we had a glorious time in Florida! all of those 12 - 14 hour days were worth it! and the drive was worth it too. Mike got to check Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia off his "states visited" list.

our three days on Amelia Island were filled with lots of swimming in the ocean and pools, drinking coffee & reading, eating great meals and seeing the Florida outdoors.

we went on a boat ride with Uncle Ken...

saw the Amelia Island Blues Festival... (here's Ashton wearing his Mr. Incredible suit underneath his t-shirt & jeans)

and Auntie Liza & I hit yoga Saturday morning. we spent a lot of time with cousins Jordan & Ashton, watched old home movies of baby Rob, Jordan, Madeline and Jack, and soaked up some good time at that sweet Fernandina house. Ken made paella and we all died of happiness.

of course, we had to do some homework too.

best of all? we watched 116 turtles hatch and make their way by moonlight across the beach and into the ocean. we couldn't take any photos, because the flash confuses them. so we just had to experience it!

Liza & I got up early Sunday morning to go to a turtle nest excavation. we found lots of turtle shells, a few unhatched eggs, one partially hatched turtle and one live one! Liza named her Madeline and we led her into the ocean. then we went for a swim while Simon waited on the beach. such a special morning.