Key Largo

Went to Publix in morning…  shocking.

Had a later start than usual on the water.  We first tied up at Molasses Reef – but it was pretty rough.  Mom & Dad went diving for 10 mins; too strong of current so we decided to leave.

Ended up back at Dry Rocks, Ball 1

Mom and dad had a good dive and I had a really good snorkel.  I found a weight belt and once dad got back; he went down and got it.

We then floated around near Pennekamp and ate lunch.

On our way back I took a lot of photos of mangroves for mom (for school).

After we got ‘home’, we all took naps.

Key Largo

We decided to have a land day.

Had breakfast at Doc’s Diner

It’s really good!!

Then we made another stop at Diver’s Direct.  It’s addicting.

Got some veggies at the farmer’s market.

Hit West Marine for some boat repair stuff and took dad back for a nap.  Mom and I went back out to check out this cool pottery place.  Then of course we went to Publix; something that is done daily and is highly annoying.  It’s called ‘lack of planning’.

Mom and I took our chairs, beers and books to “South Beach” and soaked up some rays.

In the evening, we had finally convinced dad to take the puppies out for a cruise.  He was convinced they would hate the boat because Madison and Rizon hated it.  Well, there is only one way to find out!

They were a little scared at first, but then totally loved it!!!


***Disclaimer***
Four-legged children, just like the two-legged breed, should always wear life jackets while on the water.  Unfortunately, I got the wrong size and we broke the rules on this trip.  Do not try this at home.

I made a video; but I am having issues compressing it down to a file size small enough to post.  I have posted it on YouTube; hoping this works!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0I9HWtsFLQ&feature=youtu.be

Key Largo

Since it was rather windy in the early morning, we decided to just float around in the back bay starting mid-morning.

Therefore, dad and I went to a couple of dive shops to get some of the dive gear repaired.  And I got a new snorkel.  Mom had been using mine and had chewed the mouthpiece all up.

We eventually got the boat ready and headed out.

We floated around in the back bay for about an hour, then went to lunch at Sundowners.  Which we found last year is very good.

I had a couple of the Key Lime Pie martinis.  I discovered those last summer.  Mmmm!

After lunch, we went back out and floated some more.  Each of us getting in a nice nap.

Headed back in the late afternoon.  Ugh!  SO HOT!

All showered and took naps.

It was a breezy evening, so we spent time out on the dock.

Then once the mosquito trucks came by (spraying), we came inside so the puppies wouldn’t breathe in the chemicals.

Each summer, dad and I catch up on our CSI and Law & Order episodes.  Never fails, at least one of the stations has marathons during these weeks every year. 

Key Largo

Got up early with the pups.  Took them out and then fed them.  We give them playtime on the patio until around 6:30, then we tie them up outside while we prep the boat.

We headed back to Dry Rocks.  Today we tied off on Ball #5.

Mom and dad went diving.  I held down the fort while they were out.  It was really hot, so I had to break the rules a few times and get in the water.  I always make sure I hang on to a rope that is connected to the boat though.  (While there are diver’s in the water, someone is supposed to stay on the boat).

Such a wonderful day!

It always amazes us at how stupid people are.  But then again, they probably don’t know better.  There are just too many people on this “dive boat”

Plus, it’s a pretty small boat to be out this far.  I would have been puking halfway out!

On the way back, we stopped because we thought we saw dolphins.  

Nope, those are nurse sharks frolicking.

Grrr!!  This trip had been shark free for me until this point.  Granted, they don’t freak me out as much since we are in the boat and they are in the water.  But it’s just the fact that they are in the water!!

After lunch, we all took naps.

In the evening we went to Diver’s Direct because dad needed to look for some stuff to make repairs on the some of the dive gear.

It was a nice night on the dock…  until the skeeters swarmed!

Key Largo

Dad is still in Ft Myers, so mom and I are car-less.  But that’s ok because we have bikes.

We ventured up to K-Mart for a few essentials and then back to do laundry.

While waiting on the clothes, we rode bikes around the park for a while.

In the afternoon we hit “South Beach”.  We pack a cooler with Miller Lite’s which I attach to my lawn chair.  We sit in our lawn chairs, in the water.  It’s the only way to survive the heat!

After a few hours of sunshine and reading, we went back and took naps.

It’s a rough life, but someone has to do it!

In the evening, I biked to Publix for some fresh produce for dinner.

We sat on the dock, reading until dad got back.  The mosquitoes are crazy bad this year.  

H&H are still struggling with “going”.  The only grass is by the pool, where they aren’t allowed.  Looking forward to next year when they will be trained and easier to deal with!

