We ate well, with Nick getting his bairdi crab at least once. We played pool and had Mexican food at Pan Filo's one evening (a 'family restaurant'.) Post Corner Pizza across the street from the hotel came in handy, particularly on Christmas night when most other places were closed.
Nick built several creatures in the sand, from a crocodile to a snake. His komodo dragon was a huge hit with the Asian families on the beach, who took pictures. We got two good days on the beach, with temperatures fifteen degrees above normal and sun every day. The rest of the time was by the pool, which was so awesome there was no reason to leave it: meals served to our lounges, beverages on demand, Nick entertained by the pool, a little cornhole (with a couple other kids), and just enough shade for me not to burn.
We walked the beach each morning, which inspired the adoption of two hermit crabs (Bob Loblaw and Hermie), and each evening along the boardwalk, where there was a playground for Nick.
Our room was decorated with a Christmas tree, lights, and a non-stop supply of cookies.
And I had a great bike ride with Donny, who now lives in Largo, just a few miles down the road. He can pedal all day, I wear out fast. But a couple miles on the bikes along the beaches was very relaxing, and then we played cards one evening with Don and Rick, poolside at the hotel.
The general consensus is that this should become a tradition.
Photos here.
- Jason
