Vacation [Part Two]

Welcome back! :) Continuing the vacation recap...

On Monday we headed back to the St. Augustine area for a much needed beach day. This was probably the day that I was most excited about and looking forward to about this vacation. I knew we would have a beach day and I was so ready to feel the sand between my toes and taste the salt water...not that I drink it or anything (that would be gross), but you can't help getting splashed or licking your lips at some point of the day!

We arrived a little later in the day than planned (sorry Dad!) but the beach was not packed at all, thankfully we still beat the rush so we had a good selection of spots to chose from. My cousin Beth, her husband and girls joined us and it was so nice spending time with them!

And because you can't go to the beach and not take pictures, here goes:

Above: A little burring going on there. I tickled Hannah's feet once she was covered and it was so funny! I think the buried Haley later in the day too!

Below: Last time the girls went to the beach they took a picture similar to this but with a sand castle bucket. Hannah really wanted to do the foot picture and make it look like they would get stepped on. It was fun and it turned out cute!

After a day at the beach we came back to Mom & Dad's for some swimming. Jumping in the cool pool after a long day at the beach is one of my favorite things, what can I say? After swimming a bit we showered and got ready to go babysit (or not since they aren't babies anymore) Hannah and Haley. We had a fun evening with them that included BBQ (MoJo's), a visit with Grandma, playing with their guinea pigs and Wii Dance Off. Oh it was fun and I may or may not have a wonderfully hilarious video of Stephen & Hunter doing a duet to "Jump, Jump"....so funny, let me tell 'ya!

Above: LOVE Haley's face in this one!!

Tuesday was our last full day in Florida, as we were flying back to Chicago verrrrrry early on the 4th of July. We spent the day relaxing and soaking up some more sun at the pool. I spent quite a bit of time in my perfect little nook reading the latest Karen Kingsbury novel, that was fantastic! We enjoyed some pina colodas that were shared with Chance too-funny puppy!

That evening we went to dinner and took quite a few pictures...that will be shared tomorrow! :)

Have a great Friday!

Vacation {part 4}

I was so excited to wake up Thursday because I knew we were going to St. Augustine. I LOVE St. Augustine. The people, the history, the water, the sea shells...I just love all of it! It's a place that I have many good memories with my family and friends growing up, so I was super happy that we had an opportunity to go.

Thankfully Louie was still happy staying at Gram's house so we left him there and headed toward the coast! The weather was BEAUTIFUL and the perfect temperature, too. We were so lucky!

Could the sky be any bluer? Not sure!

We grabbed lunch at The Columbia. It's a place that both Stephen and I love. It's only located in Florida though so we don't get much of a chance to dine there when we are in Indiana. Their Cuban and Spanish food is amazing!

That's the Original 1905 Salad...oh my yum!

After lunch we enjoyed walking around downtown and taking pictures of almost anything and everything. We went in and out of old shops and smelled delicious smells as we passed Pizzally's and Kilwin's Chocolate. Too bad our bellies were full from The Columbia!

I have a thing for hats...don't judge.

This is a view I can appreciate. Sailboats on the intercoastal...so right!

True Love <3

No trip to St. Augustine is complete without a stop for Gelatto. I chose Fruits of the Forest and Green Apple while Stephen choose Blueberry and Lemon. All flavors were delicious-as always!

We had to keep an eye on our time in St. Augustine because I had plans that evening with my cousin Mandi who is a blushing bride to be in April 2012. We headed out to David's Bridal with her MOH, Mom and our Grandma to find the perfect bridesmaid dress. Let me tell you...that is no easy task folks!

Heather is Mandi's Maid of Honor while I am her Matron of Honor...can I just say that Matron of Honor makes me sound like I should be old and have gray hair? It's just the way my mind works I guess...

Anyways, we tried on many, many dresses:

some were no's...

some were so-so's...

others were okay...

but this one was a YES!

After we decided this was the one Mandi was on the phone with her other bridesmaids and they all liked it too. Whew! Looks like we have all agreed on the dress for her April 2013 wedding! :)

Trying on all those dresses worked up an appetite for all of us!

We had a lovely dinner at Buca and talked more about the wedding and this exciting time in Mandi's life. It was a great night! 

Me, Mandi (cousin-bride), Heather

Check back tomorrow for the last installment of the Vacation Recap series! :)