I have so much to say. I’m thankful. Really really thankful. We took a family trip. Our first ever trip as a family of four and by that I mean we didn’t go somewhere and meet a family member or bring a family member with us. It was just us and it was amazing. Now let’s be clear here the set up was ridiculously perfect and the entire trip was geared around the kids. We knew that going into it and definitely were prepared. Let’s start with the flight.
We flew out thanksgiving afternoon which still allowed us a “whole foods prepared thanksgiving meal”. Not ideal but turkey nonetheless. Emma came home from school on Wednesday upset that she wasn’t going to have turkey so I flew to whole foods last minute as a guilty mom and put together a last minute thanksgiving for the family. The best was when I put it all out she said “I don’t like turkey”. Sometimes I want to quit. 
Anyway we then casually got to the airport and waited in zero lines anywhere. A pretty good start to the trip. 
The flight itself felt a little chaotic. I always pack the girls a bag of “new” stuff to keep them occupied on flights. New crayons, new coloring book, new craft stuff, silly putty, you name it I pack it in a bag and give it to them on the plane so they have stuff to do besides watch and iPad or tv because while that is great they aren’t the type of kids that will do just that. However, this flight was seated as 3 together and raj across the aisle. (I came to my senses and changed it to two and two and on the way home) I was middle seat and what one kid asked for the other wanted 10 minutes later. It was nonstop for a bit and a little tiring but overall no complaints. 

GO to Clearwater. Here’s why:

1. The Clearwater Marine Life Aquarium. Even if you’re not into the Dolphin Tale movies it doesn’t matter. Seeing a dolphin with no tale and a prosthetic is incredible. Seeing the people that come from around the world with prosthetics and without to see this dolphin is humbling. Animals do a lot for human nature. This aquarium is worth the visit. Not just for the Dolphins they are rescuing but for the animals in general they are helping get back into the ocean. It’s truly remarkable. We also happened upon meeting Hazel (Cozi) from the movie which was an incredible bonus. 

2. The Lowry Zoo in Tampa. Just wow. We thought we’d go there for a couple hours and spent the entire day there. There are rides for all ages. The zoo itself is huge filled with amazing animals. There’s a petting zoo and an entire area set aside for the younger kids. Definitely a full day adventure and there’s craft beer for the adults if you so desire. 

3. Captain Memo’s adventure boat tour. Hands down the best find. Raj found this one and I have to tell you I was skeptical about taking a 5 and 3 year old on a two hour boat trip on the ocean. But boy was I WRONG. AMAZING. The “pirates” take your children for basically the entire the boat ride while you stand back and watch them play games, sing songs, face paint etc. and they pump you with FREE (included in the $30 ticket cost) beer and wine. About an hour into the trip we hung out with dolphins who jumped and swam next to the boat for about 20 minutes. The kids and adults couldn’t get enough. This is one happy pirate. This is a must if you ever head to Clearwater. 

4. Busch Gardens. Not my favorite. It’s a pass unless you’re really into rollercaosters. The kids had fun but this was my least favorite day of the trip. 

5. Opal sands hotel. 100% a must stay. The pool, the view, the service, the food. All spot on. The hotel is less than a year old but honestly they worked out the kinks. Granted our room was absurd. 2 bedrooms massive balcony with our own hot tub so complaining would not be an option. We woke every morning to watch dolphins swimming in the ocean and sometimes in the afternoon we got a glimpse of them playing. It was absolute perfection. 
So our overall experience was beyond. Emma and Maia are at the age where they can travel with ease (lots of snacks). I just keep thinking about the girls laughing and playing in the whitest softest sand at sunset after dinner (until of course they both got sand in their eyes and one cried) but the thought was there. 
Meeting “Haszel” from dolphin tale was a bonus. Understanding that winter really doesn’t have a tail but what that animal does for others with prosthetics is humbling and by far the most amazing experience. 
I just can’t be more humbled or grateful for this family trip and so happy that my family appreciated it as much as I did.