"Personally, I think I would make a great stripper!" 8/10 The End

[PrincessBetsy]

Excellent updates! The beach looks absolutely amazing! I could spend days just sitting outside there. I can't believe that you only paid $160 a night - what a bargin!

 

[Christy LOVES Disney]

whoa I'm gone for a week and I come back and have 3 updates....I'm liking this. Things have been so crazy over here with getting a new job, moving, driving from where i live now to where I'm going to move (2.5 hrs away),dang claims adjuster taking his sweet time to get back to me about my neighbor that ran into my car, getting my last things bought before we go to Disney and leaving and two days after I get back I start my new job. Next time I'm able to sit down and read you may be close to done. lol. I hope not but I'm enjoying your updates.

 

[Dizneydawn]

Chapter Twelve: "Key West or Bust - 1st Installment"

The Sunday we arrived was spent just simply lounging on the beach. We had sandwiches for lunch with chips and laid about in the hammock, walked the beach, used the snorkeling gear, realized it was too calm for any need for boogie boards and hoped not to get sunburned.

It was cool for that time of year (low 70's) but I knew the sun was closer than in Minnesota and talked to the kids about sunscreen.

Baylor knows to keep his leg in the shade (like in the picture of all the kids lying about in the chairs I posted - he had a towel on his leg) but Treyner assumes he will not get burned because he is so dark complected and Carsyn doesn't listen. They think they can get away with the lower levels of sunscreen most of the time.

We headed to our room at about 3 p.m. when the place was available and everyone just unpacked and enjoyed the new digs. The menu that evening was spaghetti with garlic bread and Caesar salad.

Carsyn showered and began to notice that she was as red as a stop sign in many places. Her lower legs got the most damage. It looked a bit painful in fact.

She said, "I can't believe I got burnt."

Treyner said, "We all tried to tell you as you were sitting there that your legs were getting red."

Carsyn replied, "Man it hurts when you burn."

Baylor chimed in, "Tell me about it."

Taylor was just finally getting used to this loud bunch but she was quick to point out that we had all fried in some spots.

Me...

I looked like Freddy Kruger had attacked me.

I suck at lotioning myself. Never fails I miss some spots so this time my arms looked like I just placed lotion in my hands and quite literally slapped my hands in spots.

Tan on upper arms - then completely missed the inside of my elbow.

I need that kid spray lotion you can tell where you get and where you miss.

That night after dinner we were ready to get to bed early. The itinerary was Key West the whole next day and everyone was excited to go explore. I had hard boiled some eggs already so Creamed Eggs on Toast was requested for breakfast.

It is a specialty at this house and something we usually have for Holiday mornings or when the kids have friends over. Most people balk at the idea of it until they try it and then, finish a pan of eggs themselves.

I was up by about 5:30 a.m. the next morning and had the eggs ready to go right away plus a huge fruit bowl and yougurt.

Creamed eggs on toast is made to taste but here is the general recipe.

Take a dozen eggs, hard boil them (put a drizzle of oil in with the eggs while boiling for easy peeling)

In a heavy saucepan, melt a stick of salted butter with 3-4 tablespoons of flour - making a rue starter.

Then add 3 cups of milk (I use whole milk for this - otherwise it gets too thin and let's face it - if this is a treat - once in a while is not going to kill ya. )

Put the eggs through a slicer both ways - add to white sauce and S&P to taste.

If the sauce is too thick - add more milk. Too thin - add another tablespoon of flour to a tich of milk - stir and then add to sauce till your desired consistency is achieved.

Take bread of your choice - put in toaster and when done - place a ladle full of eggs over toast - sprinkle with paprika and voila - amazing!!!

Taylor had never had it before but was a good sport and tried it and enjoyed it.

We knew we had about an hour and a half drive ahead and started out about 9 a.m. Traffic was light, sun was out and we all just started out the window at the scenery. The farther south you drove, the clearer the water became.

I had not done any investigating for this trip more than just to know Key West was at the tip of the island chain. This was unusual for me but I also like spontaneity sometimes.

I knew we wanted to head to a beach. I knew Taylor and Carsyn wanted suntan oil and I wanted aloe. We drove into Key West in search of a CVS and upon finding one, I asked the women behind the counter how long they had lived in Key West.

They said they were locals.

