Vassilaros Beach Vacation

We just returned from a week long vacation in Florida with my family and it was amazing!  We changed it up a little bit this year and headed a little more south to Gasparilla Island. One of the best parts was that it was only 10 minutes away from my grandparents, so the boys and I headed down a little early to spend some time with them before heading down to the beach.

The boys and I left Dallas on Friday - yup, just me, my little boys and my big ol' belly. Since it was a direct flight and only about 2 hrs I really wasn't too worried. Of course, after checking in and getting to the gate only to learn that our flight was delayed...I started to get a little tense.  I didn't account for that in my plans. Luckily there was a children's area where the boys could burn off some energy and they did.  After two hours, two trips to McDonalds, a smoothie and some gummy worms we were happily on our way!

Although Grayson was technically suppose to sit on my lap, their little tooshies fit on one seat...lucky for me :) And baby Hayden. 

Ryan did great and basically watched a movie and was conent the entire time...unless Grayson was accidently kicking him. Grayson on the other hand was a little more mobile. He watched about 30 minutes of a show, played with toys, crayons, puzzles, had some snacks, played on the ground and even graced us with his high-pitched scream that he recently found (and thinks is hilarious) as we landed. Oh that boy keeps me on my toes :)

When we landed I was so grateful to have my grandparents there to help me! My papu helped with all my luggage (seriously, three large bags) and they were great with the kids while I rented out minivan! wohoo! Once we made it to their house it was time to relax:) My parents joined us later in the evening- the boys were excited to see their yiayia and papu!

The boys had a great time playing in their pool and they loved the train set that my Papu sets up every year for Christmas - he left it up this year since the boys were coming to visit. Isn't that so sweet?  They loved it! There was also an awesome park close by that the boys had a blast climbing around on. During quiet time Ryan brought his show into ProPapu's office to be near him - it was pretty cute!

On Sunday afternoon we headed down to Boca Grande and met up with the rest of the family. The house that my parents rented was perfect! There was so much room to spread out!  We had the beach right out back and a huge pool in the front, doesn't get much better than that! The boys LOVED it!

View out the back to the ocean.

Massive pool....the deep end was at least 10ft! Wish the diving board had been there...

So now I am just going to post a lot of pictures... a lot. 

The first two days were a bit cloudy and rainy...but we still made the best of it. 

Uncle Nick caught a "big" fish the first morning...and that would be the last one of the week :)

Grayson helping out cleaning the pool

Cute boys!

Washing the sand off

Horse races with Pro Papu

Where is Ryan's leg?

So tan

Fishing with Uncle Nick

Catching fish with a seashell...

Uncle Steve and Aunt Claire

Hanging out on the beach watching the sunset - beautiful!

I cannot remember what they were looking at...but it looks pretty exciting? right?

The best part was we didn't have to use cars to get around...you could really walk everywhere but after my first long walk I requested a golf cart. Hey, I'm pregnant :) I think everyone was happy :)

My dad :)

Grayson coloring with Vanessa

Ryan headed out for ice cream with the girls!

Sweet little Grayson

A dip in the ocean with the boys

Grayson and Aunt Claire on our last night...he was obsessed! He followed her everywhere and only wanted her. 

Seriously...I tried to take him with me and he started crying until he was safely back in her arms. 

And watching the sunset together...

One morning we took the boys down to the southern tip of the island to check out the lighthouse museum. 

Of course, Grayson made sure Claire was close. 

Ryan and Papu

Sweet boys. 

We watched some men catch a 9ft bull shark...

Getting the hook out. 

Makes you wanna jump right in, huh? lol

Trying to get a picture of the boys but Grayson wouldn't put down his nerf gun.

Pro Yiya and Papu with the boys!

The boys with their Yiaya and Papu

We managed to get a picture with everyone!

Our little family of four...soon to be FIVE!

We had such a wonderful time on this vacation and are so grateful that we are able to get the family together for a whole week! The boys love seeing everyone and we love making such lasting memories!