Life is a Beach (Free Florida Fun)

Obviously you can't talk about Free Florida Fun without mentioning the beach.

I am sure I have been to the beach at least twice as many times in the two years since we moved here than I had been in my entire 26 years of previous life. We are a beach loving family. And you can't hardly beat it in the "bang for your buck" department. Especially now that we live only 15 minutes from the beach.

Okay, yes, you do have to buy swimsuits and beach towels somewhere along the road. An umbrella and a few chairs don't hurt either. But when you consider how much you aren't spending on heavy winter coats, boots, hats, scarves, gloves, snow shovels, and ice melt every year, These purchases seem rather small in comparison.

We like to go there an hour or two before sunset when the crowds have thinned and it isn't quite so hot. This also saves money on sunscreen since you don't have to use as much, if any, by this time.

Trekking across the expansive desert to the water's edge.

Jessie is balancing a huge rubbermaid planter 

containing all of our beach toys, towels, and other necessities

on top of the double stroller.

He's  kind of a stud.

(If you are too embarrassed to walk next to us in this getup,
don't worry, the beach is very wide)

"Cheeeese-Peanut Butterrrr!"

is Eliza's mugging phrase of choice.

I'm not sure why. It's actually very unhelpful.

Once there, you can frolic in the waves 

with reckless abandon

or build a sand castle with Daddy

using the rubbermaid planter as a base.

You will probably have to pose for some pictures

before you leave.

And you might be wrangled 

into holding a baby for awhile.

C'mon. You know you wanna.

Total Cost: Well, ok, this beach does have metered parking. $3 (plus gas and blah blah blah).

Adolescent Alligators and the Adorable Angels who Admired them.

We have found so many things to do with ourselves that cost little to nothing since moving to our new town, that I decided to share a little series called Free Fun in Florida. This is partly aimed at tempting friends and family members to visit us down here in our little corner of tropical paradise, the sooner the better. Not least amongst these inducements are the little angel-faces pictured below that will accompany you on all these delightful (and economical) excursions.

Meet your tour guides:

This is your senior tour guide. Her vast knowledge of every topic
will be sure to enlighten you.

Tour Guide No. 2: Listen closely or you may be confused into thinking that "dragonflies"
are actually called "american flags" or vice versa. Watch out, lizards she hands you
may not actually be alive.

Tour guide No. 3: If you are on the timid side, stick close to Ingrid.
She will be sure to warn you if there is any hint of the slightest danger.

But don't expect her to share her favorite safe perch with you.

Are you ready? Let's go!

Tucked away in the middle of a suburban jungle,
where you'd least expect to find it,
and only 15 minutes from our house,
there is a large preserve area where you can see all kinds of
Florida wildlife at very close range.

We have been here once before, and on that occasion we very easily spotted several full-grown alligators and myriads of turtles and fish. On this visit we found no adult alligators, but scores of "toddler" alligators. The cute little tykes swam around so cunningly, snapping at minnows and grinning sardonically at passerby. Still sporting their baby stripes, but looking in every other way like miniature versions of their parents, they may be small,
but they most definitely are NOT cute and cuddly.

This guy was about the size of a miniature yorkie. Precious, isn't he?



Alligators are an animal that I just can't summon up any affectionate feelings for.
But as a transplanted Michigan girl, they still hold a certain fascination for me,
and the novelty of seeing them in our own back yard
(No, not literally - Calm down Aunt Robin!) still hasn't worn off.



Does this seem a little ho-hum to you?
Don't worry, you're in good company.

Total Cost: $0

Eat your heart out (before the alligators do).