Sandcastles and Storms

Dan slept great last night with little pain. He woke up with less soreness than he expected and is able to walk pretty well! It's swollen, but hopefully will heal within a couple of weeks.

Steph, Eric and I took a long walk this morning and bumped into friends along the path. Such a small world to see friends from Utah here in Florida.

This afternoon we had sandcastle lessons -- a bucket list item for me -- and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND (per my TripAdvisor review 😜). We all loved it!

Important sandcastle building tips: 

1) The smallest and lightest sand flecks are at the back of the beach -- the wind blows them there. The biggest are closer to the water. The smaller the better, so choose a good interim spot to build where you can get smaller sand, but don't have to haul water too far.

2) Create a sturdy foundation. Instead of digging a hole, move around your sandcastle building site and shovel the top of the sand to create a large mountain. Add water and walk on top to make it firm.

3) 5 gallon buckets with the bottoms cut out make great forms.

4) Shovel, water, mix, tap. Shovel six inches of sand. Add water to about 2 inches above. Use your hands to mix the two. Tap the outside of the form to release all the air bubbles. Repeat. When you get to a couple inches from the top, add wet sand, then tap. When the water settles, the sand inside the form turns hard like cement. Amazing. Then you can remove the form.

5) Small cuts with small tools carves the sand away to make shapes rather than large digs.

Our creation caught the attention of every child and family from all around. (And it was pretty sad to leave it behind when it was time to go home and get ready for dinner!)

It was hot, hot, hot today and by the time our lesson was over, we were ready to jump in the freezing cold water. Felt so refreshing. The waves were pretty constant though. Seemed like all of Rosemary were out today enjoying the beach and water. 

Tonight the adults rode bikes to dinner at George's in Alys Beach and the kids were thrilled to stay behind and ride bikes to Barbacoa. We had a lovely dinner and didn't mind sitting on the grass out front until our table was ready. 

But the minute we finished eating and walked out the front door, it began to downpour. We considered waiting it out, but after 15 minutes realized it wasn't letting up. No ubers were available. We considered having Nick bring the car. We could have all ridden home in the rain, but it would have ruined mine and Stephanie's nice dinner clothes. Then Dan decided he could just ride home and get the car. Eric was happy to go with him. They took off their shirts to spare them from the mudsplash and before we knew it they were back with the car. 

They'd changed into bathing suits and exercise shirts, had us take the car home and they made the bike trip a second time with the other two bikes. We actually made it home about the same time! Heros!

Game night tonight was Cover Your Assets, Gnoming Around and Trivial Pursuit. With a VERY un-pinterest-like charcuterie board. But we weren't trying to be fancy, just enjoying playing games and hunkering down inside while the storm raged outside. 

When the rain finally stopped, Will, Nick and Millie went to the beach to see if there was anything left of our sandcastle. Just a heap of sand. And quite possibly some children/teens had fun jumping into before the rain got to it. I liked knowing that the rain had destroyed it anyway so we weren't disappointed by it getting crushed by humans.

Fish Fry, Moon Jellies & Shopping

While Dan, Eric and Mikey went on a run,

Steph, Millie and I did barre on the porch.

The ocean was a great place for Dan's ritual ice bath after a workout.

Eric is game for anything.

We found a moon jelly fish on the beach (verified by the friendly lifeguard).

Then sent it back to sea.

Yesterday's fresh caught mackeral for lunch with a dip Nick whipped up.

Shopping in town with Steph and Millie.

(I hope I can fit my new things in my bag!

 I packed extra on the way out since the weather forecast was all over the place...

I've never packed so much for a trip in my life!)\

But the weather has been fantastic!

Since Sunday, the water has calmed down, is a gorgeous green and blue

and the outdoor temps are a warm 70*+.

We tried Amaci's for dinner -- an easy bike ride from the house.

Except that Dan tripped on the way out the door and sprained his ankle.

He iced it for a bit then met us at the restaurant.

So frustrating when he's been diligently training for the half marathon!

Fortunately 

Had enough time to catch the end of the outdoor movie -- Maleficent.

Fortunately Millie had seen it before and filled us in.

Deep Sea Fishing

The boys got up early this morning to go Deep Sea Fishing.

Like 5:30 a.m. early. 

They caught lots of Spanish Mackeral and had a great time.

The rest of us slept in. 

Steph and I took a walk and ran into friends from back home.

Later at the beach we ran into other friends.

And coincidentally Steph's niece and family happen to be here too.

This may become the new Newport Beach!

While the boys were still gone, the girls and Mikey rode bikes to Alys Beach

to try Raw & Juicy for acai bowls and shakes. It wasn't very good.

But it was a fun bike ride and nice to eat outdoors.

The beach today is much calmer, the water emerald green.

 Dinner at Amigos's. 

The Queso Fundido con Chorizo was DELICIOUS!

So were the brussel sprouts and cauliflower.

Chris called while we were waiting for food...

So Abby called Isaac and the two of them got to talk!

Code Names tonight and a fun visit from Steph's niece and nephew. 

Sunday in Rosemary

Farmer's market first thing this morning then a

bike ride to breakfast at The Donut Hole,

just five minutes from our house.

Steph and I got the tandem with the wet seats giving us wet bums.

Afternoon shopping trip to Seaside for t-shirts & ice cream

If the gray water and rough waves weren't enough to keep you out,

the lifeguard would. No one has been allowed in the water all week because of rip tides.

But we still enjoyed sitting on the beach reading and talking.

And of course the clouds fooled the kids into thinking they didn't need sunscreen.

Dan grilled Atlantic salmon for dinner with a feast from the farmer's market of 

roasted carrots and brussel sprouts, shrimp dip, crab cakes and fresh bread.

Family photos then Double Ditto with everyone for game night

and NCAA in the background.