Key West Memories

This month we had a most memorable family vacation with Grammy over spring break. On the morning of Justin’s birthday we headed to the airport.

As a surprise for Justin’s 40th, I upgraded him to first class. We landed in Miami around 9 AM and starting driving south. Around 1pm we got our home for the week, named The Family House. Key West was a wonderful vacation destination with lots of water activities and resturants. We enjoyed a walk down Duval Street to Mallory Square where street enteratainers perform as the sun goes down. The next day we took a train ride to see the island and went snorkeling at Fort achery Taylor State Park. The next day we enjoyed a snorkeling trip to the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, six miles off the coast. The swells were high and half our boat was sea sick (including Justin and Laurel.) But all bounced back in time to enjoy lunch at No Name Pub. That evening we went on a relaxing sunset cruise. The next day was the highlight of the trip for Laurel and Owen. It was a total tourist package but so well done- It was called FURY's Ultimate Adventure. It included breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Kayaking, Climbing and jumping of an inflatable rock climbing wall.

We filled in down town hanging out at the pool at our house. Some memorable restaurants included Martin’s Tapas Restaurant and Blue Heaven. On the way back to the airport we stopped off at a most beautiful beach, Bahia Honda State Park.

Happy Birthday Justin

Happy Birthday Justin Last night we hosted a fun party to celebrate Justin’s 40th. He has such nice friends and it was really fun to barbeque with them all. Thank goodness the rains held off because we really had no plan B if the 50 guests could not hang outside on the patio. In honor of his birthday, I created an ELDER drink, featuring Elderflower Liquor. Then I also had our favorite cocktails (recipes below). Highlights of the party included Laurel and Andrea’s ukulele concert and Dave’s guitar session. Thank you to all who spent their Saturday night celebrating with us. Elderflower Collins 2 shots St. Germain liqueur 2 shots Prosecco 2 shots of club soda to top off Add to an ice-filled collins glass, Stir well, Garnish with a lemon wheel Justintini 2 shots Vodka 2 shots Spicy v8 Olive juice Garnish with 2 spicy olives Helentini Muddled Raspberry 1.5 OZ Lemoncello 1.5 OZ Vodka 2 shots of club soda to top off Add to an ice-filled collins glass, Stir well, Garnish with a lemon wheel Additional drink choices: beer, seltzer, homemade unsweetened Iced-Tea (herbal and caffeinated), coffee, Sprite, Diet Coke