To be honest, I planned on writing a part on each day of my trip, but I didn’t feel like it I guess. My stay in Florida with my mom was nice or at least as nice as family vacations typically go… You know, stress of traveling and whatnot– and even though the cocktails weren’t nearly strong enough, I still enjoyed sitting by the pool with a tropical, blue drink and laying in the lazy river.

My mom and I also got on a boat to watch the Blue Angels practice and although I felt sick as soon as we stopped moving, the jets were amazing. Did you know they get as close as 18 inches from each other? Apparently they do according to our tour guide.

Another highlight for me was meeting an amputee turtle named Sweet Pea who lives at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Her story is so inspiring and I’m glad she’s in the care of such enthusiastic staff!

However, the main point of our trip was to meet up with my mom’s mystery half sister… I felt hesitant to meet her. I think I was mostly feeling anxious about it, but I knew I would regret not meeting her. Besides, it was good to be there for my mom.

We ended up meeting on the beach where they had live music and stalls open to shop around at. I ended up buying a couple of rings while we waited for my aunt to arrive. My mom who was standing afar met her first and when I walked up, she gave me a warm hug. I then noticed they were both wearing animal print and I noted her familiar jaw shape and knew she was definitely part of my family.

We went to the bar where I had a yummy, but pathetic frozen margarita and sat on one of those walls that are by the beach– you know the ones. Later we went for a walk on the pier. I kinda spaced out and walked ahead of them, letting them talk for a while and periodically tuning in on what I felt like was family drama and juicy history.

(They’re only five months apart in age. My mom told me while we were at the airport, but you didn’t hear that from me.)

My first impression of my new aunt was good! She reminded me of my extended family and had things in common with my mom. I wish I had more interesting tidbits to share, but we were only able to see her twice that week and I don’t want to share too many family details (or more than I already have). I hope she keeps in touch with us and I miss Sweat Pea already, but I am definitely glad to be home.