When I was growing up, we spent Christmas Vacation in Venice, Florida visiting my grandparents. And while they haven't been down here in decades, when my mom comes to visit, we often make the trip down to reveal in the nostalgia. But, since the Pandemic- we hadn't been down to visit. And even in 2019, when we visited in September- our favorite place to eat at it was closed at cleaning!
But finally on Saturday, we were able to make the trip down. Unfortunately, we ran into a ton of traffic, and as we got closer and closer to the cute little downtown area there were people and cars everywhere! Turns out we just happened to be there during some giant car show.
Luckily, after driving around for a few minutes we were able to nab a parking spot. Our first stop for the day was to get some ice cream at the downtown ice cream spot.
A couple of shops down from there is a real touristy place called Pleasures and Treasures. They have all kinds of Florida things for sale- sharks teeth, shells, tshirts- that sort of thing.
We went there all the time on our trips to Florida, so that's always a must stop when we're in Venice.
And then we went out to the beach at Sharky's. It wasn't the warmest day at the beach. But, it was the most crowded than I've seen it in years. Pent up demand for stuff is a real thing, you know?
In case you're wondering, Hayden opted not to make the trip, but the four of us enjoyed our time at the beach, and went shell hunting for craft projects for me.
Everyone was happy to go along with my quest of finding small shells.
And then we went up to Sharky's for drinks and a late lunch/early dinner sort of thing. (The wait was so long, we had to eat at sort of an odd time).
Asa got some sword fish tacos which he really enjoyed.
Calib got some lobster stuffed flounder.
Mom got some shrimp and grits.
And I got a bunch of shrimp..
...and sweet potato fries (they have the best sweet potato fries!)
And for dessert, mango and coconut bread pudding, which was just delightful.
After we had our food (and I packed up half of mine for leftovers!), we walked out on the pier.
See how busy the beach is!
On our way out to the end of the pier, we came across this bird eating some bait.
Despite the cold wind, we walked all the way out to the end of the pier..
..and then on the way back, I found the bird still working on the shrimp. I enjoy the sequence of pictures.
Also out on the pier, Ukraine flag colors in support.
We did spent a little more time on the beach after that, but Calib wanted to be home in time to see Saint Peters play UNC, so we got on our way.
And turns out that game was a total disappointment. UNC won, and it wasn't even close.
On Monday, it was back to work for everyone. Hayden, Calib, Mom and Asa all worked on school, which I wrote my lecture for Sojourner Truth. And then mom made us all her lasagna for dinner.
I'm just a couple of people away from writing my lecture on Fredrick Douglas, so I started my new book. And again, the weather was so nice, I could read in the hammock!
Tuesday, Asa took the first half of the day off so we could go to Top Golf for half-price Tuesdays. We did get stuck all the way at the end- but it was a third floor couch, so we didn't complain!
We haven't been to Top Golf since the last time mom visited (it is not nearly as cheap as it once was!), so the boys were excited to go, even if they had to get up before noon to make it happen.
They were rewarded with injectable donut holes for their troubles..
And some Mac and Cheese bites!
Grandma's luck from putt putt rubbed off on her Top Golf too. She actually won the game!
A lovely trip to Top Golf and we were in and out before lunch time!
We did swing by Blaze on our way home, because after we all used our Pi Day coupon, we got $3.14 off our next order. Nobody was super hungry, so we just picked up two pizzas to split between the five of us.
Asa thanked mom for lunch by bringing her a whole handful of cherry tomatoes from the garden. (The garden is doing pretty good, too. We even have limes on the tree already!)
Grandma also promised the boys a Taco Bell trip while she was here, so on her last night, she delivered. Or rather, Calib went to pick it up.
And we finished up with some macarons. Someone has to eat all those pistachio ones without Peyton here.
We didn't take a lot of walks while mom was here, but on her last evening here we did walk the loop and spot a baby gator.
Next Up: Grandma headed home, and we were back down to a party of four!
