St. Augustine, FL - 2014

This year's trip to Florida was perfect. After a rainy week last year, it was so nice to be welcomed by blue skies and beach weather!

Past recaps found here:

• 2011
• 2012
• 2013

The condo my mom originally rented was flooded thanks to work being done in the unit above hers....so they had to move her to a new complex. But with this new view, we were not complaining one bit!

This was my view for the first full day I was there. It was one of the best beach days I've experienced so far in St. Augustine. And man was I relaxed by the end of the day! (and a little burnt unfortunately)

Day 2 was cloudy but I didn't even care. The beach was basically empty since it was a weekday and it was still plenty warm.

Bruno loves the beach! But stole my towel...diva.

Our morning routine: Coffee, fruit smoothies, and reading on the porch in our PJs

And our (bi)nightly routine: Frozen yogurt at Coco Mango....

I did a horrible job at taking photos on this trip. It was just too easy to kick back and relax! Or go shopping....that's what rainy days on vacation are for, right? You know who made out best? Baby C of course. Nona decided it was time she picked out a few outfits for the little love.

Well Mom has secured her spot on the beach for next year thankfully. So who knows, maybe it will be Baby C's first trip! :)

Honeymoon: Maui

What I would give to go back to Hawaii.

I don't think I've ever been so relaxed in my life. We had such a GREAT trip. J was nervous about an island vacation since he does not enjoy lying on the beach but even he found it within him to relax and enjoy a tropical drink or two.

We spent the first 5 days of our honeymoon in Maui and loved every minute of it. We stayed at the Sheraton at Black Rock in Kaanapali and absolutely loved the area.

 Boston to SF = 7hr flight. SF to Maui = 5 hr flight. We finally made it!

 The Old Lahaina Luau

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater

 Can you see J in that wave?!

 Sunset at Black Rock

 Our Journey on the Road to Hana

 Black sand beach!

 Seven Sacred Pools

 Zip Lining!

After our time in Maui we jetted off to the Big Island for another 5 days of sun, sand, and adventure. I'll post those pictures next week!

We cannot wait to get back to Maui someday. It was such a treat and will always be a special place to us. It's quite a journey to get to Hawaii from the east coast so I'm really thankful we got there as young as we did and have planted the seed of desire for future trips.

Aloha!

St. Augustine, FL - Round 2

For Easter this year, I had the opportunity to visit my mom in St. Augustine, FL. She is down there for the month in what she is referring to as her very own boot camp. Yes, she's crazy. Swimming, yoga, yogilates, walking, and spinning are all on her list of activities.

While I was only there for 3 days this year, we made sure to make the best of it. Friday night we headed into town for the monthly Art walk. We walked by Flagler College, which I've been so curious to see. It used to be a fancy hotel.

Flagler College

 Amazing lighting in the Casa Monica Hotel

 St. George Street

The weather wasn't great my first day there but by Saturday afternoon it was time to bask in some sunshine.

 View at the pool. I had it all to myself for the most part. :)

View from my mom's condo

 

Bruno cooling off after an afternoon walk

 

 Easter brunch was held in the condo. Everyone brought something. My mom was in charge of a frittata. Doesn't this look perfect?!

Easter cocktails on the deck. 

This photo just cracks me up - trying to teach someone else how to use my camera...hahah

 But this one came out great!

I left Brunch early to enjoy this view and let the adults continue to chit chat (let's just say I was the only one under 50 this year....)

All in all, it was a great weekend. Spent some quality time with my mom and her good friends, got in a nice long run, visited the local Farmers Market, and sun-bathed by the pool and on the beach. Crossing my fingers St. Augustine is on the agenda next year too! (hint, hint)