A Breath of Summer in February ~ Part 1

It has been a very cold,windy, snowy winter here in Massachusetts.  As I shoveled out after every snowstorm all I could think about was come February vacation, a week-long trip to Florida would be divine.  Stash the layers of clothing, the blue LL Parka,  the Ugg boots and pack a carry-on with just two bathing suits, a couple of shorts, a few sleeveless shirts and a pair of sandals and in three hours I would be in Tampa.  Sounded mighty fine to me.

In November, my brother-in-law Fred had asked me when my February vacation fell this year because he wanted to take my sister Fran and me to Florida to see their new great grandchild, Hannah.  As yet, no one in our family had see the new progeny born last spring.  Last spring and summer, both Fran and I were extremely busy with our Mother.

A year and a half ago, I wrote an article "Melissa's Story (A Story about a Treasure Given Away at Birth) about Hannah's Mom.  Melissa's biological father was Tevin, Fran's second son. At the time of Melissa's birth, both Tevin and Melissa's biological Mom, Lisa were seventeen and much too young to be parents.  It was decided the baby should be put out for adoption.  In 2002, Melissa wanted to meet her biological father's family (Tevin had died at the age of 28) and so she came north to Massachusetts.  As soon as we saw her, we knew she was ours....she looked just Tevin.  In July of 2007, our family all went down to Melissa's wedding and now eighteen months later we would be seeing Melissa's baby girl.  Though pictures have been exchanged throughout the past year, nothing beats actually seeing and holding our new baby.  In the end, four of us made the trip....Fran and Fred, the great grandparents, Alyssa, Fran's twenty-two year old granddaughter and myself.

We arrived in Tampa at 9:30 the morning of the 15th and headed north to Brooksville and Spring Hill, stopping along the way for brunch at my favorite spot, Tarpon Springs, the Sponge capital of the world and a thriving Greek American community.  Besides the food at Tarpon Springs, the Victorian architecture also draws our attention.  By the lake, we fell in love with this Grand Old Lady.  Talking with the neighbors we learned that this house was on the market two years ago for 2.1 million dollars....now because of the economy, the asking price was $975,000.  What a bargain!  Lol

Then it was off to the beach with Melissa, her husband Sean and of course, Babycakes!

That night we ate at the Red Lobster where Baby Hannah was most excited with the large fish in the aquarium.

The following day Melissa gave us a tour of the town where she grew up and of course we had to have lunch at her favorite little boutique restaurant.  I found lots of images in the boutique including some lovely red hats!

On Wednesday morn, we traveled over to Disneyland and stayed at the Polynesian Resort for four days.  We were excited....this would be Hannah's first trip to the Magic Kingdom.

Checking in to the Polynesian Resort...I was in charge of the bags.

My favorite attraction in Disney is "It's a Small, Small World" so I couldn't wait to go on the ride.  Long ago, with Will at Disneyland, I think I must have done this ride at least five times.  I couldn't wait to see Hannah's reaction.....

Within seconds of boarding the little boat that winds its way around the countries of the world, Hannah fell fast asleep.

So that is how I spent my February vacation....creating love ties with the new generation.