Day 25, 26, 27-The Mini Getaway

Day 25

Day 26

Amazing Chalk Walk Art Festival, Clearwater Beach

Marriott, Sand Key 

My Monkeys

Day 27

Sometimes you just have to get away. So that's exactly what we did this weekend. As much as I am surprised at what we can live without, having only one car over the past 7 weeks has made me a somewhat of a prisoner to my home.

Add my husband's company car for the past 18 years to the list of items I took for granted. 

The kids had a day off on Friday. So that, coupled with some Marriott Rewards points was all the excuse we needed to blow this popsicle stand. The only thing I didn't escape was this dress. Four more days to go!

Beach Bliss

After two weekends away in a row, I guess you could say my summer vacation has begun! I had a terrible time focusing on work this morning while my mind kept drifting back to the sun, sand, and friends.

This past weekend was our 8th annual Memorial Day trip to Hutchinson Island. I can't tell you how much this group of friends means to me. Although we live miles apart and may only see each other a few times a year, we always pick up where we left off! It is like one big family. I laughed more than I have in a long time, and I needed it.

The older that I get, the more I realize and cherish the true friendships in my life. I am so grateful for friends that are there for me no matter the distance. I love that they are honest with me, communicate with me, and call me out when I need it. I love that we can laugh together, cry together, and support each other. I am truly blessed.

Best of all, was time away with my husband who hasn't had a day off since he started his new job! I think I had a little post-getaway depression when he wasn't here to wake up with me this morning. The adjustment of his new job has still been really stressful for us. Especially him. But we are thankful in the midst of the craziness because God provided for us, and protected us. The gift list goes on.......

1000 Gifts
237. Balconies filled with friends
238. Rivers
239. Watermelon
240. BBQ on the beach
241. Grilled corn on the cob
242. Tents in the sand
243. Beach chairs and coozies
244. The smell of salt water in the air
245. Freedom
246. Soldiers
247. A cool dip in the pool
248. Boom boxes and dance parties
249. Human pyramids
250. Long rides and good talks
251. Craziness

Celebrating 9 Years!

Tales from the ladies room! (My Anniversary dress)

Spent a relaxing day at Serenata Beach Club-AMAZING

Toured and ate our way through town! :) 

Amazing yummy suprises! 

St. Augustine was the perfect location to celebrate an anniversary! What a delightfully romantic town with great food, beautiful beaches, and sightseeing. A few of our favorites for food were the Raintree, Saltwater Cowboys, Serenata Beach Club, and La Pentola. We stayed at the Renaissance Marriott, where the service was top notch! Such a friendly staff, they were so sweet to us on our special day!

It was such a blessing to have this time away, I know we needed it. Trying to keep a marriage thriving and children under control has been quite the task for us lately. It is hard work! A weekend away with no distractions was just what the doctor ordered! Now...back to the real world starting with some morning work followed by a play date! Ready...set...go!!!

The Getaway

Marco Island Marriott Resort and Spa

Amazing view!

Watching the sunset

The best riesling I have ever had! Not too sweet, and very light! 

Marco Island is an amazing place to visit! If you haven't been, you MUST! I came down with my husband for his last trade show of the summer. Luckily, he brought two salesmen, so he and I have been acting like a couple of newelyweds! :) Morning runs, sunsets, dinners, and lots of laughs. We needed this so much! I stopped into Miranda Spa yesterday while he was working for a mani/pedi and it was unbelievable! Best mani/pedi I have had in years! The ladies were super sweet and the spa was beautiful! We had dinner at Aurtoros, AMAZING!!! Beef carpaccio, grouper piccata, and chicken marsala! Topped it off with a canolli and melt in your mouth chocolate lava cake. I will be dreaming about that meal for months! Heading down to the beach now to soak up some Vitamin D, have a FANTASTIC Friday!

Beach Weekend

What a FUN weekend! We left the littles with grandma and took the older two. They never really get an opportunity to go on a diaper and "whine" free trip with us. It was GREAT to have this special time with them! I love my kids!!!! I sure hope all of you are having a fantastic Memorial Day weekend! We are so very blessed to be Americans! New cut: courtesy of the wonderful Ashley Jackson at Pat's Hair Design, new sunnies: Kenneth Cole, a Marshalls steal! Beads: Stella & Dot, bandeau swimsuit top: Lucky Brand, beach chair: Nautica, Sam's Club...hee hee!

Mixing Prints and Business With Pleasure!

Top: Marshalls clearance rack YEARS ago! Skirt: J. Crew,
Shoes: Charles David, c/o Marshalls,
 Bracelets: Stella & Dot

I am totally post...posting! That would be because I am still in my workout clothes from this morning. These pics are from our beach trip last week. My husband and I took the littles to the beach last Friday and spent the night. We had the BEST time! I was able to work on the drive down, and when we got there, I put aside my iPhone and iPad and had some fun in the sun with the best people on earth, my family! I love mini breaks, and as much as I love all six of us together, it was nice to spend quality time with my husband and the littles! I got a few compliments on my outfit when I arrived at the hotel, and two of them said, I would never think to put that together! To me, that is a score! :)