Vacation [Part One]

Just a heads up that this post is a bit picture heavy...as in 32 photos. Also, it might be a bit word heavy too. What can I say? I want to remember the details and photos of our vacation. Blog = scrapbook, agree?

Okay, so we arrived in Jacksonville, FL on Friday June 30th late. Very late. Our flight should have landed around 9pm, but since we were delayed over an hour waiting for other passengers in Nashville it didn't work out that way. Stephen and I had not eaten since lunch on Friday on our way to Chicago for our first flight. To say we were hungry would be a huge understatement. Since it was late our options were limited and we ended up at McDonald's. It may have been the best happy meal (I almost always order happy meals) I have ever had, no lie. The fact that I was super hungry may or may not have had something to do with that. After that we continued onto my parents house where were pretty promptly got ready got bed and went off to dreamland.

Saturday morning we woke and got ready for a little shopping and errand running before Mom and Dad's big 4th of July BBQ. I only took a few pictures that day and none at the actual party, whoops. There were so many people at their house (almost 100) and we were busy the whole time greeting and catching up with family and old friends. Dad was busy the whole day cooking some D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S BBQ, yummo!

The party was in full swing all afternoon and evening, the last guest left around 10pm while we wrapped the day up with some night swimming...

Sunday the plan was for us to go to early service at Mom & Dad's church...but with the activities of Saturday we were all tired. Apparently Mom tried to wake us kids (including Stephen) but was unsuccessful so she went to church alone and we slept. I am not going to lie, sleeping in was SO nice! In the afternoon we headed to St. Augustine, FL (btw: one of my favorite places in the world!) for some walking and eating...of course! We had late lunch reservations at Columbia, which is the best Spanish/Cuban food I have ever had. It was Hunter and Jessica's first time and they seemed to enjoy it too. We also ate there in March when in FL! I am beginning to think it's a requirement when in FL and I am totally okay with that!

We took some pictures around St. Augustine, which is beautiful if you have not been there. One of our favorite places and a great place to cool off for a bit on a hot day is the Casa Monica Hotel. The building is stunning and so is the decor. They have paintings of views that can be found around St. Augustine lining the walls and they are so beautiful. It only reminded me that I would really, really love a painting of our house one day!

Our last stop in St. Augustine was near the Bridge of Lions for some photo taking. We took tons of photos, but if you know me at all that probably does not surprise you in the least! Here are some from our photo shoot:

We left St. Augustine and headed to a baby shower for my cousin, Naomi. Naomi is pregnant with her first child, a son. Kevin Gage is due to be born in August and we had a great time showering her and him with lovely baby gifts. I sat back and really enjoyed watching her open each precious gift and pass it around the room. One thing is for sure, Gage is going to be one well dressed little fella!

Savannah was a great helper to opening presents, so sweet!

Left to Right: Aunt Mary, Mom (Aunt Linda), Naomi, Aunt Barb (Naomi's Mom) and Aunt Erin.

Btw, I think in some of these pictures Naomi does not even look pregnant. I hope I get that lucky one day!

After present and cake we hopped outside for a little impromptu maternity shoot. Don't judge these pictures too critically because I have never claimed to be a professional, but I did enjoy taking these for Naomi. I know she appreciated and enjoyed seeing them as well!

We ended the night back at Mom & Dad's with a little night swimming again. Hunter and Stephen were having a good time together and acting silly (Hunter) as you can tell in these photos! Pretend it's like a flip book:

And that's the end of Sunday.

More posts and pictures coming up soon!