Bokeelia Wedding Weekend, Part I

I was so excited when I got the "go ahead" from the doc to attend my brother-in-laws wedding in Florida this weekend. Lord knows I need a break from reality, and what better way to do that than heading to Florida with cool people and taking part in a wedding festivities. 

After a very uneventful flight to Fort Myers (unusual for me), we drove the 45 minutes to Pine Island and then Bokeelia Island. a.k.a. Paradise. This is the scene when we arrived at Liz's (future sister in law) parent's house.

 Hey Liz.

These people sail ya'll. 

Liz's brother in law, Pete, is on the the left boat (which he built himself) and her dad is on the right one. It was super impressive to see them maneuver these boats. Their family is actually in the sailing business. Later I had a great conversation with one of her uncles about how he finds it simply amazing that in today's reality of motor speed boating there is still a desire for their sailboat product. A passion ingrained in New Englanders and sailboat enthusiasts alike. I have a lot to learn. But, since im totally preggers, I'll have try out one of these bad boys at a later date. 

Back to the fun. Liz's parent's have been amazingly accommodating, and Friday night we had a shrimp boil/bbq/party at their house. All the out of town guests and family that were already there got together. 

The highlight of the night: Zach's tarpon fish cake. It was pretty amazing. (carrot cake on the inside)

 scene of the party

 Jordan: ready to party. Me & boys: ready to call it a night

 Mad scientist Windblown Bob: Also ready to party

Yesterday we relaxed by the beach/pool, watched football, and some people went on boat rides. It was a super awesome lazy day. In the evening, we all got together for a boat ride trip to their rehearsal dinner at Cabbage Key. 

(where were we?)

This map shows Bokeelia on the right side, and the "A" is cabbage key. Above both of these is Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande. All of these look so close on a map, but it was a 45 minute boat ride (in boat below) from Bokeelia to cabbage key. Luckily a storm had blown through earlier that day and flattened the water. 

 "We're on a boat!"

In case we got stranded in a sandbar, the festivities could continue

Once at Cabbage Key (also known as the location Jimmy Buffett supposedly wrote "cheeseburger in paradise") we enjoyed the unique atmosphere, watched a little football, ate cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches and had the coolest rehearsal dinner on record. Yes, those are dollar bills all over the ceiling. This night was so Zach and Liz. 

We headed back to the Lodge on a trip that was slightly too reminiscent of  Riverboat formal (AOPi memory). The rain had returned, so it was a bit cold and damp, but we survived and headed to the bar for more football, drinks and company. The wedding is today, so more to come!