Florida Vacation - Take 2

The day after Brett and Melissa’s wedding, we flew back to Florida. Which…is oddly where Melissa and Brett went for their honeymoon too. We booked a trip while they were going to be on their honeymoon on purpose…and we planned on going to Florida…but a different part of the state. We did not plan on crashing their honeymoon!!!  But somewhere along the way, it was decided that we should stay in the same area that they were, so we could all hang out a few times while we were all in Florida. So? That’s what we ended up doing. They went to siesta key, and we stayed like 10 minutes down the road in Sarasota. The beaches there were absolutely gorgeous. The sand was so white and soft, and the water was so clear. Aaaaaahhhh, I’m meant to live on a beach. 

We didn’t bug them their entire honeymoon, but we did do a few really fun things. Well, Brett and I did! Matt was nice enough to take care of R&R while I was having fun…and Melissa is just a wuss! Haha First we went para-sailing, which was amazing!!! We were so high up; we could see the entire city….and we could also see fish swimming in the ocean below us. It was beautiful. I expected it to be scary, but more than anything, it was relaxing! I loved it!!

The next day, we went to the Florida Aquarium. It was the nicest aquarium we’ve ever been to! They have this program there called swimming with the fishes, and Brett and I did it. We got to get into diving gear and swim with the fishies in one of their largest tanks. People inside the aquarium could see us swimming around, and we were in the tank right beside all of the sharks, so you could swim over to the wire divider and see the sharks…basically in the same water we were in. Brett and I agreed that we enjoyed it even more than para-sailing. It made me want to get certified in diving and do that sort of thing more often.

We stayed in Florida a few more days than Brett and Melissa, so after they left, we explored different parts of Florida. First, we went to Captiva Island. I fell in love. It’s one of the most gorgeous little beach towns I have ever seen. Apparently Captiva Island is the place that inspired Jimmy Buffet to write “Cheeseburger in paradise”. It seriously was paradise. I’d move there and live the beach town lifestyle in a heartbeat! Random fact about me: I'm kind of obsessed with sea turtles. I love them. I was so excited, because on a beach we stopped at on Captiva Island, I saw a few places roped off on the beach where a sea turtle had laid eggs!!

Next, we drove the Florida Keys, all the way to Key West. It was a really gorgeous. Water everywhere. We drove to the southernmost point of the continental US. Kind of cool! On our way back from Key West, we drove on this everglades highway…which was kind of scary…and interesting. We saw signs for panther crossings! Panthers!! Here in Texas, we have deer crossings, but I had never seen a panther one before. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any panthers though. I did count 11 alligators, 2 bunnies and an owl. Fun times.  Ryleigh and Reagan have been more places before they turn one than I had been at age 25!! It was a very fun vacation!!

On the flight home, the babies were perfect. No crying at all. We were on the very front row of the plane, and we waited until last to get off, because we were waiting for our stroller that was gate checked…and we had so many passengers compliment us on how well behaved they were.

And, pictures.....

It takes so. much. luggage to travel with 2 babies!!!

 

 

 

Being goofy.

Feeling a little scared.

We were soooooo high up!!

My BFF

They creep me out, but I think this picture is gorgeous.

Brett and I swimming with the fishies.

Nemo!!! :)