Key Largo

Happy Fathers Day!!

We went to mass this morning.

Afterwards, I made a big breakfast for us all.  

H&H like to compete for the air vents on the floor.  There is one in the dining room that they fight over.  I got the cutest shot ever of them today!

They spend most of their nap time on the vent.

Mom and I took a nice bike ride while dad napped.

In the afternoon, dad headed back to Ft Myers as he had some business to attend to.

Mom and I spent the late afternoon napping and reading.  Hmm…  seems to be a pattern here.

Hadrian continues to lay like Superman; which makes us all giggle!

Key Largo

Today we headed out to Dry Rocks and tied off at ball #8.  It was pretty rough so we didn’t stay all that long. 

Even so, life is grand when you get to see this day after day….

Instead we headed to the back bay where we spent a few hours floating around.

In the evening we were entertained by H&H

Another uneventful day in paradise!

Key Largo

Today was a “land day”.  Mom and I went to the Marriott Resort and hung out for a few hours.  Enjoyed basking in the early morning sun and then had lunch poolside before heading back to our place.

We took a few naps throughout the afternoon and read books.

This is what vacation is all about!!

We met up with the family in the evening for hot dogs & burgers.

Afterwards, chilled on the deck for awhile.

The puppies are testing our patience.  Since we are still potty training, they are having a rough time knowing where to “go” since there is not any grass here.  They also are getting up around 5am. 

Key Largo

Out early on the water.  We first stopped at Elbow Reef for a while.  It was ok.  It always takes me a while to get accustomed to the water again.  I am scared to death, so day one is always stressful for me.

Next we went to Dry Rocks.  Tied off at Ball #9.  We were close enough to see the Jesus statue.  Well, I had to swim quite a ways away from the boat, but Uncle Hugh went with me. 

Here are photos from our day…

Jesus

Jesus, Mom & Dad

Jesus and Cousin Rick

                                                      Dad (and Mom)

Mom

                              Cousin Devin and Me (wearing snorkel vest)

Me and Cousin Devin

All day it seemed no matter where we went, we had a stalker barracuda!

He was always under the boat or following one of us.

That evening, we all went to dinner at the Fish House.  Where I got into a confrontation with the servers because they wouldn’t allow me to eat off the kids menu. So my cousin had to order it for me (he’s 10) and then hand it across the table.  It was so mad.  What does it matter?  He ate an adult entrée, so the same amount of money was spent.  I don’t eat seafood; so the kids menu had options for me.

Whatever.

Keys - Day 1

Columbus > Miami > Key Largo

Due to the insanely quick turnaround from my 3-week work trip – to my vacation – I am going on about 1hour of sleep this morning.

I had a 2.5 hour window to sleep in.  But I slept in 10-15 minute segments that totaled maybe an hour.  

It’s funny…  people always say, “I bet you can’t wait to get home and sleep in your own bed”    Actually, no, I dread it.  I can’t sleep at home.  

Got to the airport with plenty of time to spare, so I got a bagel.

Once on board the plane, I ate my bagel and washed it down with a vodka cranberry.  And then settled in….  ahhh…  1.5 hour nap!

In Atlanta, I felt like I had been hit by a truck.

Got on plane to Miami and settled back in.

I am certain I snored like crazy.  But I don’t care.

Another 1.5 hour nap…  yah!!

Once in Miami, I got my bags and headed to National to get my car and then set out on the drive to Key Largo.

Unfortunately, Linda’s maps are so outdated, they were all wrong due to the constant Miami construction.  Add in the fact that her lifeline wasn’t working in either jack.  So it took me a bit to get headed in the right direction.  Thankfully, I have done it enough times, I have a general idea.

Once in Key Largo, I was greeted by my darling little brothers who had just gotten up from a nap.  Oh my how they have grown in 3 weeks!

Soon after, my family got back from their dive trip.

Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, his wife, kids and my parents.

That evening we all gathered down at my Aunt & Uncle’s place for taco bags – yum!

My friends Cliff & Boo taught me about taco bags.  You take lunch size bags of Doritos and fill them with all your taco toppings, grab a fork and dig in!

Puppies loved playing with the cousins!

The place where we stay in Key Largo is rather small.  My bedroom is way to small to even change clothes in.  I attempted to sleep in the built in bunk beds last summer, but failed.  I would roll over and slam into the wall.  Plus, there isn’t room for a TV in there.

So I sleep on an Aerobed in the living room.  Well, the puppies crate is also in there, so it’s a tight fit to say the least!