96th Running of the Indianapolis 500...

We arrived in Indy Friday evening, just in time to make it up to the Burger Bash.  We had hoped that some drivers would show up (Tony Kanaan), but that didn't happen.  The girls had fun anyway, and the food was good.  *I had a chicken sandwich--in case you're wondering. 

The girls and Lyla...

Saturday morning I decided not to wake everyone up and drag them to the drivers meeting and autograph meeting to stalk see TK.  Instead we headed downtown for the parade.  We ended up walking to the beginning of the parade and waiting for the drivers to come out there.  Jackpot!!!  Not only did we get to see them all (and chat with a few), we also saw Guy Fieri!  The girls were thrilled.  They were also super-happy to see Tony. 

Guy chatting with Mario and Marco...

Maren waiting for the drivers...

Carsyn and Graham (for Evan)...

Logan and Marco...

Maren, Ashley Judd, and Dario...

We love Tony!

Man was it hot during the parade.  But, the girls were troopers...so we rewarded them with lunch at Mug'n Bun!  I had forgotten how good it was.  Afterward we went back to Kathy's to clean up for church and a cookout at Joe and Jeanne's.  We love going back to St. Chris for Mass and seeing Father Mike!  After church we went over to my friend's grandma's house to see him and his family.  It was so good to see you guys, FINALLY!  That night we took it easy and went to Target to pick up a few last-minute items for the race.

Mug'n Bun...

Black and white...

The girls and Dreyton and Carter...

 

Race morning = goosebumps!  There's nothing like it.  We packed our coolers, slathered on the sunscreen, and headed to Fred's.  We knew it was going to be hot--and it was, but you got use to it ; ).  In fact, the girls did so well this year.  Logan sat through the entire race, and Carsyn and Maren were in the stands for over 75% of it.  It was very emotional during the parade laps when they did the tribute to Dan Wheldon, but the race was AWESOME!  Great racing.  The crowd (us especially) went completely nuts when Tony took the lead.  Unfortunately he did not win, but finished on the podium.  After the race we went back to Kathy's to shower and eat, wait for the crowds to clear out, and drive back home.  It was a great weekend, and we are so grateful to our hosts!  You guys are the best!

Race morning (Carsyn hated her shirt--what else is new)...

Parking at Fred's...

Wouldn't be a race without Kathy and John ; )...

All of us...

So hot, and the race hadn't even started...

Ran into cousins, Aubrey and Braxton...

Trying to keep cool...

Tribute to Dan Wheldon...

Turn one!

Pre-race traditions...

All cleaned up...

Leaving Indy, we drove past the track...

Spring Break...

Ahh...Spring Break!  All school year long we look forward to it.  This year we had to adjust our vacation days a little (thanks to daddy's drill schedule).  So, we picked the girls up a half hour early from school last Tuesday--with the car already packed--and headed to the airport.  We love AirTran for their convenient (and cheap) direct flights--but we love free upgrades to first class even more!  Usually when Barry flies they bump him up because of his "Elite" flyer status, but this time they treated our whole party of six to more leg room, comfy seats, and better snacks!  How awesome!

First Class Girls...

Wednesday morning the girls couldn't wait to get to the beach.  It took a little longer than expected to get into our condo on Wednesday, but it was made up for when they upgraded us to a three bedroom instead of a two bedroom!  The girls were so excited--especially Logan, who would have her own room.  After a fun, sun-filled day at the beach and pool, we were ready to take it easy.  We grocery shopped for the week, and enjoyed a nice dinner at "home."

Loving the beach...

On Thursday we got an earlier start on our day at the beach.  The girls had so much fun collecting shells, taking walks, and building sandcastles.  I started reading the Hunger Games, and couldn't put it down!  In the evening we cleaned up and headed to John's Pass for dinner.  It was so crowded.  Most of the restaurants had two or more hour waits.  Luckily there was a Michael Jackson impersonator performing to keep us entertained.  We also gave in and let the girls get ice cream before dinner--not a good idea. 

Beach twins...

Ready for dinner...

Friday was another perfect beach day.  After three days of gorgeous, sunny weather--we were quite proud of ourselves that no one had gotten sun burned.  That night we drove up to Indian Shores to Keegan's Grill (one of our DDD faves).  The the girls were so excited because Mike was driving over from Jacksonville...not just for dinner, but for the entire weekend!  They were in heaven!

Beautiful day...

Me and my girls...

Ready to rock...

Love them...

Uncle Mike!

Saturday the girls were thrilled to have another person to play with at the beach...thanks, Mike!  No, really...thanks, Mike--because that meant I could start book 2 of the Hunger Games!  That night we just stayed in for dinner, but went out for ice cream!  It was really killing me watching everyone eat ice cream...again.  Only one more day!

Sun-kissed sweeties...

Trying to get a sunset shot...

On Easter Sunday we planned to get to church a little early so we wouldn't have to sit out in the big tent--well, we obviously didn't leave early enough because guess where we sat...in a tent!  Oh well.  The girls didn't care.  We were on vacation, the weather was gorgeous, Uncle Mike was with us, and they were pretty sure that the Easter Bunny would leave them all kinds of goodies in their baskets back home. 

Happy Easter!

Easter Mass...in a tent...

Unfortunately after Mass, Mike had to drive back home.  The girls were super sad, but plans are in the works for the next visit ; ).  Thanks for driving over to spend the weekend with us, Mike! 

Easter turned out to be another gorgeous day at the beach, followed by another fun night out.  Finally, I could eat sweets!  I probably ate a half pound of saltwater taffy.  I don't know why...I don't even like that much!

Let's go get something sweet to eat...

Monday was another perfect day.  Seriously, this might be one of the best seven day stretches we've spent in Florida.  But, that afternoon Nani had to fly back home.  The girls were sad, but we were so glad she was able to come down for as long as she did.  On the way back from the airport Daddy picked up pizza for dinner.  Then we walked down to the ice cream shop!

Sorting the shells on the balcony...

I love how they always look like they like each other in pictures...

 All cleaned up...

So sweet.  You guys deserve ice cream...

 Ice cream!

Tuesday was our last full day at the beach.  We tried to make the most of it.  Of course the girls continued to find shells that they wanted to take home.  And, I finished Catching Fire and started Mockingjay (the third Hunger Games book).  For dinner we walked to a nice seafood restaurant and then our favorite ice cream spot (that would be the third time, if you're counting).  This has been a really great trip!

Catching a few last rays...

 Daddy's girls...

A night on the town...

So good...

Wednesday we had to pack up and leave the condo.  We went out to the beach one last time.  Since our flight didn't leave until that evening, our plan was to drive to downtown St. Petersburg...mainly because we wanted to see the road course from the IndyCar race and the renamed street sign for Dan Wheldon.  The sign was not up, so that was disappointing.  But, we did see part of the course.  After that we went to Tampa, ate lunch at C.P.K., and did a little shopping.  What a great vacation--perfect weather, great food, good friend, and...I nearly finished three whole books!

Last day...