The wildlife we spotted on Captiva Island

The dolphins are at second 15, if you're impatient.

We went an a one-hour boat cruise. Max didn't want to get onboard at first (new situations sometimes scare him) but he settled down, and then he was pretty amazed by the dolphins. At one point, he grabbed my Flip video camera and proceeded to film everything in sight. I now have video clips of every passenger on the cruise.

Our other major wildlife sighting occurred after I took one of the Doritos Sabrina was eating. "I WANT IT BAAA-AAACK!" she shouted, then she threw herself on the floor and had a tantrum, flailing legs and arms and all. I'll spare you the video footage.

We're on our way home now, back to the cold and other realities. Thankfully, I feel completely rejuvenated from this trip. But please God, no snowstorms till I'm back for a week or so. Deal?

This is our brains on vacation in Captiva

A happy, healthy, hopeful New Year to everyone! I am glad to know you, you've made my 2008 that much better.

Welcome to our Florida vacation!

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are exquisite in a very untouched, natural sort of way. We're at South Seas Island Resort, which has 330 acres. It is both spectacular and kid-friendly, a rare combination. Here's Sabrina, going for her morning jog.


The part of the resort we're staying at looks out on a harbor.


We spent most of the day hanging at one of the pools. Max splashed around like a maniac. He's getting very good at kicking, I hope he can swim someday.


He always likes to try on Dave's sunglasses...


...and my hat. I know, it's large. I get burned to a crisp if I'm not careful.


Sabrina wanted to know why everyone doesn't wear a bikini, like she does. She still has that adorable little-girl pot belly, and it looks great in a bikini. Why doesn't that work when you're a grownup?

Dave and I love to travel. We used to do lots more before we had kids, it's one thing I miss from pre-parenthood. We hiked in Patagonia, Chile, drove around Ireland, honeymooned in Bali. One of our favorite trips ever was a cruise we took in Alaska's Glacier Bay. We saw whales, dolphins, seals, puffins, black bears, you name it. If you ever go, choose a small cruise ship, not one of the biggies. The one we went on is out of business, but Cruise West is supposedly good.

What's your all-time favorite vacation?