Kristen McLane

Posted by Kristen McLane on April 7th, 2006 in Travel

Our Florida trip was amazing.  Megan said that her best part was "missing all the cold days in Michigan."  Paul’s best part was the alligators.  Megan actually held a baby alligator and all of us including Paul pet the alligator’s back.  There was not much to not like about the vacation.  The "sunshine state" did not dissapoint us…it was in the high 70’s to 80’s the entire time.  We enjoyed being together as a  family.  The kids were patient and were for the most part flexible allowing mom & dad’s sense of adventure to take over.  Here is a quick recap of the week. 

Day one, Thursday: Arrive at Ft. Lauderdale Int’l Airport.  Hop into rental car and make way to downtown Ft. Lauderdale.  Find a beach.  Find a hotel for the night.  Go back to beach! 

Day two, Friday: Head to Butterfly World.  Drive around to explore while we wait for check-in at the resort.  Check-in to resort and go swimming.  Megan is at home in the pool and by the end of the week Paul has conquered swimming "by himself" with his life jacket on.  He celebrates by chanting "swim, swim, swim" for the next hour while not allowing anyone to help him. 

Day three, Saturday: Hollywood Beach, more car exploration.  More swimming at the pool. 

Day four, Sunday:  Visit church…not a bad sermon but very long service.  Very tired children.  Return to resort.  More swimming.  Coldstone for dinner.  Paul falls asleep around five and sleeps until the next morning.  Not even ice cream can lure him awake. 

Day five, Monday: Very annoying time share sales pitch.  Hop in car, drive with intent to explore Miami/SoBe, Little Havana.  Sidetracked by Florida Keys.  Gorgeous day.  Stop in Key Largo.  Glass bottom boat ride to view coral reef.  Many beautiful fish.  Also see dolphins, a sting ray, pelicans and more!  Dinner at The Fish House, an acclaimed seafood restaurant that still serves local "catch of the day".  I order coconut shrimp.  Best I’ve ever had.  Key lime pie for desert. 

Day six, Tuesday: Everglades adventure at the Billie Swamp Safari.  Drive the infamous "alligator alley" and see many, many alligators.  Also many birds.  Megan and Adam take an airboat ride.  Paul and I join up afterwards for the Critter Show. 

Day seven, Wednesday: Beach Day at Bill Baggs National Park at the southern tip of Key Biscayne.  Calm waters, quiet beach.  Lighthouse on the point.  Lunch in Little Havana.  Amazingly good Cuban food and pastries.  Stuffed our faces with the combo platters - rice, black beans, sweet plantains, yuca, beef, pork, chicken.  Mmmm.  Drive through Miami/SoBe area.  Pretty, but a little too snobby for my taste.  Worth it just to say I’ve been there.  Too tired to go swimming tonight. 

Day eight, Thursday:  Megan’s last request is to swim in the pool.  Plane doesn’t leave till dinnertime so we take our time in the pool before heading back to Hollywood beach for one last stroll down the beach.  Megan and Paul fill a sandpail  with seashells to take home.  Head to the airport.  Home again.