Sunset Key is a 27-acre private island off the coast of Key West, FL that is only accessible by ferry. 
It is pure paradise! 
We feel very lucky to have experienced such a fabulous trip, and were thankful our friends, Courtney and Jeff joined us. 
Naïve and unsuspecting travelers, we randomly booked our trip to begin on October 31st.
Charlie Brown and Snoopy traveled with us. 
I knew our departure day was Halloween, but I didn’t have any idea it was Fantasy Fest. 
In fact, I had no idea what Fantasy Fest even was. Well, I do now.
Fantasy Fest (noun – also known as NIGHTMARE)
“This year, Key West celebrates 31 years of Fantasy Fest with attendance surpassing 100,000 people or more than three times the population of the island itself. The event has escalated to a ten day celebration that includes balls, a parade, costume competitions, AIDS fundraisers, body painting, drag queen contests, costume parties, lots of drinking, as well as pet and neighborhood parades for the whole family. Fantasy Fest has grown to rival New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. The highlight of Fantasy Fest is its parade.”
With that said, we arrived in Key West (after about 12 hours of travel by plane and rental van) around 10pm with two VERY tired kids two years old and younger. And, wouldn’t you know, the streets were blocked off and there was no way to the ferry boat dock until after the parade/crowds dispersed (which was going to be NO TIME soon). The situation seemed dire as we were in the thick of huge crowds with two small children. We had to get them to that boat and on over to the island. So, Courtney and I took off on foot, with a two year old, a seven month old, a stroller, several bags of cold groceries, and some luggage.
The guys stayed behind with the van to wait for the roads to open. Without going into too much detail, let’s just say that my kids and I got “cultured” that night. It’s laughable now, and thankfully we handled it all in stride. What else were we going to do?
Once we arrived on the island, all the mess of Fantasy Fest was washed into a distant memory.
We had now arrived in paradise. 
This place was amazing! From private beaches with literally NOONE else on them...
to million dollar sunsets... 
and flower covered fences…
And because our friends have grandchildren, it was equipped with many kid friendly things that made traveling with children that much easier (crib, sand toys/floats, high chair, etc.). 
It had a backyard pool... 
and a spiral stair case... 
that led up to an observation deck that sported 360 degree views of the island and Key West. 
We spent our entire week soaking in every minute of it. We lounged and played at the private beaches...
played in the pools...
In fact, I had no idea what Fantasy Fest even was. Well, I do now.Fantasy Fest (noun – also known as NIGHTMARE)
“This year, Key West celebrates 31 years of Fantasy Fest with attendance surpassing 100,000 people or more than three times the population of the island itself. The event has escalated to a ten day celebration that includes balls, a parade, costume competitions, AIDS fundraisers, body painting, drag queen contests, costume parties, lots of drinking, as well as pet and neighborhood parades for the whole family. Fantasy Fest has grown to rival New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. The highlight of Fantasy Fest is its parade.”
With that said, we arrived in Key West (after about 12 hours of travel by plane and rental van) around 10pm with two VERY tired kids two years old and younger. And, wouldn’t you know, the streets were blocked off and there was no way to the ferry boat dock until after the parade/crowds dispersed (which was going to be NO TIME soon). The situation seemed dire as we were in the thick of huge crowds with two small children. We had to get them to that boat and on over to the island. So, Courtney and I took off on foot, with a two year old, a seven month old, a stroller, several bags of cold groceries, and some luggage.
The guys stayed behind with the van to wait for the roads to open. Without going into too much detail, let’s just say that my kids and I got “cultured” that night. It’s laughable now, and thankfully we handled it all in stride. What else were we going to do?Once we arrived on the island, all the mess of Fantasy Fest was washed into a distant memory.
We had now arrived in paradise. This place was amazing! From private beaches with literally NOONE else on them... to million dollar sunsets... to zero entry pools... 
with waterfalls... 
to brick lined pathways...
with waterfalls... to brick lined pathways... and flower covered fences… it was all fabulous!
The home we stayed in was nothing short of beautiful and beyond comfortable.
The home we stayed in was nothing short of beautiful and beyond comfortable.
And because our friends have grandchildren, it was equipped with many kid friendly things that made traveling with children that much easier (crib, sand toys/floats, high chair, etc.). It had a backyard pool... and a spiral stair case... that led up to an observation deck that sported 360 degree views of the island and Key West. We spent our entire week soaking in every minute of it. We lounged and played at the private beaches...played in the pools... and went snorkeling. 
