If we weren’t at the beach, then we were at the pool. We were so glad the house has a private pool because we used it a lot! Even after spending time at the beach, we’d go home and run straight to the pool. It was nice to have a private place to swim and relax. And the water was always warmer than 80 degrees!

Avery definitely preferred the pool over the ocean. She wouldn’t let the ocean water go higher than her ankles, but she splashed and played in the pool like she’s done it all her life…which I guess she has!

Chris likes to make up games to entertain himself (and everyone else) in the pool. This day, he placed an empty soda can on the edge of the pool and tried to knock it over by throwing the orange football from the other end of the pool. He tried this many times, but I’m sorry to report that he never knocked over the can. But he did come very close several times!

One night we used the GPS to help us find a local playground for Avery. We found a fantastic one at Mackle Park. There was a section for younger kids, and a huge section for older kids. Avery spent more time in the older kids’ area because there was a lot to do there!

She went down the slides countless times, played on the swings, climbed on ladders and suspension bridges and even braved the tire swing. She liked having a place to run around, and we appreciated her expending some of her pent-up energy!


Mommy, Daddy and Aunt Karen couldn’t resist getting in on the fun, too!

On our previous trip to Marco Island, Chris and I saw one of these covered basketball courts. This time he wanted a picture of it. It’s kind of hard to see in the picture, but this area was probably the size of a full high school gym (complete with multiple basketball goals). But the whole thing is covered with what looks like a brick patio. I think Chris wants to replicate this in our backyard one day!

Marco Island 2012: The pool and the playground