We flew down early Thursday morning to Ft. Myers, where we stayed in my parents' condo for the trip. We were really lucky to have a free place to stay, and it was super relaxing. After grabbing a quick lunch, we headed straight for the pool, where we swam and relaxed for several hours. It was really hot outside (like 95 degrees) but it actually felt good to me since it hasn't been a super hot August in Ohio. It's totally different going to the pool kid-free now, so I enjoyed every second. After pool-time, we went out for a little shopping and dinner. Travis loves Bass Pro Shops, so we went there and shopped and had dinner, and then went to Miromar Shopping outlets down the road. It was great to just walk around and enjoy. We had some gelato for dessert and stayed out until it was dark! Now that we have a 2-year old, and another on the way, I really enjoy little things like staying out past 8 pm!!
Friday was the day of the wedding, but we got up early and walked and went to the pool again. Around lunchtime we headed out and had lunch at Five Guys. Somehow, even though I am a total burger girl, this was my first time there, and it was as amazing as everyone says. Then we headed down to Marco Island a little early so that we could drive around and check it out before the wedding. It was about a 50 minute drive from Ft. Myers to Marco. My parents took me to Marco Island when I was 3, but I haven't been back since they bought a time share on Sanibel Island (a little farther north.) Marco is a little more commercialized with large hotels right on the beach and lots of chain restaurants, but it was a great setting for the wedding.
We headed to the hotel around 3:00 pm, and the wedding wasn't until 4:30, so we met some friends at the outdoor bar (and I enjoyed a virgin strawberry daquiri.) It was great to see some friends that we haven't seen for years since we're all spread across the country. The wedding was for a fraternity brother of Travis's from Allegheny.
Aaron, John (groom), Dan, and Travis
It was very hot, and the ceremony was outdoor on the beach. Luckily it rained a few minutes before it started, which cooled off the temperature from 95 to 85 haha. The ceremony was quick, and we were able to have our drinks on the beach with us (lots of water for me...lots of beer for the guys.)
Lindsay and me
Travis, Dan, Aaron, and Marc
The cocktail hour was also inside, but the reception went into the air-conditioned hotel. Several of our friends have had children recently, and it was great to find out how they are all doing. The wedding was a ton a of fun, with lots of dancing involved. I even had my one small glass of champagne!
At the end, we went back outside where we were all given sparklers to wish the happy couple well. I'm not sure how smart it was to give them out to everyone who had drunk so much for about 6-8 hours, but it turned out ok haha. We stayed for a bit longer with everyone at the bar, and then I drove us back to Ft. Myers, where we got in around 1 am (late night for us!!)
Saturday we headed back down to Naples to have lunch with Travis's uncle, aunt, and cousins who live there. His cousins are only 4 and 5 years old, closer to Avery's age. We caught up with them, and made plans to see them again with Avery and the new baby when we go back in March.
Then we went back to the beach at Marco Island where all of our friends rented a cabana for the day. We got to meet our friends' kids - both boys - a 13 month old, and 8 week old. It was great holding the baby, but it was also so relaxing watching them and being kid-free haha. I know in a few months I'll be trying to remember that moment when I'm frazzled with a newborn and 2-year old.
Travis and I left around dinner time and went to a crab place in Naples. It stormed while we were there, so we walked around some tourist shops until it stopped. While we were in one of the stores, the owner asked me how far along I was (26 weeks) and gave me a little bag of free scented soap, which was so nice. He and Travis also had a spirited talk about politics and gun control...haha...don't ask me how that happens.
On Sunday morning we headed back to the airport and were home to see our little Avery in the afternoon! It was a fabulous trip, and now I'm ready to start working on nursery details and Avery's big-girl room very soon!
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