Birthday Weekend in the Keys

Happy Monday!!

We are back from our trip to the FL Keys for my Birthday. 

Let me preface, I don't like parties for my birthday. And ever since I was a teenager, I have traveled for my birthday, except for a few times here and there. But this year, I didn't think we could swing it (financially) because I didn't work this year to add to our trip fund. BUT, Ron "surprised" me with a trip to the Keys for my 40th birthday!

So we strapped the paddleboards on the van and headed out (although, we never actually used the boards because the wind was insane during the whole weekend)

We got down there, checked in to our resort, then headed out to go snorkeling. We found this little spot right after the 7 mile bridge, and it was fun for a quick snorkel.

Then we went to Bahia Honda State park....where we were NOT impressed. We've been here before and it was a lot better, so it must have just been the weather, because the seaweed was INSANE on the ocean side. The bay side was fine, though. 

Then for dinner, we went to the Island Fish Co - the ambiance and food were so good! We tried a different place first, but it was a 2 hour wait! um. No thank you. lol

Then back tot he resort for the sunset. I'm so glad we stay on the Bay Side, so we could watch the sun set. It's one of my favorite things to do! 

Free drinks for my birthday!

waiting for the sunset at the tiki bar with live music. One of my favorite ways to pass time!

Look! Ron took a picture AND smiled - after I scolded him and told him to pretend he likes me and smile. haha! 

Spending my birthday with my favorite people in one of my favorite sceneries. 

The next day, we were expecting a bunch of rain, but we packed our suits, some water and food, and headed south for Key West. But first, we stopped at Sombrero beach to check it out to see if we could go paddleboarding, but the wind was INSANE. The girls and I have paddled here before with my parents, but I think it was during spring break, so the wind was different.

So we headed to Key West. First stop was the Butterfly Conservation. 

Caroline's BUTTerfly. hahaha

Then we headed to "the buoy" for an updated family picture. You cant tell in this picture, but all 3 girls were dancing to a car who was sitting still and their music was blaring. 

Finally made it to the buoy....

So this was 2022, turning 40... and the next picture is from 2012 when we came for my 30th birthday. Look at that "wittle" Autumn and Brooklynn! 

For lunch, we had Key Lime Pie on a stick - because why not!? lol

and a smoothie in a pineapple... 

Stopped off at a pier on the way out. The wind was CRAZY and the waves were rocking on the pier. 

On the way home, I saw that a friend suggested going to "Horseshoe Beach" where they had fun snorkeling, and it turns out that we were getting ready to pass it, so we stopped off, changed our clothes in the car, and then headed out snorkeling. We had an hour or so of fun and on the way back in Autumn found the ultimate souvenir!! It was completely empty and a MONSTER of conch shell. 

We also ran into a friend while snorkeling. It's so weird to be traveling and running into people (we ran into a former student during our trip to the mountains this summer, too!)

Then back to the resort for dinner and a sunset. 

Well, we got some Key Lime Pie for my birthday and we had a few pieces left over, and Brooklynn decided it was a good idea to have some for breakfast so we didn't have to transport too much of it. lol

We packed up, and head out of the keys. We stopped at few places along the way, one of which was "Big Betsy" the lobster. 

Which was another picture remake from 2012. 

So, here's to 40 years around the sun. Here's to surviving the last year, because it was a doozy! And here's to the future. 40 isn't old. I feel like I'm in a good place and ready for life!!!

West Coast FL Birthday Trip

The last few days we took an impromptu trip for my birthday...

We got a last minute find at the Alden Suites hotel in St. Pete Beach - it was really nice!!

It had a couple of pools that the girls loved, beach access...and best was that it had a little mini kitchen so I cold make breakfast and lunch, and I had premade food for the girls so I could put it all in the fridge and unpack all the food. If you're going to travel with kids, better do it in some suites!  

For dinner that night, we went to the Guy Harvey restaurant.... it wasn't worth the prices, especially with the kids in tow, but the huge fish tank was a bonus. 

Then we promptly headed out to the beach for my first west coast sunset!

Side note, I wasn't expecting the gulf to be so salty - that was a surprise!

West Coast family sunset pic!

I would NEVER get tired of this view!

My 3 girls... they did this all on their own. 

These girls DRIVE.ME.CRAZY.... but, good gosh, I love them!

This is BY FAR one of my favoritest pictures ever!

Friday morning walk on the beach with coffee and family. We found TONS of shells to bring home!!

Then we went to Fort De Soto state park for the morning... Pictures just do not do the beauty justice.

The west coast is the clam meca of the state.

Then we went back to the hotel and the girls and Ron went to the pools and the big waterslide that was on the beach, while Caroline and I took a nap - she had a HORRIBLE night the night before.

For dinner, we went to Crabby Bill's. The food was really good and the atmosphere was great.

I tried getting a picture of Autumn in her awesome sunglasses she found with her awesome shirt. 

But she wasn't interested... haha

But when we got back to the hotel, she saw an awesome car she would do it next to - ha!

Then it was BACK to the pool and beach for one last sunset.

This is one of my FAVORITEST pictures. 

Those who know me, know my situation with my biological father. I've never really known what a daughter's love for her father was like, until I've watched it through my girls'.  It really is a beautiful thing.  

by the way.... vacationing with kids got us like...

haha! 

I have learned that you can't expect to go on vacation with kids - it's more like going on an adventure. It is NOT relaxing and it will NOT be all that you envision...so just stop trying to set those expectations...but don't STOP going.

I really truly don't think I would ever get over the beauty that is in this world!

Birthday morning walk on the beach for more shells! I mean... there was plenty to pick from..

Then we headed to the Florida Aquarium!

We paid the extra money to do the Penguin Pass... the girls LOVED it.

Then we headed to Lakeland for the drive in movie!

Again, don't set your expectations, because having a 1 year old who has a mind of her own, does make things more difficult...but the other girls loved it...and I love doing the drive in..as the kids get older, it will be easier...but this is one thing I want them to have in their memories, just like I do.

So now, I'm 34. 

I'm around another year to make more memories!!