Key West and the Fabulous Waldorf Astoria

After Key Largo, we set out to drive through the entire chain of Florida Keys to Key West. The journey was fun.

We stopped at Bahia Honda en route. This is another awesome state park many people recommended.

We saw protected sea turtle nests. One of my biggest goals in motherhood is to get my kids to experience life intensely and authentically. 

As much as we love zoos and parks, there is nothing like seeing nature and critters like this outside of the aquarium and in person. 

We enjoyed three days at the amazing Waldorf Astoria, which is perhaps the nicest resort we have ever stayed at. It was a treat for us. The Hampton Inn and Double Tree are more our style. We love nice resorts, but with as much as we travel, it makes more sense to stay at reasonably priced resorts.

We arrived without our room ready, so the hotel sent us out for free cocktails and conch fritters. Heavenly. 

Kids collected bracelets around the grounds after they read and learned about each historical point. Of course, I loved this. 

The hotel is old and fabulous and felt a lot like The Del Coronado. 

Ocean view. Laine was in love. 

Cutie. 

After enjoying the pool and resort, we met a professional photographer at the beach and then in town. 

It was fun. Always my favorite souvenir. 

We walked into town and wandered through Mallory Square. 

Couldn't help but eat at Caroline's! 

My husband. Love this photo. 

Did some shopping and loved this candy store. 

So perfect for Jack since his obsession is Hersey's. 

We read historical markers everywhere, much to the kids' dismay. This was the original bank in Key West. They couldn't have cared less. 

Stopped at the Southernmost Point in the U.S. so that we didn't have to wait in the two hour line during pool and ocean time the next day. 

Jack found the entire situation belittling and "stupid", so he's standing behind the marker. Awesome. 

Laine now sleeps in her own spot, regardless of whether there is a bed for her or not. Girl needs her space sometimes. 

One last day of Key West and then we were back en route to California. Coming soon!