Terrific Tuesday in Florida

On Tuesday, we thought we would check out some of the local attractions and get out of the sun, kind of.  However, Oliver had an agenda item to tend to first, picking up love bugs and throwing them over the edge.

We went to the Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium, which just happens to be on the other side of the bridge from where we are staying.  Talk about great location.  This Aquarium seems to be for rescue, research and rehabilitation of marine life.  Our goal was a boat trip to see some local wild life.  For a discount, we were able to get admission to the Aquarium, which we took took in several days later.

Oliver and Keith, headed out of the boat.  We were expecting to see birds, fish, the bay and maybe some manatees, dolphin's, sting rays, etc.

Kellan says "Hello!"

The next few photos are of some of the amazing and large houses around Sarasota, which includes the Keys that we have been visiting.

Yes, this is all one house.  The longest on the bay.

Supposidely, the owners of this house told the aquarium that these two sculptures are to represent their two grandchildren.

This house belongs to the lead singer of AC/DC.  Only 1 in 20 houses are occupied year round and this is one of them.  We couldn't see it, but there is a pool in the back yard in the shape of a guitar.

This boat is probably bigger than the apartments I used to live in.

Mommy and Oliver.

The marine biologist is in the background telling us about what we're seeing.

What did Kellan think of the tour?  It was a real snoozer.

This was a protected island for birds.  There were a lot of birds with nests and yes, it smelled.

The herons standing up to the right is a mama and baby feeding.

Kellan thinks this is a great way to nap.  The gentle roar of the engine with the breezy salt air.  I think he may even have a slight smile.

We did see one dolphin swimming around but I didn't get any pictures.

Toward the end of the tour they put out a net to capture (and later release) some sea creatures.  Oliver enjoyed watching off the back of the boat.

Oliver touching a jelly fish.  I don't remember what kind it was but it didn't have tentacles and didn't sting.  It was ooey gooey though.

Oliver touching a flounder fish.

Look who decided to join the party and have some lunch on board the boat.

Crab

Keith was in the back of the boat checking out the marine life with Oliver and he caught this photo of Kellan and I having fun.

We really enjoyed our tour and it was nice to get out and learn a little bit about the area.  After our tour we went to the Old Salty Dog, right across from the Aquarium.  Our tour guide recomended it for lunch. We sat right on the water and really enjoyed it.  I even splurged and had a Rum Punch.  Yum!

Oliver with a Florida Orange Smile.

Kellan witha  Cracker Smile.

Keith splurged and got Oysters on a Half Shell.

Oliver tried a lick of an Oyster.  He said he liked it.  (Ewwww) but Keith didn't give him one to eat.

Kellan was kind of fussy toward the end of lunch and we didn't know why.  When I went to get him out of his high chair I noticed he was sitting on his leg.  Oops, sorry buddy.  However, his pudgy little legs were just too cute not to capture in a photo.

Back at "the house", as Oliver calls it, we fired up the blender.  Since we have a kitchenette, we took full advantage.  Since you can make probably 8-10 drinks for the price of one at the bar, we went home made.  Oliver loved his Virgin Strawberry Cocktails in the afternoon sun.

That evening, we decided to go exploring around the property and eat dinner in.  Keith wanted to capture a lizard for Oliver.  Here he is, on the hunt.

He caught one.

Oliver trying to hold one.

He gave it a good effort, but it wiggled away too fast.

The little lizard.  Poor guy, got so nervous he detached his tail.  We soon discovered that this was a little guy.  Some of the lizards are much bigger and much much faster.

Oliver enjoyed throwing his frisbee and then chasing after it.

One of the signs pointing to our resort.

Oliver telling me about the flowers.

On our way to the beach, we found a hammock.  This is Oliver's first swing in a hammock.

Ahh... brotherly love.

Mommy and Oliver in the hammock.

Back down at the beach, we enjoyed an exploratory stroll.

Time to play frisbee on the beach.

Mom's turn to run after the frisbee.

Dad, the sherpa.

Back at the room,  getting ready for bed.  Oliver is sleeping on the hide-a-bed.  He likes to say "Abra-Cadabra, Couch turn into a Bed".  In the morning, it's the opposite chant of Bed turn into a Couch.