Memories and Seashells

In August I turned 41 and I decided I wanted to be my 8 year old self again just for a weekend. My husband wanted to know what I wanted for my birthday and since I did not need a motorcycle or new underwear, I'm sure he was at a loss. I'd grown tired of that game where the husband asks you what you want and you tell them that there is nothing that you need while secretly hoping that he will surprise you with something romantic that proves that he totally gets you. So since my husband's mind reading abilities were in question I decided to cut the poor guys some slack and just tell him. I wanted to go away or more specifically go back. Sanibel & Captiva Islands were places that I visited with my parents and my sister. I think I was a toddler the first time and about 8 the second time we went. For me those places became synonymous with family, love and happiness. Hunting seashells, getting sunburnt and being together, uncomplicated, perfect. Returning to a place that holds a special place in your mind and heart can be risky. Sometimes things have changed so much that you don't recognize it anymore. Thankfully, this was not the case. Yes, Captiva has changed. No more beach cottages and mom & pop motels. Lots of big expensive houses have taken their place. Sanibel still has it's charm though. There are still millions of shells on the beach, some simple, clean places to stay, friendly people, the old Dairy Queen and Bailey's Grocery store. http://www.baileys-sanibel.com/ It was the best birthday gift ever. I got to be 8 and 41 all at the same time. Thank you, Husband!

I was so excited to be there that I got up just as the sun was rising.

We stayed at a place called the Seaside Inn, the rooms had screened in porches, ours faced the ocean.
http://www.theinnsofsanibel.com/seasideinn/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=Bing-PPC&utm_campaign=429%2C+Seaside+Inn+-+Brand&utm_content=Seaside+Inn&utm_term=seaside+inn+Sanibel

There is a great restaurant in Sanibel called the Island Cow http://www.sanibelislandcow.com/and of course you can't go wrong with ice cream at Dairy Queen.
If you like antiques you should set aside and hour or so to look in the Islander Trading Post- I could not find a web address for them but here is there address 1446 Periwinkle Way Sanibel, FL 33957.