Life isn't always easy, and it certainly isn't guaranteed! After loosing my mom a couple weeks ago (officially making me an orphan in my very early 30s), this past weekends wedding festivities couldn't have been more needed than they were!!! (I'm not ready to discuss the sad depressing stuff right now-so moving on)
We were able to travel to Clearwater Beach, FL to celebrate the marriage of my husbands cousin. We began the adventure with the kid's and my very first ever plane ride!!! Everything suprisingly went fairly smooth, we arrived and parked in plenty of time, checked the bags quickly, and got through security with plenty of time to take a seat and enjoy breakfast before boarding the plane. We arrived in Tampa in just under 2 hours of flight time! After a couple rental car mishaps we loaded into our vehicle and began our adventure. With check in time being later in the afternoon we had time to stop in a shop, grab some lunch and do a little driving explore time.
We chose dinner at the famous Frenchy's Cafe on the waterfront. It didn't disappoint (even if it was a little too loud for the kids liking with us getting sat right next to the live band.) The crab fries and fish tacos were on point! The next morning we grabbed breakfast then loaded up to hit the beach! This was another first for the kids and I, we have visited a "beach" and ocean before but had never touched or played in the ocean waters nor had we sat and hung out on a beach before. The kids absolutely loved it! They were able to play in the sands and shallow waters and have an amazing time with a lot of their cousins that we dont get to see very often! The adults even got to stop in on the beachfront bar and enjoy a couple beverages. After the beach day we grilled out and swam at the resort with the family and hung by the private tiki bar. All the family had the resort to ourselves, it was perfect! That evening we were able to grab some delicious ice cream before helping to set up for the wedding reception which was also at the resort we all stayed at!
Saturday the gorgeous bride walked the beautiful, white sand aisle with an amazing water view backdrop to say their "I do's." Everything turned out beautiful and perfect! After the ceremony the wedding guest all received a stone to line the ocean and throw in together to symbolize best wishes for the bride and groom. Then followed was the party back at the resort. The BBQ was so tasty and the family and friend time was perfect! The best part of course was the donuts in place of a traditional wedding cake...delicious!!!!!
Our last full day there we went out to lunch with an aunt and uncle who live within an hour of the wedding location, and of course it was the famous Frenchy's again!!! I'm guilty of indulging in the crab fries and fish tacos again... so yummy!!! We drove and explored some more and spent time at the resort so all the kids could swim and hang out! We got all of our children together in their matching clothes to get a beach photo done for their grandparents and great grandparents. 9 kiddos from ages 5 months to 12 years old was quite comical! We then visited the famous Pier 60 and got to see some dolphins swimming in the distance and a crazy seagull up close and personal! On the way out we ran into a street performer who actually pulled chloe out in his stage to perform with him! He was hilarious and it made her day! (he even tipped her $5 for playing along) I hope the experiences will be far greater memories than any monetary objects for our children!!! Getting caught in the show called for a random late pizza place on the way back to the resort. Then the dreaded packing and cleaning up began for a morning departure the next day.
We were packed and ready to go, returned the rental with time to spare for some food and boarding our plane back home! Another fairly easy return flight and we were back to reality! Next time the trip definitely needs to be longer but I know the kids were ready to get home to their dog and finish out the school year for summer break! It was an amazing break from all the stress at home and work and much needed! Cherish every moment you get with your families because you never know when that will be the last moment.
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