July 4th weekend

After much discussion and working around many schedules, we spent the 4th of July weekend in the Keys...Marathon specifically. We traveled down mid-afternoon on Thursday along with Ben, Cole, Brady, Caleb, and Eth and Mis'. Mis' did a great job picking a fantastic little townhouse place for us to stay in. This was mine and Rileigh's view one morning as we rocked on the back porch.

Rea had a great little palette set-up in one of the closets. I laid down there...it really was comfortable, but so was the bed I slept in.

Believe it or not, this little girl had a hard time getting sleep she needed/wanted. We were on the go or too noisy for her liking.

Since there isn't a whole lot of "beach" to go with all the water, you have to drive to particular locations to have beach. We visited a state park one evening and Rileigh had her first experience in the ocean with Uncle Ben....before long, she attracted a friendly snorkeler...Coley!

Reagan and daddy-0 surveyed other parts of the park.

We spent some time at a "private" beach club thingy....pool, restaurant, some beach, and lots of ocean....all set in the 80's. Regardless, we were able to catch some rays there. Loved the sand between my toes!

My view of the little beach and this selectively friendly, extremely sun-damaged, chili dog loving, beach goer.

Rileigh did exceptionally well in the shade of a palm tree even with a few passerby-ers kicking her seat.

This girl is indifferent about the water, but LOVES her some sand!

We enjoyed frilly drinks in the sun. Rea had her OWN frilly drink...that made two happy girls!

JMA getting some relaxing done. Rileigh is doing the same in the background.

Our sweet little r!

We made a day trip down to Key West, but I guess I was just too hot to take any pictures. :( It was there that I tried to be helpful and find a fabulous restaurant for the group by using the highly recommended TripAdvisor app, but instead I led us to a little stand on wheels (one step up from a hot dog stand) which was closed!

On our last night there, we visited another state park. It was just lovely...little playground, pavilion to grill and eat, nice little private beach, bathrooms close by, grassy area to play, beautiful weather. It was my favorite night of the trip. Reagan thoroughly enjoyed hanging with Brady and Caleb all weekend. They were so sweet and patient with her the attire time. I don't mind having little men like these in her life for future use! Rea played and played in the sand. She had a blast burying Coley and being buried. She was one happy girl.

Yet again...good times, great people, fabulous memories!

Beyond blessed!