Happy Monday! I had plans to keep this place updated over the past week and a half. But we took our annual trip to Florida with the family and I was just too busy. In years past, I would get a lot of great blogging in. With the lovely warm weather temps and a return to outdoor running, I am usually inspired to post.

I did catch a nice rainy run. One of my favorites!
But with a 19 month old toddler playing in the sun and the sand, priorities quickly change. Instead of taking our time to get out the door and getting double digit runs in, we were out early to get a workout in before the beach was ready for play time.
I used to sit at the pool for hours reading new books that I saved just for vacation. This year I enjoyed a solid hour of reading during Mary’s naptime. Shoutout to Ton of Worms for her excellent recommendation of Moon Over Manifest by Claire Vanderpool. While this might be a book for younger readers, I couldn’t get enough, and found myself dreaming about the story during my morning runs.
Early afternoons were saved for pool and beach time. This year Mary is walking and loved playing with her wagon and digging toys. It was a welcome change from last year when she just wanted to eat the sand!
There was a ton of food enjoyed over the last week and a half. We did a lot of outlet shopping too. However, this has changed as well. I used to come down to score a new wardrobe every spring. This year Mary was the big winner. I did leave with a sweat pair of Asics Kayanos (my shoe of choice) for $55. So maybe I was the big winner after all!

We did discover that the best way to get a toddler to sit peacefully through an entire dinner is to entertain them with hibachi.
We spent a chilly afternoon touring downtown St. Augustine. I used to stroll the shops and sights as a little girl and it is so fun to see our little one doing the same things.
We also went to the Fountain of Youth. If you are ever in St. Augustine, this is my most highly recommended place to visit. While it might sound like a cheesy tourist site, there is so much more to explore here. You can sample from the exact fountain that Ponce de Leon first discovered, check out a planetarium, and watch a blacksmith in action. There is also the preserved ruins of a Timucuan historical preservation that existed on the grounds for over 4,000 years. Mary was a huge fan of the many peacocks wandering the 15 acres.
Our trip to Florida was a lovely reprieve from the extremely snowy winter. We had a great time as a family and even managed to log 78 miles of running on the beach. And now it is back to reality……
You picked a great time to escape the cold and snow!
No kidding. Although the whole country was frozen at one point. We had a day down there in the 40’s. I was running on the beach one day in shorts and a tank and it was 50. I passed by a woman in a long down coat. I had to stop myself from laughing out loud!
Floridians have no idea what cold weather is.
It’s funny how things change once you have kids. I’ve been loving skiing and playing with my kids outside this winter. I’ve been blogging a lot less lately too but feeling okay about it.
I absolutely agree. And take time with those kiddos. I honestly really appreciate bloggers who post when they have time and those thoughts as opposed to someone who posts daily and has little content. You have something I look forward to!
I can’t believe how much Mary has grown!
And oh man, since I’ve been a stay at home mom, one would think I’d have “more time to blog” but no way, I’m too busy playing with my little ones! 🙂
Seriously, where does the time go?! I feel like days fly by with her. She’s exhausting. Haha.
Sounds like a GREAT getaway!! Ah yes, the shopping after you have kids totally changes. Eventually, you do get back to you. Happy running!
It’s so true. Right now it is far more fun shopping for cute little outfits than anything for me.
Isn’t it though? My fifteen year old doesn’t usually let me shop for her anymore. I can shop WITH her, but not for her. Sigh….
Looks like you had an awesome time! And even got some running in 🙂 We love Florida and really enjoyed it when I got to run there 🙂 I’ve heard of the book you were saying about. Apparently, it’s really moving? Worth a read? Like having something to daydream about when I’m running!
Yes. The book was fantastic. It touches on history, family, friendship, and love. It was a really well told story. I highly recommend it. I even left it on my husband’s nightstand.