Thanksgiving in Amelia Island, Florida

This year was a non-traditional Thanksgiving. We headed to the sunshine state on Wednesday night. Thursday at sunrise we were the only people on the beach.

Everyone got wet and the water wasn't too cold.

Aaron found the best shell of the trip. It's a whelk.

We also went to Fort Clinch State Park.

There was a museum and tons of areas to explore within the fort.

From the top there was a nice view of the ocean.

Professional looking picture.

Another section of the park had a nature trail where we searched for alligators but didn't see any.

It was like hiking through a jungle.

There was also a 1/2 mile pier. We didn't make it to the end.

Decided to play on the beach and rocks instead.

The kids were determined to get in the unheated pool. They shivered the entire time and didn't ask again.

Friday we explored Little Talbot Island State Park.

The driftwood was so beautiful. The kids could have been entertained all day.

Later in the day we went on a boat tour. And walked around historic downtown Fernandina Beach.

The highlight of the trip was seeing dolphins and some wild horses on Cumberland Island.

On Saturday we went to Amelia Island state park. Jackson got to hold a shark caught by a fisherman on the beach.

Addy's 11th birthday party celebration in a suitcase.

We explored the plantation within walking distance of our condo. This is at the nature center.

Must play putt putt on vacation. Addy and Aaron got hole in ones.

Our favorite food! The restaurant chairs swivelled in all directions. Made for a fun lunch spot.

We rented a golf cart for 2 hours for a new experience and to see the areas not within walking distance.

We went to 2 parks on the intercoastal side of the island. This little guy got tired of walking.

After dark we headed into Jacksonville to the Catty Shack Wildlife Preserve nightly feeding. So neat and creepy seeing tigers roaring and fighting for food. It was a special treat for Addy's birthday since she's a cat lover.

Our last day there was the most beautiful. Everyone building a huge sand fort with a dead palm.

Josh actually got in the water to boogie board. Brrr!

We went to a park within walking distance. Our kids play in trees instead of on the playground.

The only people that will pose for me. Hope this time together made them closer as brothers and friends.