Halloween

Peter - Lion

Alexis - Cinderella

Chris - Darth Vader

Evan - Bumblebee

Cocoa Beach at the beach

Next day found us back at Cocoa Beach, but this time we actually made it to the beach.

Evan catching a wave

Chris catching a wave

Evan

Doug, Ben and Peter playing in the sand

Alexis the next swimsuit model

Wave is coming in

St. Augustine - Castillo de San Marcos

Castillo De San Marcos.  A national monument.  That was closed.  We tried to go tour this monument but because of the idiots in the government it was closed.  No budget could be decided upon so all national monuments were closed and the people suffered.  Some people decided to go in anyway and when we left we say police coming to take care of it.  If they had just left them open while they bickered all would have been fine.  I had better stop now before my true feelings come out.  It was still a lovely site to see from the outside and some of the views were breathtaking.

Always ready for a fight, my children with the cannons

Trying to scale the wall to invade

Evan riding the cannon

Now I know where "hot shot" came from.

Looking in the shot furnace

Peter gazing out at the ocean

Lexie with the ocean behind her

It was a rainy day but we enjoyed looking around anyway and it seemed to slow down so we didn't get soaked.

St. Augustine - Old Mission

After much sampling of chocolate and buying of chocolate we headed over to the old mission.  We had really wanted to go to the museum, but it was closed and this was a good thing.  There was plenty for us to see without the museum.

Family pic

Doug and Peter by tree

Lady of La Leche chapel

Doug with children by old bell

Statue on grounds

Peter by a mini-statue

St. Augustine - Chocolate

Monday morning found us heading north to St. Augustine and chocolate. 

 Oh my goodness!  The tour smelled divine and their chocolate was even better.  Have you ever had a piece of dark chocolate that had a bitter taste to it?  Most chocolates get bitter the darker you go.  I just thought it was the norm, but I'm here to tell you it isn't.  Whetstone Chocolate Factory using an extra step that boils off the dark bitter taste and all you are left with is chocolate heaven.  I think I may be making a trip back just for the chocolate.  During the tour we all had to sport these nifty hair nets.

Jerky

We found the neatest little store close by.  They had knick knacks but also specialty food items.  I fell in love with some of the jams and honey spreads.  We also found alligator jerky.  Enough said!

Haven't had the guts to try it though.

Baptism and Parade

Back to Cocoa Beach we went for the third day.  No longer did we need Google Maps to help us find our way.  We were becoming very accustomed to the route without tollbooths.  I was shocked at the tollbooths and at how many you could find on such a small stretch of road.  Anyway today was a special day.  My nephew Sam had turned 8 during the summer and in our church that is when you get baptized.  He chose to wait a few months so his grandpa could be there for it, so we all got to participate.  Afterwards it was back to my sister's place for a party to celebrate.  And this party included a parade.  This was no ordinary parade this was a super hero parade.  To save room packing we tried to use clothes that could be used in everyday adventures.  Fun times.

After the parade there was food and games for all.  Once again we left in the dark and it took it's toll.

Evan and Chris cuddled up

Lexie and Peter sleeping

Poor Ben had gluttony tummy and wasn't feeling so good come sleep time.

The next day was Sunday and it was our day of rest.  We attempted to watch our church's General Conference, but halfway through our resort lost power for a stretch so we played games together instead.