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

Martha

We joke with Mom that her new sport is decorating. The house transforms with every holiday. I don't mean just the normal (almost cheesy) decorations you can buy. We're talking starting from scratch. She makes mostly everything have her own touch. She paints, glues, mode podges, and puts together three different things to make nothing come together into something brilliant. My favorite this past year has been, like I've said before, her table settings. Growing up, dinner as a family was a huge deal. We were always home from our friends house or after school activity by dinner time so we could always have it as a family. It makes it a lot more fun when you have a gorgeous table to sit at. I feel like I'm at Martha Stewart's home every time I come visit. Way to go Mama!

I have told myself that I am stealing every last one of those reindeer napkin holders.
Ps she just modge-podge tartan fabric onto chargers. They turned out amazing!

Canyon that is Grand.

Tuesday morning, a spontaneous girls trip down south was thrown together.

My Mom and I have never seen the Grand Canyon--and since we both have a lot of time, it worked out well. I love last minute---throw your bag in the car---kind of road trips.

We took full advantage of the tripod on this trip.

We made it down in time to attend a session at the St George temple.
I love all of the history and the old look in there. Sometimes it's non-existant in these new modern built temples.
But nonetheless, everywhere I attend, the spirit touches me the same.

Although at the time, it was very frustrating and comical hauling around the tripod through those narrow walkways and having people wait for you. . .IT WAS THE BEST DECISION!

It was a successful girls trip. So glad my Mom had the idea and we were able to do a Mother/Daughter trip with me currently living across the country.