The Beauty of the Beach

During the last week of June, we took a family trip to the fabulous Naples, Florida. It was definitely one of my favorite places I've ever been. Typically at the end of a vacation, I'm ready to head home, but I did NOT want to leave Naples! The white sand beaches of Naples are nestled in the Gulf of Mexico and are gorgeous! . The town of Naples is so relaxing and non-touristy. We felt like we lived there (and we even discussed that this is the ONE place I could move besides Fayetteville!) The town is so amazing and welcoming. My parents rented a beautiful house...

The house was absolutely perfect. It was open and airy and every room opened to the pool. I got to spend several mornings watching cartoons with Grayson (loved it!) Back Yard The pool at night

Josh fishing in the beautiful waterway that ran behind the house

Grayson was walking like crazy exploring the house!

This alligator was swimming in the ocean by the Snook Inn on Marco Island where we ate seafood by the ocean and listened to live music!

Friday night we had "date night" on 5th Street (think Downtown KC). We had a great Italian dinner at Cafe Luna and drinks on the patio at McCabe's Irish Pub.

Our last night, we went to Randy's and bought fresh seafood to cook at the house.
We had Grouper, Salmon, Halibut and Alligator!

Josh cooking his fresh alligator - it was YUMMY!!

My sister took a bike ride every night - I think it was her favorite part of the trip.
You know the old saying "it's like riding a bike"? That saying did not apply to me after a few glasses of wine...the bike and I had an altercation.
I LOVE this picture of my parents = happiness :-)

Jesse, Grayson and Brook

This is how sad I was to leave :-( I can't wait to go back every year!! THANK YOU Mom & Dad for taking us to this gorgeous slice of heaven!!