sunshine state

Every year my family & I go on a summer vacation together. Last year, we went to Cape May, NJ and Myrtle Beach, SC. The summer before that we went to Spain, it was amazing! This sizzlin' summer we vacationed in Florida, in Pompano Beach. Who wouldn't want to embark on a 18 hour drive in a cramped mini-van? I sure didn't want to miss it! In between sleeping as much as possible, we enjoyed our delicious fast food cuisine. Chick-Fil-A's smoothies are incredible, as well as their chicken sandwiches, of course. We ordered 4 milkshakes in one of our drive-thru meal stops. Vanilla was a bit bland, I recommend strawberry & chocolate, although peach was the tastiest by far. Georgia was my favorite state that we drove through. We made a small shopping detour at this really good outlet mall. Some great finds at gap. We bought some local grown Georgia peaches & boy were they good-should have gotten more! 

Eventually, we found our place & got settled in. It was a really nice resort with a HUGE fitness center, mini golf, two big pools, and lots of activities to entertain us for the week. Florida was quite the vacation spot. As my dad says, “its like a civilized third world county." The only thing that distracted me from the beautiful palm trees & sun was all the police action! We saw more in a day than we get to see at home in 2 months.haha no wonder the show Cops originated here. On our way back from grocery shopping, we ran into(not literally) the missionaries on bikes. We were getting lost & we saw them biking to a less-active member's home. what a small world. We invited them to dinner at our place after church the next day. 

What a cultural experience FL was-lots of Haitians, retired people, and a few Caucasians. All in all, it was a beautiful vacation spot.We celebrated two birthdays which was awesome-more on that later. On my birthday, we went to the beach for a few hours. It was gorgeous! 

My dad thought it would be a fun adventure if we rented a jet ski, so we did. I had to study a handbook to get a temporary Florida license to drive the jet ski. I took it seriously as I studied all the boating rules for about an hour. I felt like spongebob squarepants as I passed the written test with a little help. It was such a BLAST riding the waves on the jet ski. My dad took his turn first & the salty water splashed us as we took on the ocean. I was anxious to put my boating license to the test & drive the bad boy! We carefully switched seats & I was careful not to make any sharp or sudden turns...but somehow..I sort of capsized the jet ski & we both fell off and plopped in the ocean. I jumped right back on the horse, but one of the plugs was open & water started coming in and as much as he struggled, daddio couldn't get back on. One of the super dark guys working saw the damsel in distress & helped us get on his jet ski and get back to shore. It was unforgettable & the best birthday ever!

         We all got really burned from the beautiful beach & enjoyed the rest of our stay in FL and managed to come home safely in one piece. Can't wait for our next adventure in south carolineyy, I love myrtle beach!

yes, that is diaper rash cream on his face, if you were wondering.

It's a Girl! well hopefully...otherwise he better love pink

Our neighbors are quite the adorable family: mom, dad, son, and cat. They are so kind & I was thrilled when she announced that their family would grow by one and that she's due with a baby girl in August. Today we celebrated & gathered for a sweet baby shower. 

I couldn't think of a more capable and deserving family for this baby gal. Their son, James, is an awesome kid to watch while his parents are out & jump on the trampoline with-he's going to make a fantastic big brother! Anyway the shower went really well. Madre prepared DELICIOUS extra thick fudgey brownies that had pink frosting galore and her famous lemon squares. expertise. Another kind neighbor & my mom planned and threw the shower for Katie.

There were also these really cute little cakes spread through the table that were so dainty and perfect, you didn't want to take a bite.Gifts were oh so pink & beautiful, I cannot wait for this child! oops I mean baby. My mom is a sewing pro and has ever since I was a toddler made these colorful baby blankets & coordinating burp cloths for every expecting mom she knows. 

She sews piping along with this ultra silky edging, after given the color preference to be used. I love the one she made this time, soft yellow & pink edging and similar pink theme for the cloths. After presents and cold lemonade, we began indulging in the tasty treats and I couldn't help admiring all the beautiful artwork the hostess' house had. She's an artist, but I didn't know to what extent. 

Here's some of her work:

Accompanying her masterpieces were the coolest souvenirs from all over the globe. I took myself on a little tour...

A little watermelon salesman from Nicaragua in the kitchen. slightly similar characteristics to Luigi.

The most beautiful little kettles and jewelry containers I've ever seen from China.

I haven't seen a doorstop like this at Ikea..

This tapestry is made of thin, colored strands of string.the entire thing, when you look closely.Nicaragua.

The necklace wall. some from Germany, China, Nicaragua, and many more countries I can't remember. who wouldn't want that face hanging from your neck?

Its funny how I've been living yards away from this house with intricate decorations for the past 16 years, literally right in front of my nose, and hadn't the slightest clue. I guess some things are even more beautiful and wonderful when discovered, and not obviously displayed.

enchanting afternoon.

Megan Elizabeth Livingston

This chica is absolutely amazing in every way & more. There are so many things that I appreciate and love about her, especially during her birthday season-

she is such an energetic dancer & sure knows how to throw a dance party!

she is an awesome person to travel & explore with

 she has a sensational sense of style & is such a beauty!

she makes a fantastic roommate

she provides excellent photo opportunities

she has a fantastic taste in music

  

she is an inspiring leader & does service with a smile

she appreciates delicious food & makes the best chocolate chip cookies!

 

R + M forever

Megasus is such a great amiga to me & I'm so blessed to know such a spunky, funny, and kind chica!

HAPPY HAPPY 18TH!

A Nautical Adventure

This weekend my friends and I ventured to Jack Johnson's To The Sea concert. It was AMAZING! The evening was full of energetic music and entertaining fellow JJ fans. These two people stood right in front of us about half way through the concert and at first I thought how rude! However, we soon learned what a hip fantastic dancer the girl was. We couldn't resist doing our best imitation and were experts at swaying our Shakira hips and tossing our hair all over the place. She was great, it really made our night. Of course there was Jack-he was marvelous. I love the beachy vibe and Hawaiian melody he strings his guitar to. It was really something else to pull into the venue and see classy tailgaters blasting some of my favorite songs of his. The opening bands were quite talented as well, there was ALO and G.Love. My friends Megan & Dillion met up with us & when they got the JJ tour tees they met G.Love and he signed them! It was a splendid concert performance and now I can get more familiar with his new albulm, To The Sea.

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing for Jack

almost here!

love the nautical tees, printed on organic cotton!

sea creatures on the loose 

the man on the strings