We also took a catamaran to a coral reef 6 miles south of Key West to snorkel. But, since I was trying to keep my eyes on the horizon and my lunch in my stomach, there are no pictures of that trip. I haven't felt that sick in a long time!
We also took a catamaran to a coral reef 6 miles south of Key West to snorkel. But, since I was trying to keep my eyes on the horizon and my lunch in my stomach, there are no pictures of that trip. I haven't felt that sick in a long time!We caught the ferry back to Key West for dinner as a group one night...
and for a night out with just our families.
We enjoyed the gourmet meals prepared by Jeff and Courtney.
Ya’ll we ate like Kings and Queens…they’re GREAT cooks.
We enjoyed conversation out on the porch while listening to beach music...
allowed our kids to sleep in bed with us since it was vacation...
and SO much more.
On our departing day, we treated ourselves to a delicious ocean side dinner at the island’s restaurant.
It was the perfect way to prepare us for the trip home, because it’s quite a trip with a 4 hour drive to Miami and then a flight back to our house!
one that I hope I have again! And, oh how grateful I am that our "dream" took place last week and not this week.
and for a night out with just our families.We enjoyed the gourmet meals prepared by Jeff and Courtney.Ya’ll we ate like Kings and Queens…they’re GREAT cooks.We enjoyed conversation out on the porch while listening to beach music... allowed our kids to sleep in bed with us since it was vacation...and SO much more.On our departing day, we treated ourselves to a delicious ocean side dinner at the island’s restaurant.
It was the perfect way to prepare us for the trip home, because it’s quite a trip with a 4 hour drive to Miami and then a flight back to our house!And, airports don’t make it easy on those traveling with kids. Seriously, how are you supposed to fit this...
into this? 
And, there was no other entry door…I looked. I literally wet myself (2 pregnancies have affected my bladder control) watching Michael do his song and dance getting all our gear through this revolving door. It was HILARIOUS, but he prevailed!
And, there was no other entry door…I looked. I literally wet myself (2 pregnancies have affected my bladder control) watching Michael do his song and dance getting all our gear through this revolving door. It was HILARIOUS, but he prevailed! Our kids did great traveling on the plane. 
Both Dawson and Bryce slept a good portion and were easily entertained when awake (for the most part). 
We just got home today, and it already seems like a dream…
Both Dawson and Bryce slept a good portion and were easily entertained when awake (for the most part). We just got home today, and it already seems like a dream…one that I hope I have again! And, oh how grateful I am that our "dream" took place last week and not this week. 
7 comments:
i am so thankful that we too have been able to go down there so many years because it is a beautiful place! so jealous because the weather looked beautiful and i know yall had an amazing time. tell michael that there is a picture of him on here where his belly looks like mine, however mine at least has a baby in it! totally know what you are talking about in being cultured in key west...i will never forget the first time down there and we walked past a transvestite bar - we couldn't help but stare and then one popped out at us and said "we don't bite" and we all ran away screaming like little girls, it was hilarious. so glad yall finally went down there - you can't help but get hooked on that place and how beautiful it is..i really do think that the sunsets there are unlike anywhere else.
What an awesome trip (despite the travel issues)! One question- Why did Michael (or was it Jeff) have a mask around his neck in the kitchen picture? Hopefully you guys weren't sick! I know you will treasure those memories and hopefully get back there soon! What a beautiful place!
Marianna-
Michael has allergies and some sort of spice that was in the kitchen was causing him major sneezing fits so he put on the mask to see if it would help. I brought the masks with me in case we had some hacking individual near us on the plane. I was worried about swine flu and flying.
Awww what great pictures! We miss you guys already..thanks for including us.
Wow.... that looks amazing! What a fabulous vacation - and it looks like it was totally worth the trip down and back.
WOW!!!! all i'm going to say is that apparently we need to expand our friend circle!!! it was beautiful!!!
Amy Pace said - Wow, what a paradise. I think I heard about the Fantasy Fest - Kathy Griffin MCd a flight from California one year (don't ask me how I know this). I have got to get my hands on that snuggly Dawson. Snuggly babies are the best thing EVER. Love all the pics!
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