday that she was trying to figure out what princess dress to wear to the tea party, or which stuffed animal was her favorite (though one had to be discreet so that the other animals wouldn't have hurt feelings).  Now she's begging to drive my car, as she recently obtained her instructional drivers permit, and we are talking about college plans.  Yep, she will be turning 16 in just a couple of months.  Yes, the time went by fast... too fast for my liking.

So many 16th birthday parties are beginning to hit the calendar.. penciling them in around the millions of other obligations we have in permanent marker.  The thought of planning a big birthday party exhausts me.  Add in the fact that her birthday comes after the last day of school, and most people will be hitting the road for their own summer vacation adventures.  Will there be enough people to attend?  More stress...   Then there's the part of figuring out where to have it, what theme to use, and how to make the party "cool".  Not sure I can take it.  So I offered up a suggestion.  Something that would benefit us all!

Presenting this suggestion to the almost 16 year old made me nervous.  There was a big possibility that she'd turn me down flat.  She'd tell me that it was the stupidest idea she's ever heard, and how in the world could I come up with such a ridiculous idea.  Of course there was always the chance that she'd love it, and I'd be the best Mom in the world... for a split second.  Crossing my fingers, I announced my idea.  Instead of having a big party, how about we take a really good family vacation.. and celebrate on the powder white sands of the Florida Gulf Coast!  Hook... line... sinker!

Much to my ultimate delight, big 16 LOVED the idea!  The smile on her face said it all.  Her father even suggested that we could possibly do a small pool party before we leave, so that she would be able to celebrate with some of her friends.  So now begins the planning of our big family trip to Florida..

Civil War Soldiers?

I love digging into my family's past.  I've been bitten by the ancestry bug and I cannot stop!  I recently found this photo among my family's old photos, mainly with my Mom's "Jasper" photos.  I think that one of the men in the photo could be my great, great grandfather, David Newton Jasper.  However, I am unsure if these soldiers are from the Civil War, and if so, which side?  What rank were these men?  I am on the search for answers!

He's Back!!!

Well what do you know, it's that time of year again!  Turkey day is over, and most of the holiday shopping done on Black Friday, and we got our tree put up (though it still needs to be decorated).  You know what that means... when the tree goes up, Jingle our elf, comes back! 


The little one was very excited this morning when she saw he was back, and especially after she saw what he did!  

I'm sure we are in for some crazy antics from this little guy!  Stay tuned!

Taking the fear out of Eggplant

Eggplant is one of those veggies that has always scared me.  I like the color of eggplant.  Since the age of 2 years, purple has been my favorite color.  Still, the color itself could not get me to eat it.  As an adult, I am trying to learn to try new things, and yes, this includes veggies.  Eggplant has always intrigued me, but I have not had any idea as to how to cook it.  Until now.  

Thanks to Pinterest, and  A Spicy Perspective's blog, I have found the answer.  So I challenge you to give it a try..

Fried Eggplant:

The only ingredients you need are an eggplant (sliced to your liking), milk, flour, sea salt, olive oil.

After you slice your eggplant, give it a bath!  A milk bath, that is.  Soak the slices in milk OVERNIGHT.  This helps tenderize it, and makes it less spongey.  When you are ready to go, drain the milk from the eggplant slices, tap off extra moisture, cover in seasalt and flour, then pan fry in olive oil.  

Enjoy!

I actually got my 4 year old in on the action.  Her job was to cover the eggplant slices with flour.  She made a mess, but had a blast doing so!  

The finished product... And yes, they were delicious.  Even the 4 year old liked them!  

Good luck!

Sandy Toes

It's kind of been a tradition over the last few years, to take the family to the beach for our summer vacation.  Thanks to the generosity of friends who own a home just a few miles from the shore, we've been able to enjoy the shore comfortably.

Upon arrival at the beach, the kids like to make a stop at the infamous, Candy Kitchen.  This place is great.. full of every candy you could imagine, bright colors and extremely high prices!  But oh so fun to the eye..

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 Then, of course, we have to go by Sea Shell City to find all those amazing shells that you cannot find on the Maryland Shore..

Of course we do still search for shells on the beach...

I really wanted to take some "fun" shots this trip.  I'm still learning the new camera, so it's a process...

Also had to go for some artistic shots!