My wife and I have not taken very many vacations together without family, so when she asked me a month or so ago if I wanted to go to Key West for a week with some friends of ours, my initial hesitation at the cost was quickly outweighed by the thought of sipping on a cold beverage by the pool in December. However, I will admit that I did have some concerns about trying to relax and have fun while responsibly parenting an 8 month old child, but so far (knock on wood) it's been relatively painless.

The flight down was a little rough (in a few different ways) due to the fact that we had to wake up at 3:45am to manage the logistics of a 6:00am departure. Ethan was a little confused at being awoken at such an early hour when it wasn't by his own volition, but somehow he managed to fall asleep before takeoff and sleep until the flight was well under way. After playing for a bit, he did get a little fussy and almost woke up the girl next to us until I realized that a mid-air diaper change was needed. Have you ever changed a diaper at 38,000 feet? If you're a dad, you probably have. Well, this was my first time and let's just say that those bathrooms were not designed as changing tables. I think I fell into the door 3 different times as I tried to dodge Ethan's kicking feet and the poo attached to them. Not to mention that his poor bare bum was touching material that had been touched by God knows what despite my best efforts to keep the whole process as sanitary as possible.

Once settled back in our seats, we learned that Ethan would fall asleep pretty easily if he was able to stretch out across both of our laps which was a trick we then used on our short little puddle jumper from Miami to Key West. All in all, it was a good experience, and one worth the treasures that awaited us here in the Conch Republic.

We're staying at the Santa Maria Suites Resort and the stay has been amazing so far. All the suites overlook a central courtyard where the pools are located and free smoothies are served all day long. The staff is very friendly and I think our little baby caravan has helped us befriend everyone at the hotel as we stand apart from the other 34 rooms here. Not to say that this place isn't kid friendly. It's actually been VERY easy to stay here, and given that both of our kids have been so well behaved, the trip itself has been very kid friendly.

Anyway, today is the last day of good weather we're all sprawled by the pool (and yes, I have my laptop in lap) but hey, anytime we're not crammed in our little house, or working for "the man" it's a vacation... especially when adult beverages are not only allowed, but encouraged 24/7.

Speaking of which, I think it's time for another smoothie...