Florida Botanical Gardens

Sunday night we headed to the Florida Botanical Gardens because we heard their lights were the best around!  The parking lot was packed, and we ended up in overflow parking- so lots of people agree!

It was upper 70s, and people made comments about how it was so much colder last year - we were lucky enough to enjoy the lights in shorts and t-shirts.

Sadly, this is the first alligator we've seen in Florida.

We had to get a picture of this sign- for the real alligators...

St. Pete Holiday Boat Parade

Last Saturday night, we went to the Holiday Boat Parade in St. Petersburg.  We were supposed to go with friends, but their plans changed at the last minute- so we were on our own.  There are so many people in the area, we weren't sure what we were in for!  We ended up parking too far away, but we didn't mind the walk.

We found a spot right on the sea wall and ate our picnic dinner while enjoying the sunset.

There were people lining the sea wall on all sides.

The boat parade started with a police boat, and then many different boats covered in lights playing Christmas music.  The parade lasted about a half hour, and was a fun experience!  

Largo Holiday in Lights

Last weekend, we went to the Largo Central Park to see the Holiday in Lights display.  The Central Park was covered in lights, and there were people everywhere!  

While walking, we saw a campfire where you could make s'mores, different food and craft vendors, and a stage where various groups were singing and dancing. 

This Saturday they had a chalk drawing contest too.  So, throughout the park there were many impressive chalk drawings on the pavement.  The details in these drawings were impressive, and we couldn't believe they were made of chalk.

Central Park will be lit up through the holiday season.  It was nice to be able to walk around and see the lights in the warmer weather, instead of being all bundled up (and still cold) in Minnesota!

Anna Maria Island

One Sunday in November, we drove to Anna Maria Island to spend the day.   The weather was perfect, and our day reminded us of the many days we spent in Puerto Rico beaching it. :)  

Anna Maria Island was a lot less crowded than the Clearwater area, and we'll be sure to go back!