Arnold Palmers and Sandy Feet

I got back from a trip to Florida a few days ago, and upon my return home, I decided I would share the lessons that I learned while on vacation.

1. Arnold Palmers (half lemonade, half iced tea) are perhaps the best refreshment ever made. I averaged 4 per day, and by the end of the week the cabana boys didn't even have to ask what I wanted each time I went up for a refill.

2. Having a coffee snob for a father who is powered by Starbucks (literally every morning) is very nice on vacation. Have you ever woken up and gone straight to the refrigerator to find your grande iced coffee with skim milk and 1/2 a Splenda ready and waiting for you? I highly recommend it, and I suggest you make like me and drink it on the porch while filling out a crossword puzzle. Great start to the morning.

3. When you rent a Pontoon boat for the day and happen upon a sand bar that is COVERED in sand dollars, you have a recipe for a wonderful memory. However, if the sand bar is over-populated with sand dollars, finding another one loses its excitement. Good thing there were starfish there too! :)

4. Nothing improves one's mood quite like a long bicycle ride by the beach, followed by a sno-cone to cool off. Peach and Wild Cherry all the way, baby.

5. If you bet an 8 year old $5 that she can't go a whole day without arguing with her little sister, you will be surprised at her ability to show grace to a 4 year old. And then get annoyed that she doesn't practice this every day.

6. Paddleboarding (also called yolo-ing) is a lot harder in the ocean than on Town Lake, but it's a great workout and a great way to look for fish in the water below you. Apparently small sharks don't care how close to the shore they are. Yikes!

7. After age 13, it becomes a lot harder to meet friends while traveling. I can no longer use my sister's technique of walking up to someone, saying "Hi. I'm Peyton. I'm 8. What's your name?" I guess now I actually have to have something in common, besides age and gender, with the people I hang out with.

8. I get tired of golfing after 6 holes. Sorry, dad.

9. I officially went to the beach and came home WITHOUT a sunburn for the first time in my life. Let's go responsibility! Your welcome, mom.

10. I still don't like to eat seafood.

Overall it was a wonderful week spent with family, and now I'm ready to tackle finance next month in summer school. I think.