On July 12, 2019 my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Instead of heading off on some romantic getaway, they were gracious and generous enough to bring along their children and grandchildren to help them celebrate. The love they show to each other and those around them is a wonderful example for all of us! I hope that Tony and I have that same sparkle in our eyes 26 years from now! On our last night in Florida, Mom and I sat on the beach with our toes in the powdery, white sand and watched the sunset. Mom looked at me and said, “This vacation has been eerily perfect!” I pray that our family remembers that perfection when we are sad to be miles apart. I pray that we remember that perfection when we encounter hiccups in life. I pray that we always treasure these perfect memories!
We began our adventure in Key West. None of us had ever been, so it was fun exploring a new place together!
Our first dinner was at A&B Lobster House where manatees were swimming right behind us.
Our first excursion was on Sea-Doo's around the islands.
From the looks of it, Tony won this game.
We celebrated Clay's birthday at Louie's Backyard. Absolutely the best dinner we had in Key West! Every single person loved their meal!
Dad took us out for a round of golf at Key West Golf Club.
Blue Heaven: A "must do" in Key West.
Mom and her girls
Dad with his clan
We tried Key Lime Pie at every restaurant. We all agreed on our LEAST favorite, but there were varying opinions on the favorite place for Key Lime Pie.
We began our last night in Key West at Sloppy Joe's. Let the dancing begin!
We moved on to Mallory Square for the Sunset. It was the first time during the week that we made it there for sunset. It certainly produced a perfect one!
After Mallory Square, we moved over to Sunset Pier for Music and Dancing.
We finished the night with dinner at B.O.'s Fish Wagon.
I loved that we could walk/bike every place we went!
A few of us made it down to the Southernmost Point in the Continental US. It was the only time there wasn't a line!
After several fun days in Key West, Marty took on us on an excursion up to Orlando in his parent's RV. Bless him for having me as a passenger!
We made it to our hotel just in time for sunset!
Our first day was spent at SeaWorld. It was Mom and Dad's actual anniversary, so they opted to do something a little more romantic.
The three that dared to ride Mako.
Micah waving to the crew that rode Journey to Atlantis.
The next day we ALL made our way to Magic Kingdom!
Recreating a moment from about 40 years ago!
Ellis riding Splash Mountain in 2009...I LOVE it, so had to include it!
Ellis not wanting to recreate the photo in 2019!
What I love about this photo is the conversation that Hannah Grace said went on between Micah and Dad: "Papa, hold my hand." Dad replied, "Buddy, you are going to have to just hold my arm." Dad was a trooper, but I don't think we will ever get him on Splash Mountain again! The same goes for Micah!
Hannah Grace getting a kick out of the two sitting next to her!
Dancing on Main Street with Mickey and the gang!
PhilharMagic: one of my favorite's!
Looks like a serious conversation was happening here.
When the kiddos were little, Dad would call and talk to them in his Mickey and Donald Duck voices. Pictures were a must!
After Micah met Mickey and Minnie, he said it was the best day ever!
LOVE!!!
It was a pretty magical day!
We made our way back to 30A and the perfection continued!
The water was perfect for skim boarding!
Surprisingly, I did not get a picture of the sunset that evening. I did, though, capture the fireworks that our neighbors displayed....
...and this photo of Mom and Micah watching the fireworks. Oh, and yes, the moon. A PERFECT end to our vacation!
