the Florida Keys

We've lived in Georgia for 6 1/2 years now and have not visited Miami nor the Florida Keys.  (the shame!)  We finally had the chance to go thanks to our friends, Jasen and Christy, who tied the knot on Marathon Key the first weekend of March.  (Also, big thanks to Grammy and GG who came all the way from Oregon to watch the kids for us!)

the weather, the beach...everything was perfect

Congratulations Jasen and Christy!

We stayed at the beautiful Coral Lagoon Resort in the cottage below.

the view from our front porch

We could have brought our yacht if we'd thought of it.  ;)

coconut palms everywhere

The two story, 3-bedroom, 2-bath cottage was much to big for just Matt and I so we shared it with Matt's since-childhood best-friend, Brad (of Brad's Car Tunes) and his family...Ashlie and 6-month-old baby Truxton.

Truxton and Ashlie

how adorable are they?!

It was such a relaxing vacation!  Although I missed the kids (big time) I think it's important for Matt and I to get away alone as a couple every now and then.  (Have I thanked my Mom and Grandma yet?!)

We enjoyed sleeping in, relaxing days, and Beautiful Sunsets

(Marathon Beach, Florida)

We also took a day to explore the famous Key West.

(we waited in a 15 minute line to take this picture!)

With drink in hand we walked along Duval Street from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

Sunset and Dinner at Mallory Square, Key West.

 I loved the lazy, slow-paced Keys time and I can't wait to go back.

(Next time, however, we will fly straight into Marathon Key or Key West.  This time I opted to fly into Ft. Lauderdale so I could enjoy the drive through all of the Keys but hOLY COW! that was a Long Drive!)

Before we flew home we spent one day in Miami Beach.

We stayed at the Daddy O Hotel.

quite small after our 3 bedroom cottage but charming enough

We also made time for some Miami Beach.

It was windy and a bit chilly (probably in the 70s) but you can't go to Miami Beach and not actually visit the beach.

You honestly can't do Miami/Miami Beach justice in just one day and man oh man I loved the relaxing days on the Florida Keys.  Right here and right now I declare:  We'll Be Back!