December 22nd, 2014              

    Although we technically arrived in Sarasota on December 21st, it was later in the day and we spent our time unpacking and finding something to eat. It wasn't until our second day in town that we were able to fully appreciate the beautiful weather that we were blessed with on this day. With the sun shining and the temperature in the mid-70's, we were able to get outside and enjoy all that the condo had to offer to us. Last night it was just Tara, Samantha, Jayden, and myself at the condo, so we went to explore the beach and the pool area this morning.

Suntide Island Beach Club
	A look north on the beach as Samantha and Jayden explore.
	Jay and Sam found the Gulf of Mexico to be a bit chillier than they had expected!
	Another shot of Sam and Jay in the water.
	A look back at the condo complex from the beach.
	The parking area of the complex is a tad tight, but we managed to park the truck in our spot with no problems.
	This little picnic/grill area is new since our last visit (which, admittedly, was five years ago).
	Sam and Jay dipping their feet into the hot tub.
	A look at the pool.
	The view of the parking lot, looking towards the beach from the pool area.
	Jay and Sam laying out some sea shells to dry before entering the condo.

    Although we had ordered Jayden's birthday gift previously, a deal came out that not only saved us a significant amount of money, but also allowed us to get Jay some additional items with that savings. The only problem with this deal was that it would not only be late for her birthday, but it wouldn't make it to our house before we left for Florida. Rather than leaving it sit on our front porch while we were gone, we opted to have it sent to my parents place instead. That meant that Jay finally got to open her gift once we arrived at their home today. Happy birthday Jayden!

Jayden's 8th Birthday Present
	Jayden doing her best to open up her packages.
	Jay showing off her brand new American Girl doll.

    What would a trip to Florida be without a swim? The kids have been bugging to go to the pool since the moment we arrived, and it was finally time to reward them... (Donovan broke his arm just before our arrival, leaving him unable to swim with the kids. Tyler stayed behind to catch up with him.)

Sun-n-Fun RV Resort
	Drew in the swimming pool.
	A look across the swimming pool at the new water slide (again, new is relative - since our last visit).
	Marissa and Samantha in the pool talking.
	Jayden leaping into the pool.
	Another look at Jay getting ready to jump in...
	...and making the leap...
	...and splashing down...
	...before disappearing under the water...
	...and popping back up.
	Another picture of Drew enjoying his swim time.
Please click here for page two of the photos