South Florida in February with Preschoolers

Presidents Day weekend we took the boys to visit their grandparents in South Florida. Jonathan's parent bought a condo last year in Hollywood, Fla. on the beach, and wanted the grandchildren to visit. With the El Nino rains we were getting in California, the family looked forward to a milder weather break.

We got milder weather, but it was Spring like in the 40s and 50s at night, and in the 60s and 70s during the day. I packed for Spring, although the temperatures were similar in the Bay Area, we were decidedly more bundled at home.  The one thing I didn't anticipate was the wind. It did feel slightly warmer, and I only regretted my packing decision on the first full day when we explored Fort Lauderdale.

We arrived early in the morning off the red-eye. The boys were so excited to see their grandparents, they couldn't go to sleep. So they played and watched the sunrise, while Jonathan and I crashed. Then we took them to the beach. The temperatures were warm, but the wind got to Caleb who had a bright red wind rash from the sand on his legs. The boys loved the beach, and collected coral and shells.  They napped in the late afternoon, and were in bed early. A totally mellow and relaxing day.

The next day we took the water taxi in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. We bought day passes, and the family package made it affordable for the five of us (Jonathan, the boys, my mother-in-law and me). The boys loved the boat ride. We stopped off on Las Olas Blvd., a major shopping thoroughfare.  On Las Olas we bought sandwiches, bread and a wonderful dessert for later at Gran Forno Italian Bakery. Everything was divine.

One very bizarre thing we encountered on Las Olas Blvd. were the ducks. In South Florida they have big flocks of Muscovy ducks. These ducks have turkey faces, rough bubbly red skin. Caleb was enthralled. I wondered if this is where turducken comes from.

I've written before that we love the mini-vacation. This was only a four day trip, but we had a great time, and it was a nice break in February. Next week I'll write about the flights, and the trip to Lion Country Safari.