Some highlights of the trip include Evan learning to paddle board, going on a shark boat and swimming with dolphins at The Dolphin Research Center. We spent lots of time at the beach, playground and the pool. We all had such a great time and we are already looking forward to going back this summer!
The boys were so excited to arrive in Key West! We spent our first full day at the beach and the playground.
The new Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi, was playing in a really cool theater in Key West. Preston was not interested in going, so he stayed back with Bonnie Mom and Grandpa and went swimming and to the playground. Evan, Daddy and I went to the show!
The boys always enjoy getting ice cream.
We had a great time at Geiger Key. We went to the fort, to see if it was still standing. We were worried that it was destroyed during Hurricane Irma. Thankfully, it is quite strong and it was mostly undamaged! Carl and the boys did enjoy fixing it up a bit, including finding one of their favorite parts, which is the kitchen! They also enjoyed finding new things to add. Also, since we realized how sturdy it really was, we let the boys climb it and explore it as much as they wanted.
After the playing at the fort, we wanted to get lunch. Unfortunately, Preston fell on some rocks and hit his head. He calmed down pretty quickly, but he had lots of blood on him, so we skipped lunch and headed home. Thankfully, it was a small cut and he was just fine.
Bonnie Mom and Grandpa took us on a shark boat. It was amazing! The sharks swam right up to the boat, because they knew they were going to get fed. They were really gentle with each other and took turns eating the fish. When we were done, we also went to see the wild dolphins. We saw lots of them and they came up close to the boat!
We spent LOTS of time playing and relaxing in Bonnie Mom and Grandpa's pool.
We went back to Geiger Key to kayak and have lunch. (This time, no one got hurt!) We were a bit sad to see how the hurricane damaged the mangroves, but we did have fun seeing all of the jellyfish. Carl and Evan even saw a small shark! Lunch was great and we enjoyed a nice view.
Carl and I were able to go out a few times, while the boys had fun with Bonnie Mom and Grandpa. We got to go out on the boat and eat at a few of our favorite restaurants. I think my favorite dinner was at Louie's. The food was good and the view was amazing.
Evan had a great time snorkeling and playing in the tide pools. He loves all the sea life!
We went to Fort Zachary Taylor to explore the fort and enjoy the beach. Preston really loves the fort and he had a great time running around and playing. While we were walking, we found two painted rocks, which are meant to be found and then hidden again. Evan was really excited about it. We hid one rock on Key West and we brought the other rock home to hide here! We had fun swimming and the boys also liked playing with all the rocks.
Evan had fun catching this lizard. He set a record for lizard catching on this trip!
We all enjoyed lunch at the beach. A popsicle was the perfect way to cool down!
Carl and Evan saw two eagle rays while walking on White Street Pier one afternoon. We are getting good at seeing rays in Key West. We used to be good at seeing manatees on our trips. Maybe we will see one on our next trip!
We had fun fishing. The pier we usually use is closed, so we had to try a new place. We only caught two fish, so we will have to try a new place next time. The sunset was beautiful!
The boys love to sit with Bonnie Mom and Grandpa, as well as the dogs. I love the picture with all of them together!
Bonnie Mom took Evan out on the paddle board with Lola. They had a great time, but Evan wanted to learn to paddle board too. He was SO good at it! By the end of the first day, he could not only paddle board better than any of the adults, but he could also do cartwheels and back flips!
I enjoyed paddle boarding too! I did it by myself a few times and Bonnie Mom took me for a ride too!
Preston let Daddy take him for a ride and he was able to stand up! That was pretty impressive for a five year old!
Evan, Preston and I went on a dolphin encounter! It was really cool! We go to shake hands with the dolphins, have them copy our movements and even swim with the dolphins! I had so much fun and I REALLY liked watching the boys interact with the dolphins. I would love to do it again sometime! It was such a wonderful experience!
While we were in Key West, we had family pictures taken. Overall, I was a bit disappointed in the images. I was a bit sad about that, since I was really hoping to get some beautiful pictures at the beach. Thankfully, there were a few decent ones and I was able to edit them some too. I am grateful that we did get some good pictures, but I am hopeful to get gorgeous beach pictures one day!
