Grandma's House? Yep.

For a few short months between houses, my parents have been scraping by in a beachfront condo near Sanibel Island. So we decided, out of the goodness of our hearts, to keep them company for a long weekend of sun, sand, and free babysitting.

It was our first time flying with Isaac, and everyone did great. It's not relaxing. Sometimes I fantasize about reading a book on an airplane. But no one pitched a fit or popped an eardrum, so we're claiming success. It helps a lot that some of them aren't so little anymore. Once they can read on their own, we'll be golden.

The beach was downstairs, which we discussed at length with the boys before and when we arrived. There was some confusion about how Nana & Papa live on the beach and how we would be doing so. The elevator was a big perk in their world, but apparently it was not a complete solution to the 10-story drop; when we arrived and Aaron walked out onto their balcony, he could see the beach below, so he said we'd "need a ladder to jump down there."

Our one venture over to Sanibel island was accompanied by a storm that rolled right over us. Dad waited in the car with Isaac while we took Noah & Aaron out on the dark and windy beach to play chicken with the storm. As I drank in the super-cool atmosphere, Noah talked a mile-a-minute about the piles of shells underfoot. He surprised me by picking out a handful of really beautiful little butterfly shells.

We might get wet! At the beach! In our swimsuits! ;)

The condos are right next to a big resort hotel, so Josh and I walked next door for a date one night. It was so wonderful, we hoodwinked my parents into another one the next night...

We spent one afternoon at Thomas Edison & Henry Ford's summer estates, where I was struck by 2 things:
1. Today's Pottery Barn decor (which I love) is actually just a refresh of the 1920s styles.
2. Who would've guessed one of the early appliances that resulted from the invention of electricity would be...the waffle iron?

And of course, we spent lots of time in the pool. Though given the 90-degree heat, it was a bit surprising how much Aaron loved "the small pool" (aka hot tub).

Thank you, Nana & Papa, for a beautiful vacation! We have a new appreciation for what you are giving up to be near us!