Independence Day in Naples

The golf course in Susan's community in Florida had been under construction and reopened just in time for the Independence Day holiday. She and Jackson decided to go down and play and MacKenzie and I tagged along for a beach trip because we're not foolish!

Resting up for her flight

Rainbows from above

Tiny airport greeter

MacKenzie did an excellent job on the flight. She gets a little heavy to tote around the airport in her carrier, but she is worth a little extra work. She brings so much joy to people just by looking adorable. I love watching people's faces light up when they see her and get greeted by her. It is amazing how many people tell us that they grew up with schnauzers and seeing her brings back wonderful memories.

The golf course being open again meant that MacKenzie had plenty of people to keep track of which is a job she takes very seriously when she's in Florida. Her Grammy loves that. HA!

Tiny golfer greeter

We got to town in the afternoon on the 4th and had some rain so we worried about whether or not the fireworks display would be on. The storms cleared so we headed to the beach to find out. Us and about 4 million other people. :)

Feeling festive!

Petefish

The fireworks went off without a hitch and were awesome! Jackson loves fireworks so getting to see two displays in one week pleased him. I was happy because the fireworks were far enough away from the condo that MacKenzie didn't have a terrible night. She does not find fireworks entertaining at all!

MacK and Grammy
notice MacK has her eye on some golfers

Jackson and Susan played a bunch of golf on the fancy new course. I worked some hours catching up on things and read books for fun (a personal favorite). We also spent plenty of time at the beach!

AMERICA!

Not a bad view

Exhausted from barking at golfers

Visiting Naples in the Summer is much more enjoyable from a population standpoint because, compared to season (aka winter), it is empty and everything is on sale! Restaurants have their menus at 50% off! You can actually get a table places. You can actually push your grocery cart around the store. Amazing!

Checking out boats = his happy place

Susie was AMPED to have shrimp nachos

"Lotsa Lobsta!"

YOU GUYS, LOBSTER GOES ON SPECIAL IN THE SUMMER. IT IS THE BEST!

"Keep it down!"

Sunset

Since restaurants go on sale in the Summer, I waited to have my birthday dinner from Susan until we were all in Naples. There is an Italian place I'd always wanted to try, Bice, but it was too expensive for me. At 50% their menu was actually moderately affordable so we made reservations and were not disappointed.

Check out that pepper mill!

The BEST pasta I've had in the U.S.

Jackson had the 3rd best dinner.
This never happens.

Lobster pasta? Yes, please!

Chocolate souffle 

Bice was FANCY. It was also home to the best pasta I've had outside of Italy. We all left absolutely stuffed, but super happy. Thank you again, Susie!

We decided we'd better walk off some of that dinner so we headed for the beach to catch sunset.

Sunset with Jackson

Susie with the photobomb!!

We all flew home on Monday morning with tans. It was a great time! 

A couple of days later I took MacKenzie in for her grooming appointment and she came back looking stunning so I had to share her photo! :)

Fresh new haircut