Florida 2012: Hello, Grandpa!

One of the reasons we traveled to Florida this past November was to visit Tom's dad, Grandpa Joe.  Grandpa Joe has been kind enough over the years to travel and visit us.  This time we were able to travel down and visit him.   Our condo was in Bradenton but Grandpa Joe lives near Miami so we drove from the west coast of Florida to the east coast for our visit.  It was a scenic drive that took us right through the Everglades.

One thing you must know about visiting with Grandpa Joe:  there's never a dull moment!  Our visit was off to a humorous start when we arrived at the great little dive where Grandpa Joe was going to take us for lunch.  If only we'd arrived a few hours earlier?!

So it was on to plan B.  He took us across the street to the Crowne Plaza where we had a fabulous lunch.  After lunch we took the tour of Grandpa Joe's condo which is much like visiting a museum.

  His flight jacket and helmet from his days as a naval pilot

His unique bookcase

 His race horses that he sometimes likes to name after his grandchildren.

His cap bearing the name of the naval destroyer, USS Witek (our family name)

After the condo tour we went outside to see the beautiful beach behind his condo. The children enjoyed wading in the tide and trying some sand sculpting.

After the beach he showed us his current car. 

It was great to see a bit of Grandpa Joe's world and spend some time with him!