Return to Paradise

Welcome Back to Paradise.

Don’t you love it?!

We’re staying on the same tiny island as last year. No cars are allowed, civilization is a 20 minute boat ride away, and the only things to do are sleep and lay on the beach. It’s heaven in a nutshell.

My parents flew back from Canada late last night and my Dad learned a very important lesson – don’t check your cellphone. (I know, I know – he should know this by now!) Unfortunately the bag with the cellphone (and his special travel frying pans – gotta love my Dad) stayed in Houston (where their layover was) as my parents made it back safe and sound to Orlando.

No worries. The bag is on it’s way back to Orlando now and (lucky for Dad) he only needs a couple of t-shirts and a swimsuit for this week anyways. They were only minorly delayed this morning and made it to Tampa just in time for lunch.

I’ve been bragging about The Taco Bus to my Dad since my very first visit because I knew he would love it. Authentic Mexican food from a converted bus just sounds like something my Dad would get a kick out of – he was the one who taught me to ignore the chain spots in favor for hole in the wall joints when I travel.

We got there right smack in the middle of lunch rush around 12:30 and had a bit of a wait for our food. Worth it though.

I ordered a double.

One Chicken Taco

One Butternut Squash Tostada.

I think everyone was impressed. Especially the dogs. 🙂

We learned a few lessons from our island stay last year. Mainly we learned when you have zero access to any stores for 7 days – you need to have a food plan. My Sister and I created a menu for the week and based a grocery list on that.

Planning ahead made grocery shopping so easy. We stopped at BJs for the bulk items and then hit Publix right before we hit the island. We were in and out and several shopping carts full of food for 8 people for 7 days in less than a half hour at each store.

I think once all was said and done it ended up being $14 per person per day for food, drinks, and alcohol! Not bad for a full week of vacation if you ask me! (the alcohol was the biggie here – we bought an insane amount of beer, liquor, and wine)

Anyways, we arrived at the car drop off location just before 6:00pm and I snacked on a Kashi bar.

You park your car, unload your stuff, and take a converted Hertz bus to the boat ramp.

Maddie was happy to go along for the ride. 🙂

Boat time!

Maddie was easy because I could just carry her across, but Oliver and Scooby took a little more convincing.

Can you believe this cart was just OUR stuff! INSANE!

The little house we have is gorgeous. Three bedrooms, full kitchen, a beautiful living room, and one hell of a view!

Let vacation begin!

We now have enough food to feed an army.

I wish my fridge and cabinets always looked like this at home!

I’m pretty sure the dogs were JUST as excited to be here as we are.

Dinner was super easy tonight.

Pizza.

Sauce. Cheese. Salami. Peppers. Good to go.

While the pizza baked I snacked on a few (or 12) chips with dip.

Dinner’s ready!

Two slices to fill my chip-ful belly.

This vacation is full of celebrations!

We kicked off the first celebration tonight with cake.

And candles.

Ready? Let’s sing!

Haaapppppy Birthday to Youuuuu

Happy Birthdayyyyy to Youuuuuuu

Happy Birthday Dear Ashley

Haaappppppy Birthdaaaayyyy to Youuuuu!

And many more!

My littler brother’s fiance turned the ripe old age of 21 (FINALLY!!) yesterday. Can you believe she was born in the 90s and can now legally drink? That makes me want to drink.

And eat cake.

My sister makes a mean yellow cake with chocolate icing. Yum!

The internet connection is wonky here, so I’m crossing my fingers this publishes! The internet is the only downside thus far, maybe I should take that as a hint and go to bed?

Good night!