Florida family vacation

Family vacations are unpredictable. In fact travelling 1000 miles in a plane, train or automobile with 4 kids is definately unpredictable. I was not sure how this one was going to go as we left the 100 degree heat and still had no electric as we boarded a plane after oversleeping and no showers!

I must say though that this vacation was great. If Mitchell would've went it would have been perfect.  I am not sure what makes some better than others except maybe my own attitude. My kids were good and my husband actually relaxed and was never stressed or bothered by the kids. This may be the most hands on he has ever been on a vacation without me having to ask for anything. He actually enjoyed us. (at least I think he did)
We had little drama. Minor sunburns, except Joey's lobster like body. No surprise that the one incident involved Charlotte shoving a sharks tooth up her nose.

The kids pet an alligator, snake and fed the flamingos at Jungle Gardens. Mostly it was just about hanging out and quality family time and spending time with the in laws.

Sadie became quite the fisherman with at least 20 under her belt now. Aaron caught a few as well. We ended the trip with a night at a great hotel by the airport that we snagged at a great price and the big kids got to do a little indoor pool swimming.
I think I finally discovered the key to a good vacation.... I am more relaxed now. I find it not difficult to handle my kids and they listen better when I am calmer. I enjoy having my husband help out and let him do his thing his way with them. I think I just never realized how precious our family time is until it was taken away by Joey's job. I am learning to treasure the moments we are all together and pray for many more in the near future.
The sadness of vacation ending has more to do with the same old work schedule resuming for my husband but I will say I am rested up and ready to deal with the day to day again.
And what is up with this Maryland weather. It was hotter here than Florida. Came home today to 103 degrees. WTH!