Last photo dregs

The last of the Sanibel photos. Building a trench. Grandpa Stu helped a lot with the digging, for some reason that Mama and Daddy (who were relaxing in beach chairs reading or watching the ocean) could not understand.

Mama and Daddy Lovebo enjoyed a lovely night out on Captiva the last night of our trip. We watched dolphins in the gulf as the sun went down and then stuffed our faces with queso and fish tacos and enchiladas.

Theo showing off our trail-a-bike. This is right after his first attempt, when he knocked both the bikes down, domino-style.

Reed wrestling Theo. Reed tends to be a little more physical than Theo which makes Reed a good match for Beckett, but Theo will usually play along with Reed when Reed tackles him and sits on him.

Wildlife

On one bike ride home from the beach we spotted a gopher tortoise just off the bike path and got to watch it eat several plants and walk around.

At the pier near the Sanibel Lighthouse the boys watched a fisherman catch a sheepshead and then struggle to get the hook out of its gullet. While we were there we went over to the building next to the lighthouse to try to spot our old friend the gopher tortoise that we've spotted living under the building and indeed, there she was again just outside of her hole.

On another bike ride back from the beach we took a path through the woods and spotted an alligator under a bridge. It was nothing like the huge beasts we used to see regularly on the island but it was the first alligator we've seen in a few years. I also pointed out a juvenile yellow crowned night heron and great american egret to Beckett who honorably feigned some interest. I try to always point out all these birds we see and name them for the boys so that maybe they acquire tropical bird knowledge through osmosis as I did. I think the difference between an adult ibis and juvenile ibis may have sunk in this trip, we'll see.

Not really wildlife but this is Theo and Grandma Joanie headed to the Farmer's Market on the island, where we were tasked with procuring a chocolate croissant for Daddy, a brownie for Beckett, and peaches and raspberries for Reed. Successful by all counts, plus a giant orange fudge cupcake for Theo.

Playground and downtime