I asked if they were going to go to the best beach on the island where would they head and they said, "Where tourist stuff is or where we go?"

I assured her I wanted to stay away from the tourist traps.

She said with a smile, "Fort Zachary Taylor State Park."

She pointed on a map they had where we needed to go and then explained where we wanted to spend the night, watching the sun set.

Sometimes, your best tour guides are not found in books or on the internet, but right in front of you, wherever you travel.

We were not far from Fort Zach and sure enough, found a secluded getaway that although had some people on the beach, was not full of spring breakers or the beach "fun" that money makers set up on the beach to get you to spend more money versus enjoying what God and nature created.

They had a great picnic area right when we walked in and a bath house to change into suits if needed.

It had been a few hours since breakfast at this point so the kids were hungry and we decided to just haul the coolers a short distance, eat, put them back in the van and then, enjoy the beach.

Ate sandwiches, chicken salad, grapes and whatever leftovers was still around.

Then, after feeding a few birds...

It was time to find a spot to put our toes in the sand.

Cont'd

 

[Christy LOVES Disney]

dang another update...i feel spoiled!

 

[lovealldisney]

They think they can get away with the lower levels of sunscreen most of the time.

Hmmm..... reminds me of my youth when I liked to slather up with baby oil and then spray myself down with water!!!

Ohhh the sun damage I must have!

 

[Dizneydawn]

"Key West or Bust Installment 2"

The shoreline and about five feet into the water was filled with shells and thus, hard to walk on with bare feet. We had only brought with water shoes from the snorkeling gear, and learned rule #1 - always bring your water shoes and always bring your snorkeling gear.

We just did not know what to expect.

So in pairs, we swam in the water and Treyner, Baylor & Taylor went out to the rocks.

Carsyn was enjoying being Polly Polaroid this day and did not want to get her hair wet. She did tan with Taylor for awhile and the 2 of them I think became better friends that day with alone time as the boys spent time trying to drown one another.

Anyway - here is a bunch of pics she took.

Baylor and Treyner - before and after Treyner pushed Baylor in!

Taylor and Treyner:

Treyner was trying to convince Taylor it was not that cold!!!

At least he was nicer to Taylor and helped her back into the water vs shoving her like Baylor!!!

 

[mousetravel]

My nerves would be shot, watching them climb on those rocks!

Next time you pass through, I want to hitch a ride as a stowaway.
Looks like ya'll had so much fun!!!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

So in pairs, we swam in the water and Treyner, Baylor & Taylor went out to the rocks.

sounds like a rock band or a law firm! Or a tongue twister. I'm not sure I could say that out loud easily.

Carsyn replied, "Man it hurts when you burn."

Baylor chimed in, "Tell me about it."

Good one Baylor! LOL!

The beaches look just beautiful! I love the place you found to stay in Marathon! The idea of that much space, and bedrooms etc sounds good to me!! And what a great price you found! I hope someday to get down to the Keys!

 

[katejay]

I love this TR! Thanks for all the updates.. I have never been to the Keys, it looks beautiful and the beach pictures remind me of Hawaii.
I am enjoying reading along about all of your adventures.

 

[Dizneydawn]

"Key West or Bust Installment 3"

Baylor, Dan and I

By about 3 p.m. - we were done with the sun and wanted to go shop.

We could only shower using the outdoor rinse showers which does not give you much privacy to remove sand from your cracks. The bath houses were strictly changing rooms. No full wash for us.

Or shampoo for that matter. My hair is naturally curly so a ponytail was my only option and it is not attractive with salt encrusted in it.

We made the most of what we could and then, hit the town.

First though: A gross Story. WARNING!!! Not for the faint of heart!!!

Treyner had swallowed ocean water right before we left and needed to spit.

Now I get that. Not pleasant but everyone has had something gross they have needed to get rid of.

What he did though, was what I had an issue with.

He spit, out the window!!!

Because of course, why would you get a napkin as a disgusting, 19 year old, smelly, young man who has his gorgeous girlfriend with?

Not only did he spit out the window, but he did not calculate the speed we were traveling and so, you guessed it, he spit and it flew back on the rear window!!!

Right where Carsyn was sitting!

She freaked out, hurled a few well deserved curse words at him, drew her shade down so she did not have to look at it and then to end it all, called him a disgusting idiot!

