Ft. Lauderdale

Doug's brother lives in Ft. Lauderdale, and has been wanting Callen to come visit him in his new condo. It is so easy to fly Allegiant from Greenville to Ft. Lauderdale (less than 2 hours and no stops!) that we figured we should take advantage while Cal still flies for free. We spent Thursday-Sunday in Ft. Lauderdale hanging out with Dave. We enjoyed the beautiful views from his condo as well as getting out in the area and enjoying some fun in the city.

When we first walked into Dave's place, Cal went crazy! There are floor to ceiling windows overlooking the balcony, and windows all around the other exterior wall. Cal could see water and boats in all directions. He spent so much time on the balcony and standing on the step stool by the windows. He was one happy boy in Dave's place...we were too! The view is amazing and Dave has done an excellent job with his renovation. We are kind of jealous of his view!

Thursday afternoon we stayed close to Dave's place and took Cal swimming at the beach by Dave's condo. After the beach, Cal headed straight towards the pool where several 'kids' were playing...2 older girls that he hung out with as much as possible and imitated everything they did. After swimming, we all got ready and came back down to the 'point' to grill and play!

Watching one of the many ship to come in and out of the cut

The Morris Boys

 

Friday we took the Water Taxi around Ft. Lauderdale. The Water Taxi has designated stops around Ft. Lauderdale, allowing you to come and go from the boat as you wish. We stopped at a local marina to feed the fish and then headed towards downtown. We were able to ride along the New River and see all the large houses and boats that line the canals. We enjoyed lunch downtown before heading back to Dave's for an afternoon nap. Later that evening, we were back to the pool for more swimming before heading out to a concert in the park. Cal had a great time watching all the kids and playing with his dad and Dave. Of course Cal isn't exhausted after all these activities, so we attempted to watch a movie with him. This was his first movie, and in 3D no less (spoiled kid!), but he only lasted for about 5 minutes before he was onto something new.

Feeding the fish...he wasn't too sure at first

Finally started throwing the shrimp to the fish

Eating more nacks!

Yes, that's Cal in the bag. All he wanted to do was be carried and swung in the bag!

On Saturday, we headed up to Pompano Beach. That beach was great. Lots of grassy areas before walking out to the actual beach. People had tents and bbqs set up all along the grass. People were planning to spend their entire July 4th there, and made the most of it. The reason we went up there was to let Callen play in the sidewalk water fountains. We also walked to the playground and let him play there for a while. This kid loves to be outside...it doesn't matter where or what you are doing.

For the evening of the 4th, we knew that 2 cruise ships would be setting sail. With the Bon Voyage party on the boat and the people in the condo buildings in that area, there is a mini party around the cut (Dave lives right in the area where the ships and boats come through in order to get out to the big water) when the cruise ships head out. We watched from Dave's balcony when one of the ships set sail, and then headed down to the point for the other. We then hung out there and had happy hour and grilled up a classic American burger dinner!

Enjoying happy hour

Ringing the bell for the cruise ship

Looking for all the kids on the ship!

Later that evening we sat on Dave's balcony and watched so many firework shows. We had about a 270* view from his balcony. We saw displays to the north, south, and west of us. It was amazing. One display after another. 
We could not have asked for a better way to spend the 4th of July holiday. We had a wonderful and relaxing time in Ft. Lauderdale. Thanks Uncle Dave for a great weekend!