February 16th (Ella's 12th Birthday/Beach Day-Driving to Sarasota for Lunch/Siesta Key Beach/Diner For Dinner)

Ella woke up a 12 year old today!!

We all slept in a little today, which was much needed!

Our mini pool, that we never got to swim in! Darn it was even heated!

Look what I found at the store! I have seen these on tv but not in the stores around KS. They are super yummy, taste like a little bit sweeter strawberry.

We made breakfast then hit the road to Sarasota for lunch.

Saw this huge Wendy's frosty on our way.

Cool corvette on the way.

Sarasota is known for Ringling Bros, so we turned on Ringling Blvd so cute!

Found a parking spot to eat lunch at this place on the water I found online.

Luckily we got there when we did because this place got packed!!

 Nick and Ella found this nice spot at a table in the sunshine! It feels so nice out!! It's been in the low/high 70's all week.

Got Nick and I a Pina colada to share. Plus the girls got a strawberry daiquiri and Pina colada!

Just something about being by the ocean is so relaxing!

Nick and I got fish bites along with a soft shell crab sandwich to share.

We ate then headed to Siesta Key about 15 mins away.

I love all the mossy trees in Florida.

Driving by so many beautiful big houses along with all different styles of houses!

Pretty street!

Going over the bridge to Siesta Keys.

We found a front row parking spot!

We made it!

Ella is so excited to play in the sand.

I love beaches!

Wow you have to walk a little ways to get to the ocean. I think the tide is out more maybe in February.

We made it to the water!!

The sand is sooo sooo soft!

That 2 1/2 hour drive is worth it to see her smile!

Ella wanted to go straight to the water.

It was freezing!

Family Beach Pic Feb. 2024!

Is it cold out or hot? You can't tell from our picture...lol.

Lots of people here! They say the Canadian's are the ones that actually get in the water. Ha.

Adelyn says she doesn't like the beach but she did just fine and even played with her sister!

My 12 year old!

Adelyn looking for sea shells.

Pretty sky out.

It was some what cloudy out! But when the sun was out it was super hot! Loved it, since I think it was snowing in KC today!

Enjoying the sunshine and hopefully I will get a little tan?

Sisterly love!

Nick went and got us a Pina colada to share on the beach!

Love him!

Making a water hole.

Happy girl!

Looks so pretty out here! But if you turn the camera you would see lots of people on the beach..lol. 

We stayed about 1 1/2 hour but it was getting late so we needed to head out to head back to Orlando!

But first Starbucks!

Saw some Amish people. 

It was going to take us 3 hours to get home. So we were going to have to stop to eat along the way. We found an old Diner place in small town about 45 mins from our place. We were on back roads to avoid the accidents and bumper to bumper traffic on the highway.

Look how cute this place is.

Plus lots of ice cream choices fort Ella's birthday dessert!

I got fried chicken, yummy. But the white gravy was with sausage, like breakfast. Not a fan, when I thought it would be chicken gravy. Must be a Midwest thing on cooking.

Fish and chips for addie.

Nick got chicken fried steak, he said it was pretty good.

Ella got her 2nd hot dog of the day, only allowed because of her birthday!

We all got ice cream, ate it and got on the road. It is getting late.

Look at this adorable old school McDonald's along the way!!

Well we got back around 8:30ish and we are tired.