Mile Marker O

On Thursday morning David, Angela and I headed out for our family vacation. They both invited a friend to go with us (Tommy and Cheyenne) and we were thrilled they were able to go. We drove to the Florida Keys to spend 2 nights and 3 days. David and Angela had been to Key Largo when they were Elementary School, however I had never been. We had a safe trip down although a frustrating one. Some where along the way I got lost and we ended up in downtown Miami lost. Being a female I was smart enough to stop and ask for directions. Once we were back on the road headed in the right direction the trip was more enjoyable. But like Tommy and David tried to make me feel better by asking, "What is a road trip without getting lost?" Personally I could have done without that part of our trip.

We arrived at our beachside resort in Grassy Key around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. After checking in we were all starving so we drove 15 minutes into Marathon to eat and pick up snacks and drinks. Once back to the room we changed into our swimming suits. David, Angela, Cheyenne and Tommy went out in the kayaks while I laid in the hammock reading a book. Later that evening a friend of Tommy's (Gracie) from college that lives in Plantation Key came by the room to visit with us and we all drove to Islamorada for dinner at Outback Steak House.

The following morning we drove to Key West for the day. Driving over the bridges that connect all the different islands (there are actually 39 islands connected by 43 bridges) was breath taking. One of the bridges is actually 7 miles long and the water is beautiful on both sides of the bridge. While driving through Key Deer the kids saw a Key Deer but I missed it because I was driving. Once we arrived in Key West we purchased tickets for the Conch Train Tour where we toured the island while hearing the history of Key West. After the train tour we had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. From there we went to Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. The kids enjoyed the museum however I wasn't thrilled with this attraction. Once we left the museum we walked along the famous Duval Street until time to board the Discovery Glass Bottom Boat. Once aboard the Discovery we arrived on a reef where we got to see the colorful coral, exotic tropical fish, and a variety of marine life. The glass bottom boat took 2 hours round trip but was well worth the time. Back on shore we walked around the island just people watching and browsing the shops until we all were ready to eat again. For dinner we choose Guy Harvey's Island Grill. After dinner we went to Mallory Square for the Sunset Celebration. Each night prior to sunset people gather at Mallory Square to watch the sunset as well as various performers and arts and crafts show. On this particular night we saw an escape artist, a fire juggler and a dog performing tricks. Once the sun set we traveled back to our room for the night.

On Saturday morning, Angela and I watched the sunrise on the beach while everyone else slept. We then made everyone get up and we packed the van before heading back to Key West before driving home. We went to the Ship Wreck Museum and then went to the Key West Aquarium. At the Aquarium the demonstrator tried to get Angela to put her finger in a hermit crab's mouth and amazingly she was afraid to do it. So I hesitantly took her place. By the time we finished the two attractions we were hot and hunger so we went to Dante's for lunch. Dantes has a pool that is open to the public as long as you order drinks or food. Needless to say we changed into our swim suits and enjoyed relaxing in the pool before heading to the Pirates Museum. Tommy wanted to see the Pirates Museum so we headed out and I was actually amazed at how interesting it turned out to be. Once we exited the museum it was time to head home. Before leaving the island we drove down to the Southern Most Point in the United States to snap a photo of all of us.

The drive home didn't take as long as the drive to the Keys because I actually took the right highways home instead of taking detours and getting us lost. However, 20 minutes from home I was pulled over by a Palm Beach Sheriff along with another blue van with a Hendry County tag. I knew the other van was the one speeding but as the officer explained he had to pull us both since we were side by side when he clocked us on radar. Thankfully, the other driver was honest and told the officer he was the guilty one.

We enjoyed our time in the Keys but as with all trips we were glad to be home. Here are some pictures from our vacation:
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