Day 23 – Thursday, October 5th
Jonas did great on our two flights to Tampa to visit my brother and sister-in-law. Jordan, my brother, was still on a business trip to Finland, so we drove to Daytona Beach to enjoy the Atlantic coast for a few days. 
Day 24 – Friday, October 4th
We planned to go to the beach on Thursday, but a recent storm (just a storm, not Hurricane Irma) created rough waters and washed up lots of debris. Our AirBNB host recommended the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, which is the tallest lighthouse in Florida, and we had a great day adventuring. Visiting the Lighthouse Museum definitely made me appreciate the hard work of past generations.
Day 25 – Saturday, October 7th
Thankfully, the beach was open on Saturday or I would have had an upset little boy and an unhappy husband on my hands. We all had a great time playing in the sand, swimming, and surfing. It was wonderful to enjoy the day together.
Day 26 – Sunday, October 8th
On Sunday, we drove up the coast to St. Augustine and visited the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoo, which has an exhibit that contains every species of crocodilian in the whole world. AND since we’re members of the Abilene Zoo, our admission was half off! 
After we enjoyed the zoo, we got some ice cream and drove back across the state to meet Jordan and Kim for dinner. We hadn’t seen them since last Christmas so it was fantastic to spend a few days with them.
Day 27 – Monday, October 9th
Kim had to work, but Jordan was able to take off to hang out with us for a couple of days. We met Kim for lunch and then went to the Florida Aquarium, also half-off with our Abilene Zoo membership. We also took the Wild Dolphin Cruise into Tampa Bay and a young male dolphin swam right up to the boat! My phone went dead, so Jordan let me use his to take pictures, but I only have a few of the files. 
Day 28 – Tuesday, October 9th
On Tuesday, we just hung out at Jordan and Kim’s house. Kim cooked a delicious dinner and then we watched some Netflix after Dave and I packed up to head home. It was nice to just spend time with them and talk.
Day 29 – Wednesday, October 10th
We flew safely back to Abilene and my parents picked us up and took us to dinner. It was nice to sleep in my own bed after a lovely vacation. 
Day 30– Thursday, October 11th
My sister was very kind to house-sit for us while we were away and I am very thankful that our toilet didn’t break on her. It waited until the night we got back! It’s an old model from the 50s and a metal piece rusted through. I am so so blessed to have my dad in town! He fixed the toilet for us while I had a relaxing last day on the couch. This sabbatical was such an rewarding experience! Thank you, Kris, and FD for being such a blessing!