Venice

After our quick Disney visit the fam had a whole week left in the Sunshine State. Venice, FL is a spot my family has visited every summer for as long as I can remember. Over time we've developed our usual go to spots, and after twenty something years we've developed so many it's hard to fit them all in. I've been campaigning for a longer vacation to solve this problem, I'll let you know if I succeed. We spent the majority of the trip boating and eating, which makes for a pretty stupendous week in my book.

 

Camera wars.

Captain Dave

Our schedule went a little like this: boat a little, stop for lunch, boat a little, swim a little, boat a little, stop for sunset.

Sharkey's is Venice's only beachfront restaurant and became one of our regular spots early on. Over the past year they have built a whole new fine dining restaurant connected to the old Sharkey's. On our last night in town my parents and I eagerly hit up Fins.

I had some sort of watermelon/tequila/spicy concoction that I can't quite remember, but it was good!

I mean, the grilled watermelon salad was good, but look at that backdrop.

I was so indecisive I couldn't even land on one appetizer, so I just ordered a few different ones and shared with mom. My "main" appetizer was the lobster and gouda nachos.

Both key lime pie and creme brulee are family favorites, so when we saw key lime creme brulee on the menu it was a must. This was gone in a second.

Fins gets two thumbs up and will most definitely be on our go to list from here on out. So sad to have to leave Florida but maybe next year I'll get that longer vacation I'm campaigning for!

XO,

Lo

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Just Beachy

My beachy days are almost up and it's a cryin' shame. I wish it would never end.

We headed out on the town for some good ole Alabama cookin' at the Oyster House. Jared and I are terribly predictable with our fried shrimp platters and cheesy grits. EB doesn't eat seafood (we're working on her). Mom really knows how to order as she got the Butter Pecan Mahi with a loaded bake potato and key lime pie with heaps of whip cream for dessert. Dad had the catch of the day which was Red Snapper. I didn't get to sneak a pic of his entree unfortunately.

Our dinner view. I bet there are crocs in those waters. Chomp chomp.

 For the children

We have to take lots of photos when we are actually clean and fully clothed. Otherwise it's sun tan lotion scent and bathing suits all week long.

 So strong.

 This is what I deal with.

Well that's all folks. Beach time is coming to an end. Back to reality. All good things must come to an end I suppose.

XO,
Bee

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Fun in the Sun

If you didn't catch my drift from the previous Gulf Shores post, it is pretty much the bomb diggity. After just getting back from a long exhausting work trip I was more than ready for a little r and r. Let me summarize my days...

Sleep in...by sleep in I mean the sun was in the sky. Granny over here.

Morning run if I am feeling young and spry

Eat, beach it, burn, eat, read, burn some more and eat again. I think you get it.

It is everything a vacation should be and completely guilt free. On top of all of that I get to spend countless hours with my favorite people. I love them to death and I do not apologize for the family photo shoot that is about to commence.

The story behind this photo is that Dad insisted on having a non-corny photo with Mom. They took some pictures for their church directory and let's just say that the poses they made them do make those cheesy prom poses look moderate. We begged Mom to buy some of the photos for comic relief but she wouldn't budge.

 They just celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary. Something to aspire to.

 Everything I hope to be one day. Isn't she a beaut?

So typical...everyone picks on me. My response to Dad telling me I look like a goofball. He has forgotten I am a direct reflection of him.

 Okay normal.

The morning storms were impressive. Short and sweet.

 Off to the beach. My photographer is a little stunted/challenged. Ehhhhem Jared.

 I was playing with the camera when Dad saw the shark. I caught his shadow at least. I got to see the little devil the next day. No Jaws or anything but still a little erie. I still have all my fingers and toes.

The battle to win favorite child award. It may not look like it here but I am winning. Let him relish in his moment.

 She's pretty loved and really what's not to love?

I asked Mom if she would hold Dad's hand for some bloggy blog photos and she obliged. She went up grabbed Dad's hand and he was so touched by the gesture, you know walking on the beach at sunset with the love of his life...mushy stuff. Honest Mom, told him it was in fact for the blogger standing right behind him. 

 Crushed. But they still like each other a little.

We always rent a beach front home either with Meyer Realty or Kaiser Realty. This really is the way to go in my opinion because the beach is private and the neighbors are friendly. Our house with Kaiser was large and in charge with some pretty impressive views.  Everyone could have had their own room but EB and I like to share. Good bonding time. If you are ever in those neck of the woods, I highly recommend Alabama. Not too touristy but plenty to do.

Until tomorrow...

XOXO,
Bee

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