The Enzler Family: Sunny Florida

We weren’t sad to leave the 20-30 degrees temperatures in Dallas bound for sunny Ft. Lauderdale. I had a work conference starting the next week, so we decided to go as a family a few days before to get out of the cold. We are getting much better at traveling – even remembering your suitcase this go around. I was so nervous because on our plane to Ft. Lauderdale was our VP of Sales and his lovely wife. They were sitting two rows behind us and I was holding my breath that you weren’t going to meltdown half way into the trip. But it was all for not, because you were a little squirmy but completely rocked it. After we got our luggage, we headed to a grocery store and got food for you, swimmy diapers and of course beach gear (sand castles and a blow up ring). The hotel was only 10-15 minutes from the airport so it was a quick trip to get there. The hotel was beautiful. The rooms were enormous – it had a living area, kitchenette and master bedroom with a big bathroom. It was perfect. We quickly got unpacked and then headed out to explore. The resort was right on the beach so we went there first. The pool was big and was heated – we were definitely going to hit that up. In the midst of our exploration, we ran into Kyle and Jim and their wives in the restaurant. We ate lunch and caught up with them. You of course were the highlight of the place. You took a brief nap in your stroller but then loved just being up and being held.

The next day, we went down to the beach. The water was too cold to get in but it was still warm so we rented 2 beach chairs and an umbrella. You didn’t really know what to think of everything. You were completely mesmerized by the sand. You kept piling it on your leg and watching it go in-between your little fingers as you picked it up. After a little while, we headed to the pool where we joined mom’s friend Kara and her husband. Kara is 7 months pregnant and so they had a good time being around a baby. You are so much like your dad – you love the pool. You floated for nearly an hour on the blow up ring your dad bought. You looked so adorable in your little hat. After a while we put your down for a much needed nap. After you woke up, the football playoffs were happening, so we went to the bar / restaurant area and were joined up again with Kyle, Jim, (and their wives) Kara and Ben. We decided to drive to a raw bar that was right across the bridge. Your dad and I were a little nervous because we didn’t know how long you were going to last. We should really learn. You were amazing. You sat in your high chair for over an hour playing with bits of crackers and watching us as we ate. You have become the mascot of our group.

The next day, we took a long walk (almost 4 miles!) – down by the main drag, to the International Swimming Museum and along the beach. It started raining on us halfway into the walk. We popped into a restaurant but it cleared up before we sat down. Then while we were on the beach, it really started coming down. I had you in my arms. Your dad had the stroller and the shoes / socks. We must have been quite a site! After our walk, we met Kara and Ben in the lobby and we went into town in search for a good brunch. The place Kara really wanted to try was packed so your dad dropped us off on the main strip and we found a great place that faced the beach. Brunch was great! And you had your first public meltdown. I have never heard such screeching! Kara and Ben are getting the full experience! After we got back, you crashed! We watched football and I got ready for my work event. The next few days were going to be packed with work activities. After you woke up, we went down to the restaurant bar where there a ton of my work friends. We watched the Cowboys lose to the Packers (Dad was happy). We also ate a late lunch. After the game, I went to my work happy hour while you and dad hung out in the room. After a little while, your dad brought you downstairs to my happy hour and let me tell you…you were a HUGE hit. So many people loved seeing you. So many in fact that I think you were completely overwhelmed. Dad took you back upstairs to go to sleep while mommy caught up with her friends.

The next day (Monday), I left bright and early for my meeting. You and daddy got to hang out and go to the pool while mom worked. During our lunch break, I looked out at the pool and say your dad lifting you high in the air. You are such a lucky little boy to have such a great dad. You guys left around 3pm. I was so so sad to see you guys go. Your dad was so brave to take you on the plane home by himself. He said you were VERY busy and at one point ended up at the back of the plane with the flight attendants. Although the trip home was a great success, your dad told me it was exhausting! My work event was really fun. Monday night was the National Championship game. Ohio State stunned the nation by crushing highly favored Oregon. Tuesday night, Mom’s company took all of us on a 3 hour dinner cruise and saw amazing homes right on the intercostal waterway. Wednesday night, I finally made it home. Poor Papa. Your dad had a dinner so Papa came to pick me up. Somehow he went to the wrong airport, got pulled over (but no ticket), his phone died and had no way to find me besides the fact that he knew I was flying in to Terminal A. He finally found me! You were sound asleep in the back when I got into the car. It was great to be home and together again!

frogging in the hotel room