3 Island Hops Up - 2 Island Hops Back

After our last night in Key West it was time to start hopping back . . . one slight problem we didn't count on -- it was President's Day weekend which equals difficult to find vacancy!  We had reserved our night in Miami and our nights in Key West and were just "winging" it the other nights. . . we ended up having to drive to Key Largo for a night and then head back to Islamarado for the next so we could get another night in at the Iguana Condo. It was no biggy and ended out working just fine.

 The boys got to do some night swimming in Key Largo.

 Kyler caught, and tamed a Key Largo Lizard.

Evan found a chick in the hot tub . .  this was under Kerry's supervion, not mine!

 Then we headed back toward the Iguana Condo and spent the day at the Theater of the Sea - another favorite from our last trip!

 All three of the boys got picked to throw a ring on the Sea Lion.

I told you we would be back!  It was time to get to spread out a little and see our friends again!

 That is MY hand inches from the giant lizard!  I didn't get to touch it because it didn't like me - kept whipping it's tail at me!  oh-well I tried!

We ate at Mangrove Mikes . . . voted best breakfast in Islamarada and it's been on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives!

Back and forth between Islands is what Island Hopping is all about!  Our last official day is coming up . . it deserves it's own post!

Closer to CUBA than a Walmart!

Seriously, over 90 miles to the nearest Walmart . . . that doesn't happen very often when you live in NWA! We had some "work" to do in Key West - we had to get some things checked off our vacation checklist!  Here is our southernmost point pic . .  not perfect - but better than last time!  It's kind of stressful - there's a line, you have the stranger in line behind you take the pic, you get flustered, feel like you have to be quick because others are waiting . . . but here it is!

The Pirate Museum was first on the boys list, but sadly it's not there anymore!  So, they settled for the Ripley's Believe it or Not.  I heard they had fun . . . I went shopping:)!  I heard lots of cool stories about the cool stuff in there - I however, LOVE my new Key West earrings I splurged on -- all were happy!

The Key West Aquarium was a favorite last time and this time!  We had a two day pass and completely got our moneys worth!  It's very hands on and the boys LOVED it and learned alot!

 Yes, that is Kerry on the Conch Train, check!  We all ended up riding it -- Kyler, Evan and I got off at the first stop and headed back to the resort for some swimming and lounging while Kerry and Jayden finished it up.

 They went up to the top of the lighthouse.

 We explored the streets and restaurants of Key West each evening.

 This was the boys favorite street performer - he is playing the drums on buckets . . the boys are pretty good tippers, too!  This guy recognized us on our second night to stop and watch:)

Key West was great!  But, it's time to hop back up to the mainland . . . and have some more fun along the way!

Resort Life

After some Island hopping we took our last hop south . .  Key West!  Our next few days were spent living some WONDERFUL resort lifestyle!  Kerry had researched our accomodations for these nights and he picked the perfect spot in Key West . . . Casa Marina.  Ahhh . . . just saying the name relaxes me:)

You could easily drop your bags here and stay for weeks with no need (or want) to leave!  Beachside with private beaches, two pools, seaside restaurant and 2 private piers . .  . not to mention the historically beautiful casa!  I should have taken some pictures of the inside of the building because it was gorgous - huge arched windows with mahogany wood work and dark wook floors and smelt of coffee beans and banana leaves and a gorgeous staircase fitting for any bride.  The boys favorite part on the inside was the tiny elevator - built for President Trumans wheelchair - all five of us in it was like packing sardins!

Poolside ping pong tournament.

Behind the boys is the ocean and to the front the Casa - beaches and pools on either side.

Hammocks beachside.

Stairs off the pier into the ocean.

Seaside dining for breakfast.

 Beach combers.

 There are no waves in Key West because there is a reef five miles out, so there are no natural sandy beaches - all the sand is brought in from Miami.  It makes for a really neat coastline . .  flat rock where hundreds of shelled sea creatures collect . . . perfect for Pitts boy exploring!

 This is the Casa coming up from the beach.

 The view from my poolside lounge chair.  I could have lounged pool and beachside for days!  Pool boys would set up your towels for you, bring cucumbers and mist and frozen eucolyptos towels while you lounge.  Food, drinks and even sunglass cleaning all without having to leave the comfort of your lounge chair!  HEAVEN!

On Sunday morning we took a snorkeling trip - leaving from the pier.

The boat took us about 5 miles out to the reef.

I was really unsure about all this -- I mean, I have never been "for real" snorkeling myself and here we are dumping into the ocean with the kids!  I had them put all that garb on Evan and he sheaded it after 2 minutes in the water!  It was really neat and I think I will enjoy it better the next time because now I know what to expect!  The boys did perfectly!  The captain had to keep telling me to look DOWN -I was always sticking my head up and checking on the kids instead of looking at the ocean floor! 

Well, it's official- we LOVE resort living -- BUT - guess what, we are in KEY WEST and there is lots to do outside of the resort, too!!!