Family Time in Fort Myers

Once Alaya was safely tucked away at the Safe Harbor marina in Stuart, Florida, we headed across the state. Our destination was the Fort Myers area, on Florida’s gulf coast. We planned to stay for a few days with Lucas’ Uncle Joe and Aunt Melissa in their beautiful home. As a bonus, Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Paul were also visiting from Michigan. 

We spent the week relaxing and just hanging out as a family. The weather had finally warmed up enough for swimsuits – which meant we could all take full advantage of Joe and Missy’s sweet pool/hot tub set-up in the backyard. 

First time it’s been warm enough for swimsuits since Northern Michigan in August!

Nothing better than a poolside nap.

We were still close enough to Cape Canaveral that we could watch two rocket launches from the back patio. Here Grandma and Grandpa are watching the live feed after seeing the rocket on the horizon.

On our second night there, Melissa, Grandma and I participated in the neighborhood’s Bunco tournament. As Bunco rookies, Grandma and I tried not to embarrass ourselves too badly; Melissa kicked some Bunco butt, walking away with a cash prize. While we were bunco-ing, the guys attended a minor league hockey game – the Florida Everblades v the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (love the names!). 

On our way to Bunco Night in Joe and Missy’s new golf cart!

Lucas and Joe caught a shirt from a cannon…it was a child’s small.

Later that week, Joe invited me to join his morning bicycling group for a 10 mile ride around the neighborhood. Morning rides are just the best and the group was very welcoming to a salty sailor like me. Later, we were all very excited to watch the Taylor Swift Games (aka the NFL playoff games) (Everyone except Joe – his heart has been broken by the Lions too many times before). We couldn’t believe that the Detroit Lions were only one game away from making it to the Super Bowl. It was sad to see them come this close but we still had a fun time cheering. Lucas watched the game from the neighborhood poker night that Joe had organized. Thankfully, Lucas only lost $20 that night (we made sure $20 was the max that could be lost). 

Lots of Taylor Swift spottings in the first game, lots of sad Lions fans in the second game.

We shopped and ate our way around Fort Myers throughout the week, including visiting our first Florida flea market and hitting up a taco stand at the local farmers’ market. Aunt Missy was kind enough to take Lucas and I mall-shopping where we bought swimsuits and more provisions (most importantly, more beer). Oh to have a car for easy shopping trips! Such luxury!

Grandma made us delicious blueberry pancakes one more, no special shapes this time.

It was a tough day – delicious breakfast out and shopping by car.

I know it sounds funny for two unemployed people living on their boat but this week really felt like we were on vacation. There’s nothing like spending time with family, especially in the warm sun. Thank you to Joe and Missy for hosting us and thank you to Grandma and Grandpa for allowing us to tag along on their trip. Until next time!

It was lovely to get part of the gang back together again!