Kicking Around in Key West

We pulled into Key West yesterday, passing 2 cruise ships, Mallory Square, the beach (not in this order), and endless personal watercraft.  We passed the Southernmost Point of the United States.  It was exhilarating to be back in "home" waters.  The water in the Keys is so beautiful and green.  On our way to Marathon we anchored out at Rodriquez Key and the water was so clear you could see the bottom.

We started potty training Evan on Monday.

He's so proud of his Thomas underwear.  Monday's attempt was met with very limited success.

A family portrait at Burdine's, our favorite restaurant in Marathon.

After dinner we were sitting in the cockpit when a cat walked by.  I called to it, thinking it would just walk on by.   Boy was I surprised when he jumped on board to say hello.  The kids got a kick out of it.

Then he decided he wanted to check things out down below.

He stayed with us until bedtime, then Ryan encouraged him to find another place to sleep.  He was someone's pet, not some feral cat running around.  He certainly loved the attention from the kids.  Now they're begging for a boat cat.  Yeah right, that's going to happen.

Tuesday morning we sailed to Key West.  I mean really sailed.  We were flying!  Just for proof I took a photo, we are sailing 9.57 knots with 15.7 knots of wind on the beam.  This boat sails nicely.  It's amazing the difference between this boat, 46 feet, and Southern Cross I, 42 feet.  This boat is fast!.

We continued the potty training while underway.  I did question my sanity at potty training on my wobble board with wind and waves on the beam, but we'd already started so we kept on.  Precious little success Tuesday.

But, oh, what a cute little booty in those Mickey Mouse underwear!

Today, I'm pleased to report, we had some success.  Evan has pee peed on the potty many times today, albeit with a couple of accidents.  However, I think he's starting to get the hang of it.  He's quite proud of himself and loves to tell me "I'm three now, I'm not two anymore."

Today we went to the Butterfly Conservatory in Key West.  It's such a fun, special place for me.  The kids seemed to really enjoy it this year.  Evan had a long "conversation" with a turtle in the pond.  It was really cute.  I'll post those pictures in the morning.

Tomorrow afternoon we head offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.  We've said goodbye to the Atlantic for this trip.  The end of this trip is in sight.  We are going to Venice or Boca Grande tomorrow, depending on the wind and waves.  It's a quick overnight.  We'll leave around 3:00 p.m. and we'll get there the next morning.  The forecast is favorable, but experience tells me that weather doesn't always do what the forecast says it will do, especially in the Gulf of Mexico.  We should be back home in two weeks.

Key West has definitely been a highlight of this trip.  Ryan and I both just love it here, and the kids have enjoyed themselves too.  I did some more serious shopping today, such fun!  And I have a slice (just one!) of Key Lime pie in the fridge just waiting for me.  Ryan wanted to buy a whole pie, but I talked him out of it.  Remember, I have a new swimsuit to rock!