April 2007
Having Bridget and Aspen visit was just as great as we had hoped. She settled in rapidly to yacht living and quickly learned her new limits despite a day of travel and a 2 hour time shift. We were impressed.
Going to the beach was a must and she knew exactly what to do with her sand toys. Paddling was her favourite pastime almost immediately.

Still small enough to fit in the sink
All the taps needed to be fully investigated
Aspen with all her self-styled 'babies'
Playing in the sand on Villano Beach
Asleep in the cockpit
Learning paddling skills - a big change from last year
An alligator hatchling
Full grown and surly
The 'teenager's' pool
The fountain at Columbia's was irresistable
No great help needed - or tolerated - with ice cream
Learning to jump the mini waves on a second beach visit

She is a very determined young woman and would try to do more and more in the water without adult help which meant keeping a firm grip at times!
By her second beach visit she really only wanted to be in the water and liked to be jumped over all the waves as they came in. It probably seemed deep to her but we only went in about 8-10 inches in all.
Attention from grandparents gave Bridget short breaks to rest in the sand - but never long.

Daytime sleeps are still necessary to ensure good temper. Use of a car or a buggy helped produce a nice drowsy state.
Evening bath time was in our twin sinks. She scooped water from one to the other and used the plug as a telephone. All the taps were scrutinised and tested carefully.

We all went out to eat lunch at Columbia’s in St Augustine and enjoyed tapas and a salad. Aspen ate a little of everything and played to the adoring gallery - of course.
We walked in the old town and she ran around under the trees before Angie and Bridget demanded ice creams. Aspen and I reluctantly gave in...

The St Augustine Alligator Farm was a great visit for all of us. They have at least one of every type of crocodilian in the world.
Ed from Merlin was fishing in a lake further north and caught a big mouthed bass - he had to sprint to save it from the local alligator who suddenly materialised. He would never give up easily!

Alligators of all sizes were there and the hatchlings look really sweet. Pity they grow up into such dangerous animals later. They used to wrestle the alligators but they don’t any more.

They say that it distresses them too much. I remember it as pretty harrowing from our last visit.

We have all enjoyed our time together and Bridget and Aspen have returned to Colorado. We have used the Skype phone with video to talk to them again since and Aspen immediately knew who we were. Grandparents love that sort of thing...
We are straightening out the boat and preparing to be on the move again on Friday early. Looks like no wind and then NE so we will motor up the ICW again!

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