Taylor whapped him on the shoulder for being just like her 21 year old brother.

Treyner said she should be happy for not being like her 21 year old sister. (Who does not exist BTW...)

When we stopped, I made him wash it off but Carsyn insisted on taking a picture to prove to everybody he is not always charming and fantastic as he schmoozes.

Baylor meanwhile, was laughing since it was not on his window! Dan and I could not believe he was not on his best behavior for Taylor.

On the same token, I thought at least she is seeing him for the good, the bad and the just plain ole stupid so if she choose to stay with him, she could not say he hid his real self from her.

So here is Treyner, with his spit, on the Booger.

The reason his shirt is pulled like that was we had just seen a bunch of muscle guys walk by and Taylor threatened to leave Treyner for them!


Next Up:

Duval Street!!

We found a few shirts and the Coach outlet! Taylor stocked up on some purses for her mom and her Mom's friends after calling to tell her of the deals!!

Soon we were hungry and it was off to Jimmy's!!

We decided to just get drinks and split 2 huge order's of Nacho's. Did not want to get over-stuffed.

We had such a great time there. Awesome waitress who moved down about a year before who shared what she liked about living in the Keys.

We had a relaxing meal and just laughed and laughed.

 

[njtinkmom]

Twin bed

See all the makings of a fine vacation are present: Deodorant, ipod, toothbrush, cell phone charger.... what more could you ask for!!!

Great updates Miss Dawn - you are the best!!!

 

[njtinkmom]

Seriously, the pictures of your family including Taylor are amazing. That is so good that Treynor does not try to pretend to be something he is not, if you can't be yourself with someone they are not worth being with. Taylor does seem to be as beautiful on the inside as outside. Her prom dress is stunning. Carsyn has such a great smile - it always looks the same - all of the kids are so photogenic! You should be one proud mama!!

 

[Dizneydawn]

"Key West or Bust" Installment 4

Now I want you guys to pay attention to the picture behind Dan and I in the next shots.

Now my son's started talking about a picture behind me, saying it looked like someone from a movie. Said they could not figure out what movie.

I kept turning my head to look at the picture, actually told them I thought it did look like someone from a movie. They kept telling me it was not who I thought, look harder...etc...etc.

This probably happened 4 or 5 times.

I am a moron.

Finally, I whipped my head back, facing the brats, in time to see them with their straws in my drink.

I, being a nice mother and encouraging their artistic diversity, was trying to see Jimmy Buffet looking like someone else they were describing.

Only to find out the friggin jerks, were only using my oblivious nature, to steal my nun hooch.

It was a virgin Starwaberry Daquiri, but they had finished theirs and since I am a slow drinker, they figured they could have mine too!!!

The whole table, minus me was in on it. I punched Dan in the gut and he almost pee'd.

Serves him right.

He could not even talk he was laughing so hard. Tears at my gullibility were streaming down his face.

The part that makes me the most mad, is now, I can't think of who I thought Jimmy looked like.

Here is the Jerks with the Evidence:

Then: Came the Nacho's!!!

Up Next: Shopping and Sunsets!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Too funny!!


Dawn - you must be feeling better! You are an UPDATING QUEEN today!! Loving all the beautiful and fun pictures!

 

[YukiPhnx]

You're updating at the speed of light! I barely have time to comment before a new one pops up!

Oh my gosh..... I can FEEEEL the sun! Feels so niiiiice

 

[Dizneydawn]

Too funny!!


Dawn - you must be feeling better! You are an UPDATING QUEEN today!! Loving all the beautiful and fun pictures!

I actually have been in bed all day. Between sleeping - posting because usually I am busy and have no time to get it done.

This infection is kicking my hind end and seeing the doc tom. if not any better.

It is no fun choosing between pain or vomit.

Percocet is not my friend.

 

[YukiPhnx]

Darn glitches!

 

[kandyk]

Those nachos look wonderful! Loving all the updates, keep em coming!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Sounds like you all just had the BEST time together. I love families that can have fun and relax Oh, and I HAVE to know where Taylor's black and white bathing suit is from. I LOVE it!!!!

 

[Disneymom77]

The CoCo Plum looks like a great resort! (even if the rooms do look like the set of 3's Company ). "Come and knock on our door, we've been waiting for you"