After leaving Georgia, we headed south to the central Florida area to spent some time with my long-time friend, Jessica, and her family. I've known Jess since she was younger than Kerry, and she's always kinda been like the kid sister I never had. The first thing we did was take the kiddo's to enjoy a day at the beach. This was Kerry's second beach experience, but the first time she was able to get in the water (it was too cold last time). She absolutely loved it!! I wish I could have gotten pictures of her expressions but I was holding her hand most of the time, and Atlantic waves+excited three year old+camera....could spell disaster.



She also had a great time collecting a sand pail full of shells, which she insisted on bringing home with her to show her daddy. She got to talk to him on the phone several times a day to tell him all about what she'd been doing.

Jamey and Kerry sharing their beach toys.

After our day at the beach, we went to St. Augustine to stroll around and let the kiddos have some more fun at a playground and to ride a carousel.

Jess and her Joshie are pictured here enjoying a ride.

After spending another day or so visiting and having fun we said our goodbyes and headed even further south to visit another longtime friend, Jamie, who happens to be cousins with Jessica.

The first thing we did when we got there?

You guessed it! Another beach. This time we were on the gulf side and the waves were teeny-tinyy so I got a little braver with the camera.

I'm so glad I did. Just look at that happy little face! She had a great time jumping and splashing around.

See our miniature Great Wall?

I had a great time visiting and catching up with my friends but soon it was time to say goodbye and head back home. Kerry had so much fun but at times was really missing her Daddy and would say "I just want home".

Mom and Kerry relaxing outside of a Cracker Barrel in Georgia where we stopped for a lunch of chickan and dumplings...yum! Kerry loved the big checker's set.