Meet The Parents

One of the reasons I love Florida is...THAT PEOPLE WILL VISIT YOU! Obviously our families will come visit us anywhere we live but Florida makes the long flight worth it I think (ha). SJ had his big national sales meeting up in Orlando all week and my parents were wanting to escape the snow. I say it was a win-win (although we missed Shaun our entertainment). I loved this one-on-one time with my parents. They had been here a few times last year so we were trying to do things they haven't done yet. That included an overnighter in Key West. I love Key West! The drive is long gorgeous, you feel like it is a vacation because you are far enough away from home, so many AMAZING places to eat, and the town is just CUTE (except at night when the homeless drunks come out).

We haven't been able to find a place that tops The Parrot Key Hotel. They have these adorable little villas. The contrast of the turquoise and white colors are my favorite. The grounds and pools are gorgeous as well (no I don't work for them--just like talking about their hotel apparently).

We went to the Hemingway house while we were there. When Shaun and I went last year we passed on this so it was cool to see. I love old historic houses that they haven't changed or restored yet (so the Georgia plantations treated me well!!). The backyard/pool area was adorable. There were cats EVERYWHERE. I guess Ernest Hemingway loved them and had a bunch that would roam around, so they continue to be everywhere. Even on his bed. I hate cats but I was just so amazed at how many there were. People probably thought I was some cat lady because I kept taking their pictures (no really, I hatehate cats. I don't even know why I'm posting them on here).

We tried Pepe's cafe which is the oldest restaurant in Key West. And let's just say it LOOKED like the oldest restaurant in Key West. The food was surprisingly good though. 

Speaking of food, I wanted to write these down somewhere so I know the next time I go there. 

My absolute favorite places to eat are:

-Duetto Pizza and Gelato (the nicest Italian family owns this place. Highest rated Gelato)

-Paseo Restaurant (no idea that I would enjoy Caribbean food this much. Famous for their corn on the cob which they cover with so many different delicious toppings) 

-La Creperie (very charming little french crepe cafe. Their crepe's are huge)

-Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe (chocolate covered key lime pie. And we even tried all three key lime pie shop's while we were there so we know what's up!)

Front St.
Key West

Bonita Beach

Marco Island

Marco Island

Dad Visits

I have been feeling so grateful to have my Dad visit this past week. It has been amazing spending some much needed time together. I have definitely missed that the past couple years living so far away. He has always been good at spending quality time with his children. Even in college he would come into the restaurants I was working at on his lunch break to eat lunch together. I loved that. Getting thisweek with him was such a dream!

Between all the ice cream runs, movies, alligator hunting, nature walks, spring training baseball games and beach trips...it's safe to say we are all ready for a 24 hour nap. 

Bonita Beach.

The tri-selfie.

Gator hunting airboat.

Spring training baseball.

the special-ist of days.

My Dad is celebrating

this special day for him

in his own style.

Of course he is 

on our cruise with Mom.

But that doesn't mean we're not celebrating him back at home.

Let me tell you about my best guy;

 Always having a spare jacket when I refuse to bring mine after being told 4 times that it's going to be freezing when we get there. 

Leaving for events hours before they start so to not be "rushed" and to get parking on time. It always ends up being worth it.

Holding a prop for every picture.

Countless times of hearing "just take my car" without even having to ask.

Always having to have at least one more carton of milk in the fridge for back up. In high school, (my friends can verify this) I would get a text that would say swing by the grocery store and get two milks on the way home. Still doing that to this day. Last week as a matter of fact!

Always making sure you bring a hat and load up on sunscreen.

The advice giver.

The glue to your family and the leader to ours.

Marathon runner.

My bishop as a teenager.

Fathers are the biggest blessings.
Someone to always look up to in a family, to always laugh with and tell things to.

One of the best experiences that I will hold close forever is having my Dad with me every step of the way on my big wedding day. He was so calm that day which helped that day be even better. His face in the temple, his laugh throughout the day, his beautiful words at the luncheon, and our dance. Those few minutes were so special to me and filled of emotion. I think I get my emotional side from my Daddy, and I love it. He's my biggest rock that knows all. Running things by him is one of my favorite things because I know he has great things to say. He's the leader of our family, my so so amazing family. Dad, you did a great job! I love you.

Papa's Art Gala

Zions Bank hosted a big Art show which consisted of a bunch of amazing artists and their work on each floor and to go along with that there was also different restaurants and "genera's of food"on each as well. So for the food alone, it was definitely worth it! {oink, oink}

Dad was one of the hosts and we sure were proud of him! It was a major success. Thousands showed up throughout the night. 

(probably for the food?)

I had plans with Brit that night and so that worked out perfectly since she is a sophisticated art history buff, she fit right in. 

..and I mean RIGHT in..