Florida

We wrapped up the summer with a trip to Florida. The main purpose is for London to try the beach one more time. She didn't seem to enjoy it very much when we went to VA beach back in July. The trip didn't start out as smooth as we hoped it would. The flight was at 8:20, we were supposed to leave the house around 5 or so to have enough time to drive to BWI airport and go thru security and such. We set out London's stuff the night before but hadn't packed our stuff. The plan was to get up around 3am to pack and to leave.

Well, things didn't happen as we planned: the alarm didn't go off and we woke up at 5. I jumped out of bed, screaming " OMG, we are late". The next 30 minutes were something you usually see when you fast forward a scene on TV. We got up, changed, packed our stuff, packed London's stuff, prepared the diaper bag, prepared her food/milk for the flight, changed London, gave her a bottle so she can be occupied. We finally left for the airport at 6:30, that was pushing it very close for an 8:20 flight. Still, i was hoping that we would make it.

all packed and ready to go (in costco cart :))

Deonn dropped us off so I could check in while he took the car to the rental place. BWI's cars rental seems to be located at another town away. Sometimes i wondered myself of my abilities to do things when i'm in certain situation. Until now, i still wonder how i was able to lug everything with me, London, the huge carseat bag that we also packed our stuff inside, and of course the luggage. They didn't allow us to check in the carseat bag and because we we "extremely late". But she gave me my boarding pass anyway. As i was going thru security, Deonn called to tell me that they didn't allow him to get on the same flight with me, because he was "extremely extremely late". They made him get on the next flight. "OMG" i thought to myself, "is it really happening?"

It took us forever with the bags checked because of all of London's stuff (liquid). So the 8:20 flight was definitely out of the window. Now, i had to make sure to get on the same flight with Deonn since i technically "missed" mine. I think by then, our luck finally had changed and i was able to get on the same flight with Deonn and we were all seated instead on "stand by". This made everything better because there is usually no guarantee of when/if you will get on the next plan while on "stand by".
Although we were off to a rough start, things were much better from there. We only waited for 2 hours and got something to eat while waiting. Things are so different now that London is walking. She was running, smiling at everyone at the terminal. Such a happy baby!

I have been to Fort Lauderdale a few times before but only by flying to the airport but never have stayed there. I wish that i did before though. It is a lovely place with beautiful beaches. It only lacks the craziness of South Beach, which is not something that we long for.

We made it to W hotel

Snacking on an apple while waiting to check in

And then off to the infinity pool

The first day was very relaxing, we went to lunch by the beach and then headed to the pool. London had a great time playing in the water. Our room was on the 17th floor with a beautiful view of the ocean. We were exhausted after dinner and all of us went to bed super early.

The next day was another beautiful sunny day. After breakfast, we headed to the beach. The weather was great, maybe around mid 80s. Not too bad for London. She did much better this time than last time in Virginia Beach. Deonn took London to the water and she was playful. We even played with the sand. I think maybe next year we can upgrade to building a sand castle. Not so much this year. She gets bored of things very fast. :)

all bundled up after a dip in the water

and then it's time for ice-scream snack

My sister lives not too far from Fort Lauderdale so she came down to hang out with us. We were able to upgrade to a suite which has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (thanks to Deonn). That was the biggest hotel suite i have ever been too. It's so spacious, London was running from one end to another singing (i think she was singing.) She was just so happy.

The next day we all drove down to Miami. Miami is always one of my favorite places to visit. It has all the fun, excitement, foods, shoppings, the beach. It was a different feeling to come there this time. We stopped by the W hotel in South Beach to visit the beach here. It's definitely has a different vibe, not as family oriented as the one in Fort Lauderdale.

outside of Oliver Restaurant in SoBe

London and Mommy

trying to squat

playing with sand

London and daddy

After the beach, we moved on to the pool. London defintitely loved the pool more than the beach. She was having a ball in the pool: slashing water everywhere, laughing. I guess the beach has too many elements that she didnt care fore (sand and waves)

Happy baby

Eating fruit from pool side drink

Done with the pool and so ready to leave :)

Here are some pics that we took of London inside the hotel lobby after we were done with the beach and pool

Reading with mommy

The rest of the trip was very relaxing, we went back to Fort Lauderdale and had dinner at the restaurant inside the hotel. That eliminated the process of driving to/from restaurant and dealing with London's unexpected crankiness. Yet we still had to rush thru dinner since she was a bit fussy. I think a full day at the beach really wore her out.