I'm Back From Vacation

I wonder if you even noticed that I was gone?  LOL  

We took a road trip from MI to FL and just got back.  

I have lots to share with all of you about the trip so here goes. 

First few days we spent by the pool.  

Ahhhhhhhh.

On Monday I visited the Cotton Patch and bought this adorable Sea Horse quilt pattern.

Fred is the local inhabitant at this shop.  He was very friendly and helpful!

 I found the perfect backing for my newest project too.  

Aren't those fish adorable?  

The 2 FQ I will use for a fishy or two.

One day we drove down to Venice Beach and it was the absolute perfect beach day!

What a crazy surprise when I walked into the local quilt shop and saw one of my patterns hanging!

Even my hubby was enjoying the warm weather with a drink at the local Daiquiri Deck!

I got the shrimp tacos and they were amazing!!!

I spent a little more time at the pool over the course of the week.

One day we drove to the area that Mote Marine is and walked out into the bay.  I found these shells.

and these weird little tube worm things.

We had the company of this heron.  A black heron maybe?

I thought it was interesting to see this large footprint with the smaller ones imprinted in the mud.  There was water covering these! 

 It was fascinating that the mud held the prints even under the water.

Then there was this elegant fellow.  He let me get really close.

He stretched out his very long neck when the fisherman on the next pier caught a fish!

We drove to Anna Maria Island and walked out on the pier.  We even saw a dolphin!

My SIL and BIL bought a beautiful home on Bird Key.  This is on their patio overlooking the ocean.

We had a fabulous time!  

We stopped at a few quilt shops on the way down and back and I will write about that in a future post.  I picked up lots of goodies along the way. 

 I am hoping to do WIPs With Friends tomorrow so please stop back to link up!

Have a wonderful day!

~XOP~