Hello from Merritt Island
Been bopping around Florida these past few weekends. Last weekend it was Anna Maria Island this one it’s Merritt Island.
Relaxing by the pool at our IMG Academy Hotel in Bradenton.
Nick enjoying the live band at Woody’s.
Last Friday, my sisters Ana and Mari and Nick and I drove up to Anna Maria Island for my great niece Belle’s graduation party. We stopped at Cracker Barrel on the way and that night, Nick, Vance and I drove to Ellenton and had dinner and enjoyed live music at Woody’s RIver Roo Pub, Grill & Tiki Bar on the water.
View from the house on Anna Maria Island. Photo by Vance Gulliksen
Saturday we spent a glorious day at a gorgeous house on Anna Maria Island where my nephew Chris and his wife Erika hosted a great party for their daughter Belle’s dual graduation. She received both her high school diploma and Associate’s Degree through the dual enrollment program, she’s a real superstar! She’s headed to the University of Central Florida in the fall where my daughter Elizabeth will be showing her the ropes!
Kids goofing off in the pool. L-R that’s Mazen, AJ in the hat holding Jojo and Ramzi.
L-R: My brother Mario, sister Susy, her daughter Elena and my sister Ana relaxing by the pool.
My niece Nicole and her husband Tariq poolside at the graduation party.
We enjoyed pool and beach time, an amazing charcuterie spread and later some fantastic pizza for dinner. We laughed, chatted and enjoyed each other’s company.
All of us at Mother’s Day lunch at Cortez Kitchen.
On Sunday, Elizabeth drove over to Bradenton where my sisters Ana and Mari, niece Nicole with her husband Tariq and their kids Ramzi and Mazen and Vance, Nick and I all gathered at my brother Mario’s house. Then we all packed into a few cars and had a waterfront lunch at Cortez Kitchen for Mother’s Day. And the day was made extra special when Elizabeth gifted me a beautiful ceramic planter for my special day and we did a fun Facetime call with Michael.
Tuesday, Michael arrived in Miami for a much needed week of vacation.
The trivia crew at Old Tom’s on Wednesday night.
On Wednesday, Michael, Nick and I visited my sister Susy, her daughter Elena and partner AJ and their son Jojo for a bit before going to trivia where we got second place!
Waterfront sunset view from Dolphins restaurant in Merritt Island.
We had a great meal at Dolphins.
Then on Thursday, Michael and I picked up Nick at his program and drove up to Merritt Island where we’ll be until Saturday. After a lot of traffic, we finally made it up to our townhouse in the early evening. We didn’t waste any time and quickly headed out to dinner because Merritt Island establishments closed way earlier than stuff in Miami. We grabbed dinner at Dolphins Waterfront Bar & Grill, a place my niece Nicole introduced us too and that we’ve returned to time and again. As always, we had great service and food and watching the sunset with the waterfront view was pretty spectacular.
Today, Elizabeth is driving over from Orlando to spend time with all of us at the townhouse. We’ve got no concrete plans but I’m sure we’ll find some fun stuff to occupy our time. We might end up at 4th Street Fillin Station in Cocoa Beach, another one of our favorites around here, for either lunch or dinner. And most definitely will spend some time at Jetty Park enjoying the beach. Whatever we do, it’ll be a blast to be back together for just a couple of days.
I have to head back to Miami tomorrow afternoon and get ready for another catering gig on Sunday. I’ll be busy baking on Saturday night and cooking arroz con pollo for the Karen Peterson Dancers troupe’s Sunday afternoon post-conference reception.
Next weekend is Memorial Day weekend when we’ll be spending time at Casa Wutzler for a pool party. And for all you Air & Sea Show fans, the Hyundai Air & Sea Show is happening on May 23 & 24 at Lummus Park in Miami Beach.
And if you’re looking for stuff to do around South Florida this weekend, click here for a handy guide.
That’s all for this week, here are a few parting shots.
On his way back from our time in Anna Maria Island, Vance went out on the golf course with his buddy (and Nick’s godfather) Phil.
After dropping off my sister Mari at home on Monday morning, I went for a quick nature walk through Simpson Park before heading to Whole Foods for my food rescue run.
