Seashells on the beach. ©Ariniko Artistry

My husband and I are both self employed. That often means we neglect taking extended vacations. Some years the best we can get is a quick trip to Traverse City or some other wonderful Michigan fun city. Last year my sister and mother both moved to Florida. I already have two aunts, a cousin and grandparents living there and with this addition we really had no choice but to take our spring break off and head south. The last time we took the plunge was three years ago and both my husband and I worked most of the time. This year one of the stops didn't have internet access which essentially forced us to at least take a couple of days off.

My mom and sister live in the Middleburg area and we spent 4 days there. My sister has been raising quite a few farms animals on her homestead and we all enjoyed this part of the trip greatly.

Little baby goat resting in the sunshine. ©Ariniko Artistry Frisky peacock named Kevin. ©Ariniko Artistry Meanest rooster I've ever met. ©Ariniko Artistry

Within an hours drive we were able to visit both Jacksonville and St. Augustine beaches. One we stopped for a wonderful meal at and the other we spent the day at the beach. I loved St. Augustine and plan to spend more time there next time.

Relaxing at the beach in Jacksonville, FL. ©Ariniko Artistry Swimming in the surf at St. Augustine beach. ©Ariniko Artistry

At my mom's home she also is raising chickens and my twins and niece spent an afternoon petting and feeding them. I was also able to do a mini photo session with my niece.

Baby Polish Chicks. They like getting pet behind the neck. ©Ariniko Artistry My niece, Hermione, posing for her mini session. ©Ariniko Artistry

On the second part of our trip we drove south through Mt. Dora and Apopka to visit an aunt and a cousin. In Mt. Dora we took a wonderful walk through a park on the hunt for an alligator. We didn't find one but enjoyed the scenery.

"Don't Feed The Alligators". Didn't need to be told that! ©Ariniko Artistry Looking for alligators in the sunshine. ©Ariniko Artistry

Our last stop was at my grandparent's house in Stuart Florida. We love visiting here. Since we had gotten so sunburned we spent our last beach visit in the evening. Here are some lovely sunset photos at Hobe Sound Beach.

A large group of dragonflies began flying around. I think they were eating the Noseeums. ©Ariniko Artistry Hobe Sound Beach at sunset. ©Ariniko Artistry

On our 2 day trip home I was able to take this photo out my husband's window (he was driving). The timing had to be perfect. He yelled, "Now!", I shot. We make a pretty good team I think!

Abandoned ferris wheel off the highway in Tennessee. ©Ariniko Artistry

I hope everyone had an adventure on their spring break too!