St. Augustine.

My daughter wanted to do something FUN for my birthday, and suggested a day trip to St. Augustine. I've been there a few times in the last decade, but she hasn't been since we checked out Flagler College on her high school pre-admission tour. (Then FSU swooped in and offered a full ride, and that was that.) Anyway, it had been a long time for her, and we went, and had a fantastic day.

It was hot. REALLY HOT. But Miss D proved that she can keep up with anything.

The view from the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

We found a chocolate shop we need to revisit in cooler weather - it was just too hot to buy anything, it would have been liquified goop in a bag by the time we reached the car. We just wandered aimlessly, bought nothing but food, and had a great time despite the scorching heat. Coppertone Baby Sunscreen is freaking awesome, btw.

After close to three hours of heatstroke we called it a day and headed down A1A to a favorite beach restaurant in Flagler Beach. High Tides. We ate raw oysters and steamed shrimp. (Miss D did not indulge with us on those.)

Miss D thought the pictures on the High Tides menu were great!

The highlight of the day definitely was Miss D Meets the Ocean. It was love at first sight. No hesitation, no flinching - she tried to throw herself out of her mother's arms a couple of times. She wanted to get down there and scrunch the sand and experience the water! We didn't plan on swimming, so she had to settle for getting her feet wet.