Oct 1, 2, 3, 4- Tampa and Everglades and Keys

We checked out of our hotel in Orlando on Friday morning, October 1st. This might be one of my favorite hotel rooms ever, because of the separate parent bedroom and the bunk bed.

Then we drove to Tampa to stay with my brother Nathan.

Cousins reunited! 

Benjamin asked if we wanted to do a naked Friday with him.  We declined. 

On Saturday the 2nd we mostly hung out at home.  We also went to Home Depot and bought new lights and then Nathan and Michael hung them. 

Elliott loves Tango. 

The street where my brother lives is a cul-de-sac and all of the neighbors get together for street parties fairly often.  On Sunday the 3rd we made food and then attended the street party. 

Aunt and nephew selfie

One of the neighbors roasted a whole pig! 

Cousins sleeping with a dog.

On Monday morning (October 4th) we headed out on a week of adventure.  First we drove to the Everglades and went on an airboat ride in Ochopee.

A nice rainstorm after we left Ochopee. 

We stopped in Homestead/Florida City for lunch. This restaurant was excellent, but not fast.  There was one person working.  She was the hostess, the waitress, the barista, the chef, and the dishwasher.  It has become family lore that this was the unexpected two-hour lunch.

An excellent cafe au lait.

After lunch it was time to head to the Keys!

Nobody was allowed to be on electronics during the drive. Everybody had to enjoy the views and be grateful for the experience.  (Pictures were not included in the electronics ban).

We finally made it to Key West!

Since our lunch ended up being so big and so late we got some snacks from the grocery store and went to bed.  It took Elliott about 5 seconds to fall asleep, though he denies it to this day.