Captiva 2011: Days One and Two

As I mentioned in previous posts, we went on vacation last week.  Our destination, South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, Florida, a vacation spot we've been visiting for years.  Baylor has been there once before, but given his age he obviously doesn't remember it.

Our flight was at noon, so we got up and did our usual  morning routine.  Then we all piled into the car, left the house a complete disaster area, and made our way to the airport.  The kids were interested in what was going on ...

... but neither knew what was ahead.

After checking in and making it through security, complete with a TSA-sponsored stop to have baby food analyzed, we got to our gate and waited.  Mollie spent her waiting time showing Oma how to use the stroller.

And when the kids got antsy, my mom broke out their iPad and let Baylor color a bit.

Apparently flying is torture for a two-and-a-half year-old because at one point just after takeoff, Baylor could be heard saying, "Oh ... my ... gosh!" with saucer-shaped eyes and tears streaming down his face.  Poor kiddo.  Mollie didn't mind it in the least and spent most of the flight hopping from one family member to the next.

We landed in Detroit and hurried on over to our next flight, one I was not exactly looking forward to given Baylor's reaction to the first one.  He did, however, really enjoy the people movers at the Detroit airport.

And the fountain, which turned off just as I was taking this picture.

On the second leg of our flight, Mollie and I took a nap together.  She looks much cuter sleeping than I do.

Don't you think?

Baylor slept, too.

Once we landed, it was time for a ride on the elevator!  (And yes, I chose that shirt for him specifically for the plane.  It was too perfect!)

Baylor helped Oma with the bags.

Then he helped Daddy and Grandpa E test out one of our rental cars.  Right after this picture was taken he exclaimed, "This day is so fun!"  Glad he remembered it fondly in spite of the crying on the plane.

We got some dinner at Matzaluna on our way to Captiva, then Mom and Christine went to get groceries and we continued on to the condo.  Baylor got to ride the elevator once we got there, and, needless to say, he was thrilled.  Bedtime came too early, though, and the change in environment was a little disruptive to the kids' routine.  Oh, and Baylor came down with a lovely cold (coughing and so much snot) in the middle of the night.  So sad for the little buddy!

The next day was bright and sunny and so warm and lovely I could barely contain my joy.  Unfortunately, with the sun up so early and no blackout shades in our rooms, the kids were up earlier than usual every day of the trip.  *sigh*  Such is life.  And Baylor was definitely not feeling or acting like himself, and the cold began to take hold.  But we still enjoyed ourselves; Baylor got to ride the elevator a few more times and we had a good dinner at Holy Smoke, a local barbecue joint.

I could have taken a picture like this every day of the trip ... it was weird to see the moon so clearly during dinner.

In spite of feeling like total crap, Baylor was still able to squeeze a few smiles in with Oma.

Mollie, meanwhile, was completely enamored of the musician playing during dinner.  We are now concerned that she is going to end up making a music video with her high school boyfriend that might go something like this.  *cringe*

On the way back to the condo, Mom plucked a bougainvillea bloom to show to Mollie so I stuck it behind her ear.  She looked positively adorable!

Then she felt the need to try on Baylor's sunglasses.  And now she has officially worn them more than he has.  Awesome.

Baylor started making this face - a face that would continue the rest of the trip - which signaled to the rest of us that he needed his nose wiped.  Yeah, it was that kind of cold.

Stay tuned for the rest of the vacation!  I'll get it posted ASAP!