So yes I realize it’s been two weeks but it’sall kind of melded into one. Anyway, I wrote this to you from a new campground which was still in Florida. Why were we still in Florida you ask? It’s warm, sunny, and happy here and Shaun has a lot of places to visit which equals to everyone winning! We have been staying in Crystal River. It’s in western Florida, part of Kings Bay connected to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Two weekends ago we spent Saturday in Epcot and Sunday in Magic Kingdom and had a blast! Monday was the best day of all, as far as I’m concerned. Dani and I spent her 40th birthday at the spa all day. We had massages, was served lunch outside by a fire in our spa robes, had facials, changed into bathing suits and read by the pool, splashed our feet around a bit, then went and met the guys and kids and enjoyed a delicious dinner together. Dinner was at the historic and scrumptious Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Ybor City Historic District. It was a spectacular day celebrating my BFF!

Tuesday we spent recouping from all of the fun at the pool. Wednesday we packed up and relocated about 1 ½ hours away. After settling we hit the pool again because it was 84 degrees out and glorious. We were pleasantly surprised to find a heated pool and stayed until it was almost dark. Thursday I homeschooled the girls on their floor and went out on a Valentine’s Day supplies trip. Then sat under our canopy while the girls made theirValentines. 

Friday we enjoyed the pool some more…thankful for the gorgeous weather! Saturday we got out and explored a bit. We found a larrrrrge flea market which was fun, good people watching and interesting as always. Shaun got a Marine Corps flag for the RV, I got some cactus plants for my new suction cup window shelves, the girls got iceys, and we hit the jackpot with some homemade essential oil rollers. After that we went to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. There we saw manatees, a wild gator, a hippo named Lu, my favorite otters, and more. We also enjoyed a beautiful boat ferry to get to and fro (also where we saw the wild gator, turtles and lots of various birds). A little pricey in my opinion especially because the wild manatees weren’t around since the water warmed too much and they moved on. A nice walk, great ferry, and pleasant trip though. After, yup you guessed it, we hit the pool! Last, but not least, we went out for a completely perfect seafood dinner. Seafood Seller and Cafe was spot on with their grouper, clams, flounder, hush puppies, and every single other thing we ordered. On top of that we were able to buy fresh grouper and scallops to bring home and cook ourselves. 

Monday was the surprise day for the girls. Oh they were super duper surprised too! We left early in the morning to go to the airport and pick up one of Shaun’s co-workers…or so the girls thought. As the girls stood politely waiting to greet Shaun’s co-worker, who walks out, but their Mushy (aka my mom)!!!! These pictures don’t do it justice but there was screaming, crying, and lots of love happening. People around us were even clapping at the sight. It was beyond heart-warming and such a great moment too.

After we finally left the airport, we did some shopping, hung a bit at the RV then met Dani and the kids mid-way at a restaurant on the water. It was a great view of the water, varied menu and tasty food. The area we drove through was not beach like but the restaurant, Sam’s Beach Bar in Hudson, was a chill and fun place.

Tuesday after snuggling, bike riding, the park and a walk, me, Mom and the girls drove to Ocala to meet my mom’s friend for lunch. The Mediterranean restaurant I randomly picked wound up being a winner, Feta Mediterranean Cuisine in Ocala. Although the town on the outskirts made you lock your doors, I got the feeling that the inner part was definitely up and coming. I’m guessing if we go back in year or so there’ll be a hard time choosing where to go first there.

Wednesday finally showed the sun for the first time since my mom came and what’d we do, yup again, spent it by the pool. Ok in my defense we also checked out the little beach four miles down the road. It was a great last full day of her visit.

Yesterday we sadly said au revoir to my mom in the morning. It was also our last full day at the campground. We made a lot of great friends, shared a lot of laughs and hope to see them again soon! Today we are moving on. Lots to do and see!

All in all I can say is that we are thoroughly enjoying the warm weather, enjoying soaking up the Vitamin D, and taking a few days here and there to chillax. The trip so far has been a whirlwind and we are really focusing on taking some time to unwind and slow down. Next week we’ll be out of Florida but hoping to still have some warmth and check out a lot of new, local things.

Until then!