The epic Laschen adventure to Florida began on Tuesday night with us heading to the airport in a 10 person van. Thomas was "too excited to sleep" so he was operating on overtired adrenaline and was happy when it was finally time to head to the airport. We thought we had a great plan by getting to the airport extra early so we could get through security, get the kiddos ready for bed and then let them burn some energy. We even thought it might be time to start off the vacation with a few cocktails for the Mama and Dada!
Once we arrived at the airport security line we knew something was up. All of a sudden the line kept getting longer and Mike said "they aren't letting anyone through." Shortly thereafter we were notified of a security breach and that no one else was being allowed into or out of the airport. Boo! All ended up being ok but waiting in line with 2 over tired kiddos kept us on our toes and without that said vacation beer/cocktail. Once through security we quickly made it to our plane and we were boarding and off in about 15 minutes. Whew!
This was our first red-eye trip and it proved to be a little more challenging than a typical flight. Thomas initially fell asleep before we even took off, but then woke a few times scared about where he was. Once settled he was able to get approximately 5 hours of sleep :-(. Elin slept the whole flight and all the way to the car rentals so she was able to get about 7 hrs of sleep. Mike and I figured we maybe got 2 hours, 3 at the most, blah, it was a long night. However, we made it in one piece and we had successfully flown from the northwest corner to the southwest corner of the country with relative ease.
Florida was inviting, warm and humid at 7 a.m. and the sun was shining!
We got our rental car and decided that we would do our best to get on Eastern time and push the kids through a stop at the Seaquarium, as we couldn’t check into the hotel until 4 p.m. As soon as we started to drive both kiddos started to snooze. After a quick discussion of pros and cons, we decided there was no turning back and it was dolphin and fish time.
We got to the Seaquarium and slathered on the sun screen before heading in to see what we could. First stop was the dolphins who were having blood samples taken. After the kiddos watched the animals up close for a few minutes and then we moved along. Heading to see the manatees, parrots, turtles and then returning back for the dolphin show. 
Elin and I found a spot and started to watch the show. About 3 minutes in, the dolphins came right in front of Elin and I and we got a huge splash in the face, I had apparently picked the wrong spot to be. Elin was not a fan, not going to lie, I wasn’t either but tried to show her it was all ok. As the salty water dripped down our faces, in our mouths, and everywhere else another dolphin jumped, I tried to duck behind the wall, but we still weren’t spared from getting another big splash. By this point, Elin was shrieking and I was doing my best to ditch and head towards Thomas and Mike, who were on the other side of the theatre and happily dry. Pretty sure the rest of the show, every time a dolphin jumped Elin was certain she was going to get doused with water, we however had made it to a water free zone. She would hold on for dear life and start to whimper, poor girl, she may have even uttered a few “nos.” Thomas on the other hand was all about heading down to the front to get big splashes. The dolphin show was over fairly quickly and we moved along to see the sea lions, feed them and find the crocodiles.
After lunch we caught another quick dolphin show and then went to see the Orca show before heading to our hotel. The kiddos were so tired and were asleep in the car before we left the parking lot. Mike and I had a peaceful drive down to Key Largo, slamming Coke’s to try to keep ourselves awake.
By the time we were headed home both kids had fallen asleep in the car, it was a long travel and adventure day.
Morning number 2 in Key Largo had headed over to Robbie’s Marina to see and feed the tarpon. Mike was skeptical, Thomas and I were super excited, and Elin was indifferent. Once we arrived, Mike and Thomas both lit up. It was a crazy wild adventure. The tarpon were HUGE! Thomas was tossing in the fish left and right. The next best thing was that the bait was not hugely over priced, so you actually got 8 or so fish for $3. 
After we ran out of money to feed the tarpon, we grabbed lunch before heading to the “Cabela’s of Key Largo.” Thomas got his first fishing pole and could not wait to go fishing. We had one more stop before that would happen. 
Right before our trip we started to notice that Elin really loves seeing birds. Every time she sees them she starts to squeak and excitedly says “bird,” which sounds like “bi(r) b” So for she and I we stopped at the Wild Bird Sanctuary. What a cool, yet equally tragic facility. Great that these birds are alive and doing well, sad that there is a need for so many birds to be helped from accidents that are for the most part preventable. Quick educational piece, when throwing away trash make sure to get it into the garbage. If you see it when out on a walk or hike, help it find the trash bin, every little bit helps. When fishing, make sure to clean up your extra line and dispose of hooks and line properly. Every little step we make in doing things the right way, both teaches others to do the same and also makes the world a kinder and healthier place to live. Once step at a time. Elin, Thomas and I particularly liked the talking parrot. 
Friday morning we got up, took out a canoe for a little stroll around the resorts waterfront, had a quick walk around the resort and then packed up. We were off on an epic across Florida adventure to meet up with the Laschen Family. 
If your still reading, stay tuned for the next portion of our Florida adventure!
No comments:
Post a Comment