Our last days on Anna Maria Island were mostly lounging around and going to the beach- just what vacation should be. The last half of the trip, the weather wasn’t as hot as I would have liked it to be and just our luck, it is supposed to get hot the days after we leave. The house we stayed in was gorgeous, enough room for our big group and more. If you are interested in renting a vacation home in Anna Maria, we booked ours through Island Vacation Properties.

Here are a few photos from our last days in warm weather!

The house had a nice pool area that Colton liked to mess around in.

I read a great book Wicked Lovelyby Melissa Marr. Perfect for young adults, especially those into the Twilight-type books. I like to read sci-fi once in awhile and would highly recommend this one- I read it in two days!

My family loves to fish. Whether we are on Lake Miltona in Minnesota fishing for bass or in Florida fishing for grouper (I once even caught a hammerhead shark!) It has been one of our hobbies ever since I can remember. I skipped the fishing trip this year, but the boys had a blast with Captain Wayne of Wolmouth Charters. They said he was one of their best guides ever!

Since Dad wasn’t able to come on the trip, Colton tried to find some shells for him to put in the fish tank.

I never got in the water past my ankles. I have a fear of sharks! (and the water was freezing) The boys must not have been too afraid, they were in the water almost every day.

I am often reminded of how dorky teenage boys are.

..and often reminded that they never grow up. Grandpa dug a hole just for Colton.

I was pretty exhausted on this trip. It seems whenever Colton is with his uncles he goes crazy. I managed to lay with him on the beach for maybe 30 seconds!

We took a walk on the beach on our last night.

Beautiful sunset!

Colton had fun with Grandma and Grandpa.

It’s crazy that I just left that (above) to three inches of snow falling in Omaha. Come on Spring!

Check out all of the Anna Maria Vacation photos.

After our day of traveling to the Tampa area, we had to waste a few hours before our check-in time at 4:00 at the house on Anna Maria. I have three teenage brothers (and one brought a friend), so we had to find something for them to do or else the van would turn into something like those UFC cagefighting matches. Luckily we found an indoor “grand prix” place that has European-style indoor karting.

Go-karting is usually something we always do on vacation, but the boys thought this was much more fun because the cars are electric and you get to wear helmets like the “real racers.” I think Colton and I had just as much fun…..

With still a few hours to spare, we decided to go mini-golfing. This was Colton’s first time and he actually tried to play! Look at that swing….

He got a little frustrated after many attempts, so he decided to start placing the ball two inches from the hole and then…..

 HOLE IN ONE!

And then we stopped so Grandma could take a picture. I guess this is what “smile” means!

After “wasting time” go-karting and playing mini-golf, we finally got to check into the house! It is big and beautiful and a two minute walk from the beach. If you are planning a vacation, especially one with children, I would look into the prices of renting a house. It was cheaper for us, rather than renting two hotel rooms and it is so much easier. There is a washer and dryer, lots of room and a full kitchen. I wish I would have taken picture before we threw all of our stuff around!

Tomorrow we are going to the beach!