If there’s one thing our family is good at, it’s spontaneity. In fact, we are much more likely to do something when asked last minute than to put it on our schedule months in advance because long term commitments scare us. When my dad asked me a few weeks ago if the kids and I wanted to come to Key West with him, I said it probably wouldn’t work out. But then he asked me again two days before he left, sweetening the deal with “I asked your sister, and she just got a ticket–she’s flying down tomorrow morning,” and the spontaneity thrilled me. So I made a few calls, arranged to bring some school work with us and then I pulled the kids out of school for three days to give the Internet Debbies something to talk about over coffee. I’m nice like that.
Key West is a five hour drive, and once the I-75 part is complete, it’s actually quite pleasant–a simple highway connected by numerous bridges and little beach towns sprinkled with old school motels, charming restaurants and tourist signs that lure passersby into shell shops and scuba dive bookings and dolphin excursions. The road ends at Mile 0…Key West.
We haven’t been to Key West in years–since Nella was a baby–so it was fun to come back and see how it’s changed. Really, when we return to these kind of places, we’re seeing how we’ve changed though.
Bikes have replaced strollers.
My dad loaded up six bikes and a bike trailer in his minivan, and I wouldn’t do Key West again without a bike. We biked along the ocean, through town, four miles to breakfast, four miles back, to the playground…and this one did it all, without complaint, on this itty bitty bike with training wheels.
Key West Favorites include…
Blue Heaven. Always Blue Heaven. We spent an entire morning there, playing ping pong, drinking mimosas, searching for cats and chickens…
This cat was a meanie. It’s all cute and fun until the cat scratches your eyes out.
Nella stayed glued to my sister to the point I had to ask my sister if she needed a break (she didn’t). I love how kids know their family–even if they don’t see them a lot.
And why yes, that is a small dog in a baby sling.
In other news, I finally found a donut to rival the best one I’ve ever eaten at Dough in Tampa…Glazed Donuts on Eaton Street, sweet Lord in heaven.
We balanced our few Go, Do, See! adventures with a lot downtime which was just what we needed.
…and managed to squeeze in one sunset at Mallory Square.
A people-watching dinner at Amigo’s…
I’ll never forget these decisions to pick up and go, to make the memories, to swap classroom math for life math.
And for anyone who doesn’t want to drive as far as Key West, Islamorada is closer and so full of charm. We stopped on our way home, and I tucked it away as the next place we want to explore. Until next time…
Wonderful trip and yes swipe the books for a spontaneous trip.♥
Often our snap decisions turn out to be some of the best ones we make! So glad you had this wonderful family time – unexpected makes it all the sweeter!!
How fun. Adorable photos. I’m a spur-of-the-moment gal too!
This line cracked me up . . .”to give the Internet Debbies something to talk about over coffee.” Ha!! 😀
We have been to Islamorada and Key West every year on our trip to Marathon!! Blue Heaven in KW is the best!!
Oh my word!!!!! Love it!!! Such a sweet getaway!!! I love how close your family is! And I LOVE Nella’s adorable pink shirt and jeans!!! So priceless!
As a teacher, I always encourages trips over schoolwork! What they learn on these adventures far exceed traditional classroom learning. We have learned that in high school, such excursions are no longer feasible with the coursework so enjoy while you can!
Family time is priceless, love that you make these trips a priority. And can I also say that I need you and your sister to style my next vacation wardrobe? You are both adorable!
We honeymooned in Islamorada❤️❤️Love it
Nella is so cool. Look at those outfits!!
I’m stuck on the sandbox, on the sand. At the beach.
What an awesome adventure, your kids will always remember that time mom said yes!
Internet Debbies. Haha!
Your comment about the Debbies made me laugh, good one!
We recently traveled from NY to Savannah and my daughter skipped three days from school but oh boy, the memories we made. Her teacher is so nice she asked for photos so that when my daughter got back to class she was allowed to do a small presentation with those photos and talked about her trip to the south.
I love the picture where your family is sitting at the taco place.
Key West is my favorite place! I have two brothers and none of us have come home without a relationship upgrade. One brother came back with a girlfriend, one came back engaged and I came back married! I love everything about it.
Okay, that’s hilarious!
Which Barbie did Nella have when you and she were walking in the 6th to last picture?
She’s new. I don’t think she’s been named yet…maybe’s she’s studying her personality first. Ha!
What fun!! We’re going to Key Wedt next week for the first time, and we’ll definitely try Blue Heaven!
Internet Debbies! AH! That line was worth this entire blog post!
this adventure looks wonderful. We could all stand to be a bit more spontaneous and shoot for “yes” whenever possible. I’m now wondering how to do that myself with my version for a 4 year old and baby. I can’t even imagine what the internet Debbies say to you.