First Visitor - Odessa!

When we lived in Sioux City, we attended story time regularly at the South Sioux City library. Our usual time was Mondays at 2:30 and that was changed to 3:30. We attended many special events, the summer reading program, and the Pat-a-Cake pals for younger children. Through that time, I developed a friendship with the children's librarian. We called her Ms. Odessa. She became my Odessa friend.
We didn't do much outside the library but we had many conversations and followed each other lives through technology. Without her job, we probably would have never met. Her son is much older so we wouldn't have run into each other. Thank goodness the star aligned and she came into my world. Not only is she a great friend, but she's a superb children's librarian and wonderful with my children.
Odessa was given the opportunity to fly here to see the rocket launch. I am grateful she made it here and we were able to spend the weekend together.
We arrived at the hotel Saturday morning only to realize we forgot our suitcase. OOPS! We had to run to the store to get outfits and swimsuits for all five of us. After that, we went to Cocoa Beach to enjoy the sun and surf. How fun to watch the kids jump over the waves!
We had a fun filled day on Sunday. We went on an airboat ride in the Everglades. We saw wildlife including gators, cattle (yes, cattle!!), roseate spoonbills, egrets, and more. It was a GREAT adventure - Lane seemed scared and fell asleep immediately. We even touched a gator after the boat ride. (Odessa held it!)

We climbed Ponce de Leon lighthouse in Ponce Inlet.

It was quite the climb in the heat but we all did it!

After our sweat filled venture, we headed to the jetty and watched the surfers. We asked the boys to only get their feet wet in the water but that was quickly ignored as they were splashing and jumping waves. It was far too cute to stop them. Lane had her tush cleaned twice in the ocean since we ran out of wipes. I'm sure she will be thrilled that we shared that on our family blog.