We love the rain

I know not everyone appreciates the many inches of Florida rain as much as I do, but I absolutely love it!  I spent my last 3 years in dry climate so the rain here is so refreshing.  They're usually accompanied by loud thunderstorms, which I also love.  I don't remember appreciating the rain as much when I lived in Boston but that's probably because I was always forced to walk in it and couldn't seem to keep dry.  Now I get to enjoy it from my 2nd floor condo that overlooks a small lake.  It's a dream.  Annie loves it as well and always wants to be held so she can reach out and touch the rain.  I definitely count the rainfall and our beautiful view of it as a major blessing in our lives.   

A Day at the Beach

I've lived near the beach for 5 months now and am surprised by how few beach trips we've taken since then.  But by the end when Annie was covered from head to toe in sand, I remembered why we didn't go more often.  She sure does love it, though.  

Someone told me that baby powder gets sand off and it's the beset advice ever!  Annie looked like a little snowman on the drive home.

Interesting walk at Turkey Creek

We are fortunate to live in a beautiful city with some fun recreational places to visit.  One of them is called Turkey Creek.  It is a free park with an almost 2 mile long boardwalk following a creek.  There are a lot of benches along the way for the weary to rest and several swimming spots for people to jump in the creek and cool off.  If you bring your own flotation devices then you can actually float the creek from one end to the other.  We haven't tried that yet but I would love to.  I also appreciated the signs along the way explaining the trees and other plant life.  

Annie loves pushing her own stroller. 

There was also plenty of bugs and insects to see.  Thankfully Annie doesn't like them either so I don't have to worry about her touching them and grossing me out.

A little rest in the shade from the walk.  You can see the sweat on her forehead.  The humidity and heat sort of slow us down.  

I'm grateful for these nice little spots that are free to visit so we can enjoy the outdoors.