Planes, Boats, and a Tropical Storm

You will have to forgive me because this is going to be such a long post with so few pictures. I think it is getting time to start looking for a new camera because while in Florida, the camera would freeze each time we would go to take a picture. Good thing we spent most of our time there, under water. The chaos all started 2 weeks ago, when I drove the girls to Utah to be babysat. We drove all day sunday and then I flew back to Colorado 1 1/2 days later. Was home long enough to pack and fly to Florida with Chiki. Chiki and I were so excited because this was our first dive trip since we got our certification, almost 3 years ago. We stayed in Ft. Lauderdale the first night, where we enjoyed the beach. The hotel we stayed in was awesome (of course I am being sarcastic). Besides the fact that it looked condemed from the outside, you could hear everyone and all of their activities throughout the night. It was lovely.

The next day, Chiki and I drove down to Key Largo which is the upper of the Keys. It was a nice, relaxing drive. As soon as we got there, we checked into our hotel and then started to explore the island. Wondering where the best beaches where located, we decided to ask. To our amazement, we were laughed at. Apparently there are no beaches in Key Largo. Who would have ever thought.

Day 3 - The dive trip begins! We started out at 9 am. Apparently I get motion sick. I hadn't even surfaced during the first dive, and was experiencing motion sickness. Thank heavens for motion pills :) We didn't get back to the island until after 5 pm that day, but had an absolute blast.

Day 4 - We started out at 8 am. Anyone, who dives ... knows how exhausted it makes you, so the early start was a little harsh. This turned out to be an exciting day. We saw so many turtles and sharks. Although we had to swim through currents, it was totally worth it. Did I forget to mention that the water was 87 degrees. We did a total of 8 dives in 2 days, was completely exhausted by the end of the second day, but loved every moment of it.

Day 5 - What a weird day. We were scheduled to check out that day anyway, but apparently all of the Keys were being evacuated for Tropical Storm Fay. Chiki and I still had one more day left until we flew out, and so we decided to stay in Hollywood which is located just north of Miami. The weather was pretty good most of the day, but looked super black towards the Caribbean. As the evening drew near, so did the storm. Chiki and I stopped by a local grocery store, where we totally stood out. We purchased sodas and chips and salsa, while everyone else was stocking up on water and canned goods. It was a little odd seeing everyone make such a made dash over what looked like a regular rain storm. It rained all throughout the night and into the morning.

Day 6 - While checking out of the hotel, Chiki and I notice a sign stating "Incase of a power failure, do not leave your room. We do not have the means to assist you with electricity or food." Boy, were we happy to be leaving that day. All I can say is that, we were very lucky how everything worked out just right for us. We got perfect weather and had perfect scheduling. There were so many other people who didn't have such good luck.

Day 7 - Came home long enough to do some laundry and to catch a flight back to Utah. Boy did I miss the girls, and was so excited to see them. Little Miss Livi wouldn't let me out of her sight for 2 straight days.

All in all, I think we had a GREAT couple of weeks. It was nice having some alone time with Chiki, which is something that I don't get much of these days with his crazy schedule. And the girlies got to have plenty of play time outside with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousin Austin. Can't wait for next summer to roll around!!