This post is written by guest blogger:  Anna Davidson

I have suitcases piled up in my bedroom right now.  Small lists are scattered on every surface as I’ve been scribbling things to remember to pack.  Tomorrow we are embarking on a trip to Florida.  We will drive 20 hours to get there.  (Which by default means we will have to drive 20 hours to get back home at the end of the week).  After what feels like 6 months of winter here in Chicago, I’m not sure there’s a limit to how far I would drive to sit in 80 degree weather and look at the ocean.

We are going to a beautiful beach called Siesta Key.  It’s across a bridge from Sarasota.  Thanks to a dear friend who lends us his condo–this will be our 3rd trip to this oasis.  We manage to get there about every 2 years, which means this is the first time for little Phineas to go.  I have a hunch he will love it like the rest of us.  The soft white sand between his toes.  A warm friendly cousin to the soft cold blanket that we’ve played in here for many months (think:  snow pants instead of bathing suits).  Grace and Emily have two favorite pastimes on the beach, being buried, and playing in a giant hole that Bob will dig for them when we get there.  I dug out these pictures from the last time we were there.  Think of us next week, playing in our beach holes, relaxing, reading, and enjoying some family time!