We just got back from a wonderful trip to Tampa, Florida, where we visited our friend Anne and I attended an academic conference. Steve and Ramona tagged along for a chance to visit Florida in March and enjoy some warm weather!
In between working, we managed to hit the beach and aquarium. Ramona got to test out her new bathing suit, sun hat, and red sandals at the beach.
Ramona loved the beach, but it did take some coaxing to convince her that the beach wasn't terrifying. To be fair, the water was a bit chilly and the waves were unpredictable. Here she is trying to hide from the water behind my belly (which is probably big enough to protect her, so good job, Ramona!).
She eventually decided that water was okay in small doses, and spent quite a lot of time playing with a bucket of ocean water and some sand toys. She really liked scooping the water and pouring the water on her legs. We all had a great time at the beach and it made us really miss living close to the ocean!
Later that day we visited the Tampa aquarium, where Ramona showed off her hermit crab skills.
The aquarium had some really amazing coral reef exhibits. Ramona was completely entranced by the aquarium, and loved pointing at all the fish, sharks, turtles, and sting rays.
We can't wait to go back to Florida in the future!
