We got up early Monday morning and drove to Steinhatchee, Florida. It's right across the state in the "arm pit" of FL- old FL (Trump territory, for sure). It was a little hectic getting everything situated. We thought we were going to have a fridge to put our food items when we arrived but that didn't happen. We also thought we had a boat for the 3rd day and that was not a guarantee. Well, after some tense moments, we finally got out on the water by 10am. We had 3 boats and six families! Lots of coordinating. But when you jumped in the gulf and only heard the sound of yourself breathing through the snorkel, holding hands with the kids and pointing out scallops and having them dive down to get them- that was pretty cool. The water is super clear and we could see all sorts of creepy things in addition to the scallops. We saw a sea turtle, shark, jellyfish, starfish, sand dollars, lots of fish, stingray, crabs and unknown things I didn't get close to. We were wiped out after that first day. We jumped in the cool pool at the Sea Hag (the fishing camp we stayed) and relaxed a bit eating watermelon while waiting on Hungry Howies pizza. Who knew their salads are amazing! The next day we had 4 families and 2 boats. Some other friends- the Osborns and Bowmans ended up staying an extra day, too. They showed us some good spots (since they had maxed out the previous day). Another fun day, less hectic for sure. Jessica cooked the scallops from the first night. I provided a charcuterie board for an appetizer. Lots of red wine and fun for all. The last day it was just us and the VanWies on one boat. We hit the honey spot right off the bat. With Norah Jones radio and all the kids pulling up their own scallops- it was so relaxing. We ended up quitting around 2pm then went to a sandbar to hang out. We tried to do a bit more scalloping on the way back but it was hot. We went back for another dip in the pool. Epic meltdowns. We went to a seafood joint for a tasty feast then over to the Freemans and Harmons house to visit. They arrived that night. We told them some good spots and then headed to bed. It was an intersting stay at the Mullet Shack (that's for real what it's called) at the Sea Hag. I went ahead and booked it for next year (it fills up that quickly!) All in all, I'd say it was a great trip! We took it easy that afternoon. I made the kids go to swim team then down for an early bedtime. Except Phil who went to tennis and kept the party going. Friday I played tennis with Keri, Christian and Ashley. Christian and I lost- blah! I went to WD and to split up bags of scallops. That night was movie night in the pool so see the Goonies! So awesome! Phil ended up with a man cold and went home early and spent all day Saturday in bed. It's just the sniffles, I believe. I did a tennis clinic then stayed after to play an awesome match with Rebekah and the Julies. It was hot but it felt great to be out there. I took the kids back to the pool for dinner and evening swim when it cooled off a bit. I'm reading this terrible book, What is Not Yours is Not Yours. This morning, we went to mass then to the pool for Natalie's Birthday party. It was nice and simple. Cupcakes by the pool with a few families. I walked down to visit my parents then cooked up some bacon grease scallops for an early dinner. We got a walk by visit from the Agrestis then did the prayer for vocations that our church gave us for 2 weeks. We did a not so devout family rosary then early bedtime for all. That gulf salt water did a cleanse on all of us this week!