Sarasota Monday

 Monday morning we headed out to Caspersen Beach. Venice, FL is known as the shark teeth capitol of the world and this beach is supposed to be the best to find them. Gavin did not find the megalodon tooth he was hoping for but did find a nice swim mask so he was happy. Jake and Amelia each found a few small teeth. Afterwards we got cleaned up, ate lunch at Sal's Pizzeria (amazing garlic parmesan wings), did a little shopping including Amelia buying a sucker as big as her head, and visited Detwiler's Farm Market, our new favorite grocery store. We ate a bunch of free samples, including filet mignon, bought subs and several bakery items including the best key lime pie I've ever had, and ate some ice cream. 

Sarasota Sunday

Sunday we went to Sarasota Jungle Gardens. It was hot and expensive but entertaining. Gavin asked lots of good questions at the animal show and got picked to hold the python. Then after the show he got to hold an albino alligator. The kids loved feeding the flamingos and peacocks. Gavin felt bad for the various small birds in the mix and made sure to feed them too. Afterwards we ate lunch at a Chinese food place in the mall. Amelia didn't like it so she picked out some meringues for her lunch. Then slushies from 7-11 on the way back to the condo, took a rest, and evening at the pool. 

 

Sarasota Saturday

 We went to Sarasota, Florida on our summer family vacation. It was one of the last unexplored vacation spots within a 6 hour drive of our house. We arrived Friday afternoon during a tropical storm warning but luckily only got sprinkled on. We stayed at a condo in town for a whole week, June 3-10, and visited 4 different beaches and lots of local museums and attractions during our stay. The beaches were all different and all beautiful. We managed to fit in a nap or rest break every afternoon which helped all of us stay happy and rested, for the most part. These photos uploaded in reverse order so that's what you get. On Saturday morning first thing we visited the Sarasota farmer's market downtown and got some chimney bread. Then we walked around Bayfront Park and saw the "Unconditional Surrender" statue. After that we visited the Ringling Museum (free military admission!), ate at Culver's, and took a nap before headed out to Nokomis Beach. That beach had lots of shells, some shark teeth, and a drum circle celebrating the sunset. Amelia happily jumped in the drum circle showing off her hula hoop skills (She won her school's competition this year as the best hula hooper).