Big Family weekend in Florida

First of all, I think it is safe to officially declare Eli a biped. He walked as much or more than he crawled tonight. He seems to have finally decided it is an acceptable way to get from point A to B.
We just got back last night from our big visit to Florida to see Eli's Great Grandmother, Great Aunt & Uncle, and Cousins. His Grandma and Grandpa Ed and Aunt Marla also came down for the weekend. He had a great time. He had LOTS of attention and playtime, a big one-story house to crawl (and occassionally walk) around, new drawers and doors to explore, warm weather, a pool to look at, and the paparazzi photographing every cute moment. He also got to go to the beach and the pool (although it was during naptime, so he wasn't so amused after his initial crawl on the beach and first attempts to eat the sand). With 9 of us in the house most of the time, it was nice to let Eli crawl off to another room and someone would be there to watch him so I didn't have to chase him around. Eli got to watch his dad, great uncle, and cousin all run a 15K race, and the rest of us came to watch and cheer them on. He also got to celebrate his dad's birthday with the family. I also got to do a little shopping with the girls, and all the "kids" got to go out for dinner one night while the parents Eli-sat.
Eli was a really good passenger on the way down, but the ride home wasn't quite as much fun, although the highlight both ways was the stop for lunch. Eli is working on a travel restaurant review of Fuller's BBQ, a southern-style cafeteria/buffet (I-95 exit 20 in Lumberton, NC). I've never seen him eat so much table food -- mac n'cheese, lima beans, green beans, black-eyed peas, corn, and sweet potatoes. He wasn't an okra fan though (can't blame him!) My family has been stopping at Fuller's on our Florida drives literally since the night they opened about 15 yrs ago, so it's becoming an odd family tradition. Fair warning though, it is not for those seeking a light, diet-friendly meal! Good for Eli's high-cal plan though...curious to see how he is growing at his next appointment in a couple weeks.