Perdido Key

Last week Greg kicked off his new job at Bread for the World with a week of training in D.C. Gina tried to take advantage of his absence by grabbing Anna and fleeing to Perdido Key, FL, to her aunt and uncle's beach condo. But Greg learned a thing or two about intelligence operations in our nation's capital (thanks, Patriot Act!) and successfully tracked them down for a more joyous reunion than this hyperbolic narration suggests.

Now, we knew our girl loved dirt, sticks, and the like, but we weren't sure how she'd react to the sand and high seas. Holy sand dunes, she loved them so much!! The first time she set foot on the white stuff, she took off like a woman possessed. She had a blast digging, shoveling, and yes, even swallowing a few mouthfuls of sand. Greg dodged an army of wily jellyfish to take her out for her first dip in the ocean (editor's note: he sustained one sting for his brave fatherly efforts). The pool proved a less dangerous but equally exciting aquatic experience. Anna kicked and paddled like Michael Phelps (at age one).

All in all, we had a great few days with Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Jack Ed, cousins Lindsey and Michelle, and Michelle's hot boyfriend, the "Flaming Colleen". Bottom line? Anna is as big a beach bunny as her California-kissed mother.