My Feet In The Sand

Well, we made it to Florida! The boys, my Step dad from Michigan, and I drove (yes I said drove) from Indiana to Florida. We made it in about 15 hours. I was so impressed with how well the boys did seeing as they are 4 and 6. The only dire needs to stop were pooping and peeing. Which was ok with me. I would rather have those stops instead of puking and crying ones! We didn't stop anywhere cool on the way down because we just wanted to get to Florida. On the way home we will see how time is doing and we may stop at Dinosaur World or The National Corvette Museum. But I am keeping that to myself so no future whining ensues if we cannot go.

Speaking of whining, do any ones kids whine no matter what they do for them? I feel as though I am a pretty cool Mom. I like to take my kids to fun stuff and get them out of the house. But it seems that no matter what I do with them or what they get when we go somewhere, they ALWAYS want more. Which I am like "You are being very ungrateful. Be happy we are doing something." Enter whining from the boys. It just seems like what is right in front of them is enough for a little bit, and then they just want more and more. And if that doesn't happen it is back talking, whining, crying, and just plain being bad. I have tried to do everything, and I am pretty good at sticking to my guns. But all this threatening crap is getting old! Then the consequences just seem to make me feel like a bad person. There is consequences, but obviously they are not enough. Short of locking them in there room with nothing but a mattress, what else can I do?? I am adding this tid bit because this is how our vacation had started once we woke up in Florida. Hopefully this will change (No this better change!), suggestions are welcomed if you have this problem too!

Anyways...I am here visiting my Uncle who lives in Florida and his daughter and granddaughter who used to live in Florida, but currently live in Germany. My cousin is in the Air Force and is stationed there. It is really nice to see her. She was also close to my Mom and spoke with her a lot over the phone. The last time the boys and I came here was on an airplane with my Mom a few years ago. My cousin wasn't able to come to any of the funeral arrangements due to freshly being stationed in Germany. So it is really nice to be able to reminisce with her. Plus, we have tons of fun together and love to dance and sing karaoke!

The beaches here are BEAUTIFUL and are literally across the street from where we are staying! I love to see all of the laid back attitudes and styles of those living in Florida. And who doesn't like to hear a southern accent accompanied by some southern hospitality once in awhile? Where we are staying is in the panhandle on the Gulf Of Mexico. I am glad we came :).

I may post here and there this week if I have the time. Right now we are just bumming around doing some laundry and watching TV. We went to the beach yesterday and went out to eat at D'Wons which is right on the ocean *the food was SOOO good!*. Today we went and got postcards for family, friends, and a pen pal of mine and got some ice cream.

Hope you are all enjoying the start to your summer vacations! We are enjoying ours!