Parks & Recreation

Even with their high energy, Vanessa and Zane are always promoting relaxation and enjoyment. It's interesting to me, however, how the definition for vacation can vary, depending on one's need to refresh his or her health and spirit. For Vanessa and Zane, there would be no vacation without playgrounds. :)  So naturally Vanessa asks over and over for the nearest one. The adventure is even cooler when there are new people to meet and play with. Clearwater has a really nice playground (aside from all the cigarette butts left in the sand.) There Vanessa met another Vicky and another Olivia.

As seen in the pictures below, both parks and playgrounds stimulated play and enjoyment, leaving us refreshed.

On Thursday, while Daddy and Grandpa golfed with JZ, and after a very short rain, the rest of us went to the park across the highway from the condo, per JZ's suggestion. We discovered that John Chestnut State Park is a really neat place and was worth our playtime. There were numerous alligators. The ones we saw were small, so it was probably safe for Mommy to walk up to one for a picture.

The trees were pretty.

Lake Tarpon was pretty.

Along the boardwalk we saw all kinds of interesting life, including insects and bugs. The breeze over the water was nice too.

The playground near the boardwalk was too covered with gnats and mosquitoes, so we headed back to the playground closest to the park entrance. Grandma walked Zane in the stroller so he could nap. So peaceful . . .

Once at the playground, Vanessa could climb and make friends. A 4th-grade class from a local elementary school came to the park after finishing their standardized tests. Vanessa had no problems with interjecting herself into their play. :)

I seriously had to ask Vanessa not to kiss this frog. She would have. After Zane woke from his nap, we picnicked. Then Zane swung and stretched his legs.

On Friday, before visiting the beach, we checked out Fort De Soto. (Don't let Vanessa's jeans fool you -- it was scorching hot -- her choice on outfit.)

After hanging at the beach on our last day of Vacation 2012, and with no pictures to prove it, you can bet there was more time at a playground.