Where I've Been...


I'm one of those people who never wants to come home from vacation.  For someone who loves being home so much, I still have trouble fathoming wanting to come home from any vacation that's under at least a month.  (And we never get away for a whole month so maybe if we did, I'd still want more.)  

{I'm proud of my little guys for carrying all of their own things through the airport and everywhere- Christian (5) and Justin (3)...  Justin got slower at the end but we got no complaints!}

We spent the past week in the Keys (Islamorada) and just had the most relaxing time. My goal (and Dave's too!) on this trip was to try to "get bored."  It didn't happen though.  I've realized I just don't think I'm capable of boredom any more.  When I was a little girl, my grandmother never let me say the word "bored."  She believed (and I now agree) there's always something that could be done and that there's no excuse for being bored.  She'd say, "Don't say that word!"


{We stayed here- The Cheeca Lodge and I've never loved a hotel/resort so much!!}

I flipped over the shower... (below)   Do you see that the back wall is a sliding glass door?  You could open it up to the private balcony for showers.


Heaven.

And on the private balcony was this tub:


The water for the tub came from the ceiling in a really strong (hose-like) stream (not ike a shower head but a totally solid stream of water)... It was insane & so beautiful.  I  loved looking out at the tropical foliage.  The curtains could zip close if you needed privacy.  We used the tub when Justin got stung by a man-of-war and the poor guy had to soak in scalding water to release the poison.  I felt bad that he had to endure the hot water so I did it too and I kept saying, "We're going to to this together. Mommy's here." and he finally said "Mama, why do you keep saying that??"

There was lots of quality family time, which we so needed... Our house and life are so full all of the time, so it was really important for us to be able to just focus on spending time with each other.


We lazed around the beach and the boys really bonded...


We basically just wandered around with each other, ate a TON, read, swam and relaxed:


I loved the tea stand Cheeca set out every morning....


We had some windy days and I loved being in sweats on the beach with my tea & my man:


The baby (Luke, also known as "Louie" or "Lulu") pretty much stuffed his face with crackers the entire trip:

{His favorite toy is a wooden chicken drumstick...  I don't get it}

I loved getting to be with my family 24/7 for a full week.


 We felt like were alone most of the time which was what we wanted more than anything...  We had a spot on the beach or lagoon to ourselves on most days because the resort is so spread out.

We explored the tiki torch-lit nature trails at night & I loved how they made these palm trees grow:


We enjoyed drinks & dinner under the tiki bar & I loved the lanterns:


Something for everyone:


I'm home feeling ready to rock and get moving on a bunch of exciting projects.  (And I CANNOT WAIT to go back one day!!)


I'll be back later this week to tell you about an amazing project we're working on in Florida!!  I'm so excited!!


If you'd like help creating a home you absolutely love, contact me about our design services.

25 comments:

Emily A. Clark said...

So glad you all were able to do this. Hopefully the Clarks will get there someday! :)

Becky Cowen said...

wow! looks beautiful! i'm going to have to put that resort on "the list!"

Karen at Home Sweet Hollywood said...

Looks like an amazing week....beautiful family and memories.

Loretta Fontaine (EcoHappy Blog) said...

Lauren- What a wonderful trip! With snow on the ground here I felt like I got to take a bit of a vacation just by gazing at the photos!

You have a such a handsome family by tiki light!

Loretta

kayce hughes said...

So fun! I spent many vacations at the chicca lodge growing up (before they renovated) and have so many fond memories....looks like i need to go back.

Velvet and Linen said...

I loved following you vacation on instagram!
I have found memories of our family vacations when our children were little.
So much fun!
It goes by so fast... enjoy every moment!

xo
Brooke

Unknown said...

Gorgeous pictures. Looks like a fun family trip.

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Ahhhh....In my neck of the woods? It was a little chilly though, no? That IS a great resort!

Tina@thriftingwithcake.blogspot.com said...

Good for you!

I LOVE the keys! I haven't been there in a good 6 years, but fell in LOVE! I stayed at a great place called The Simonton that used to house cigar factory workers. It was amazing.

You have such a lovely family- so glad you all had time to recharge and hang!

Anonymous said...

You have the most adorable family on the planet.

Your post makes me green with envy as I have been dying to go somewhere tropical for a loooong time now. I sadly haven't had a vacay since last July. When it happens though, it's going to be a nice and long one, haha.

Glad you guys had a great time!

Annie Vincent Interiors said...

What a wonderful time! Thanks for posting about your trip. I am bookmarking it for our tropical getaway!

Jill Seidner | Interior Design said...

What a beautiful resort - love that shower too!

eLIZabeth Floyd said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time! I cannot wait to hear about your florida project!

Val said...

Your,pics look so wonderful that my husband agreed to look into this for spring break with our kids! When we went to the website we saw there are many different suites. Do you mind disclosing which one you stayed at? We would want to,book one in the same area. Thanks!

Val said...

My email is valeri_ Audino at yahoo dot com - thanks!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Such a beautiful vacation!

BaileyWife said...

We have another huge snowstorm on its way here....I just read this post for the 3rd time, and shared it with my husband. "We need to go there!" Ahhh...looks like beautiful bliss (minus the man-of-war incident, YIKES) ~Kim

Danielle said...

Cheeca Lodge is amazing! I stayed there for a few days last year. Glad you had a great time and were able to relax!

www.thewowie.com said...

Y'all are the cutest! Loved seeing all your pics on Instagram. I will add Checca to the list of places we want to take our boys.

Unknown said...

awww, this looks like the best trip and even though you didn't get to be "bored" it looks like you got some good relaxing in. Now that our youngest is walking, i think it's time for us to make a trip somewhere. I'm ready to start traveling again.

Pam said...

It looks like an amazing getaway! Beautiful photos!

Kristy @ I Design Love said...

Looks like you had a great time, the Cheeca lodge is awesome! My family and I stayed there a few years ago. I wish I could escape this cold Michigan weather and go somewhere warm.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful spot. I can get the vitamin D vicariously this year!

Sarah MacMillan {Prairie Perch} said...

Ahh. A much deserved break and what an amazing spot!

Morgan S. said...

Looks like you guys had lots of fun! The boys were especially cute! Loved your polka dot shirt too!
XOXO