As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the weather here has been rather iffy since we arrived. While we had nice weather for the first few days, we were then assaulted by terrible rain storms for about ten days in a row. So when the sun came out on Saturday, we were determined to do something fun.
Of course, not knowing the area and trying to conserve as much money as possible, we were not entirely sure what was best to do, and we wound up spending a disappointing Saturday at a Flea Market in Kissimmee. But before the end of the day, we’d decided that our Sunday would be spent at the beach.
We set off a little later than we’d wanted to, but we weren’t really fussed, as we knew that the heavy sunshine would mean we couldn’t stay too long anyway. But Mark has this rule about travel time vs staying time. Basically, you have to stay at a place for at least as long as it took to get there. And since it took us about 90 minutes to get through Tampa and St Petersburg, we knew we were staying a while.
Driving through Tampa
We couldn’t have had a more beautiful day for the outing. It was around 1:30 when we actually arrived at our destination, though we had to drive around a bit to find the public beach and get a parking space. We wound up next to a meter that didn’t work. I maintained that a broken meter means it is free to park, but Mark was less sure. Still, we risked it with no problems.
We got to the beach, and started to set up our blanket. Dex was all over the place, taking in the sights and smells of the ocean and birds and wanting to run across the hot sand. I made it the first priority to slather him in suncream straight away. Then we tucked in to the lunch that Mark had packed us (yep – Mark packed lunch!).
Dexter tucking in to his first watermelon
Captivated by all The Seagulls around
Not quite getting the hang of his bucket and spade
Looking in to his beach bucket
Our last trip to the beach was in October last year when we headed to Wales for a bit of early autumn sunshine. Dex was only 7 months old and wasn’t walking or even crawling yet! So this was a totally different experience. While previously he would sit in the shade of the beach umbrella, this time he was running off toward the surf before you could stop him. He for sure lives up to his Aquarius sign!
Beach Baby Beach Baby There On the Sand...
Playing in the Surf with Daddy
In the water with Mommy
My bathing suit turned out to be quite ill fitting, and I didn’t feel at all good about being scantily clad in front of the population on Florida. But Dexter’s pure joy in the waves made me forget all my insecurities and just enjoy the bonding opportunity.
Mommy and Dexter dipping our toes in...
Daddy had great fun dunking Dex in the water
Daddy and Dexter jumping over the waves
Between dunkings, we headed back to the blanket for more suncream (for Dexter – not for me… which ended up being a problem!). He was definitely lighting up the beach with his smiles and enthusiasm. All the bikini-clad gals were coming up to gush about how cute he was, and even some of the burlier men were waving and smiling. Dex seems to have that effect on people.
Don't let go, dad!
A family beach photo
Trying to build a sandcastle?
At one point, Mark filled the bucket with sand and tried to create a castle for Dexter, but he wasn’t particularly interested in it. He much preferred eating the sand and drinking the water to actually doing something constructive.
The obligatory kissy photo (Mark loves these!)
Me and Dexter on the beach
Dexter was starting to get tired by this point
Throwing Dex in the air
St Pete Beach
Dex has had enough by this point
After a couple of hours, Dex had had enough of the salty water in his eyes and mouth, and he was ready to get going. So we returned to our blanket and packed up and headed for home, tired but happy.
I'm a 31 year old stay at home mother, crafter, domestic goddess and blogger from Kissimmee, FL. 
Looks like you had a fab day. I can imagine it was completely different to being on the beach in good old Wales! x
MrsJC recently posted..Herman The German Friendship Cake
It was definitely a completely different experience! I loved our day out in Wales, but this was amazing fun. :)
Awesome photos! I could so do with a bit of sunshine right now.
MrsB recently posted..London Estonians celebrated Midsummer
Aw bless! You can always come and stay! ;)
Wow! I am so jealous! Florida is our 2nd home and it looks like you had such a great day on the beach!!!
Rachel recently posted..Review: Completing the Puzzle by Amanda Egan
We definitely had a really good time, and we can’t wait to repeat it!! :) You’ll have to look us up next time you’re in Florida! :)
We’re coming out next May, can’t wait! Haven’t seen our family out there for a while! :)
Rachel recently posted..Review: Completing the Puzzle by Amanda Egan
I know how that is! Going for 11 years only seeing my family once every couple years was hard! :) I’m sure it’ll be so much fun! :)
It’s hard isn’t it! When we go it’ll have been 5yrs since our last visit (when we got married out there). We only had 2 children then…we’ll have 4 when we go. Will be the first time my brother in law & sister in law meet their newest niece and nephew! :)
You’re so lucky to live out there permanently! It’s our aim to get out there and be closer to hubby’s brother :) x
Rachel recently posted..Mean Mummy
Aw bless you! Mark’s family still hasn’t met Dexter, and he’s 16 months old, so I understand exactly what you mean. I do feel lucky to have been able to move here, and I am HOPING things start to get a little easier soon so that we can actually ENJOY living here! Lol.
I will keep good thoughts that you guys get to fulfil your aim! :D
Love the pictures!!
Thank you hon! :)
You are in my town!!! (Well, we live in Brandon to be specific)
Welcome to Florida, I hope you learn to love it here as much as I do. xo
Tabi recently posted..A Yummy Summer Treat
Thank you hon! :) I am definitely loving Florida at the moment, though I do wish we hadn’t moved here at the beginning of hurricane season!! ;)