Memorial Day Weekend!

I know, I know--I'm a few days late.  I have barely had a free moment to sleep, let alone blog about my wonderful escape to the beach.

It all started Friday night when a few friends and I piled up in the car and left Charlotte for the beach...along with about half the city. Aside from me forgetting my credit card AND my debit card therefore forcing us to turn around, we made the first part of the trip pretty smooth.  It was when we arrived in Myrtle Beach that we realized that it was black biker week--and our hotel was right Grand Central Station! 

Ali and I were not happy about sitting in traffic

Apart from taking 45 minutes to drive 2 miles up the block and another 30 minutes to get checked in, Friday was pretty uneventful!  All of our friends (16 total) arrived soon and we spent the night playing a nice game of trash-ketball in the room.

Saturday we were up bright and early for a fun filled day on the beach including football, giant beer pong, and sunbathing.  After venturing out of the hotel for some seafood dinner, we ended up going to bed early to rest up for Sunday Funday.

(Here is where I remembered to take some pictures)

On Sunday, Ali, Rob, Brittany, and I all decided to get up early to hit the aquarium.  I was shocked that out of all 16 of us at the beach, only 3 others shared in my excitement! I am such a kid at heart! :)

 

I made friends with the sharks, and even touched a bamboo shark!

An adventurous morning and a delicious lunch at my personal favorite--Hamburger Joe's definitely called for a relaxing afternoon.  We headed back to meet up with everyone for a day on the beach! 

While the boys played beach volleyball, the girls entertained themselves with our own games and tanning.

After a gorgeous day on the beach and relaxing in the hot tub, we all got ready and headed to Broadway at the Beach.  We had dinner and drinks at Hard Rock Cafe and celebrated the long weekend at some of the bars and clubs.

Unfortunately, it was time to head home on Monday.  I, however, opted to extend my vacation by a few hours and met up with my parents at their place before leaving.  Skipping a chance to hang out with my baby brothers is not something I do often! 

 

How cute is my brother?

My dad, uncle, and I all rode back from the beach together and I finally got home late Monday night.  After picking up my sweet Topaz, I was worn out!  I am so thankful for great friends and the best family to spend the long weekend with. Traveling is always a blast, but it is good to be home!

How did you spend your Memorial Day?

Sunday Summer Six

This weekend went by in a blur...how is it Sunday already?! 

This week, here are 6 things I am thankful for...

1. NASCAR races with good friends.  Last night, was the All-Star race.  Even though I missed the morning festivities due to camp training, I still managed to squeeze in enough fun to break my shorts, lose my keys, and prance around in the rain. Stories all for another time.

   

2. EOGs being OVER this week! In North Carolina, all students 3rd grade and up take "End of Grade" tests and ours are coming up starting tomorrow.  Seriously--this will be the best feeling ever! 

3. EOGs being over mean... only 14 school days until summer! Anyone who teaches knows how restless kids are this time of the year.  I'm not sure who is more ready for a break--them or me!

4. Lazy Sundays.There is nothing I love more than not having anything to do on Sundays but lay on my couch and watch movies.  Today's lineup includes some of my favorites: The Little Rascals, Law Abiding Citizen, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. 

5. Cute phone cases.  I bought this one on etsy a few weeks ago! Not only is it super cute, but it was very affordable.  I have seen some of them for $30-40 but these were only $13!  I love it but I am already ready to order more!  Check out some of these cute cases!

6. Family time.  I am thankful enough to only live about 15 minutes away from my family.  Today is my little brother's 4th birthday so we are celebrating tonight.  It is hard to believe that it has been four years since this little nugget joined our family! 

(one day he may kill me for this picture...)

What things are you thankful for this week?

"So we beat on..."

Last night, I finally got to see one of the most phenomenal movies I have seen in a long time, The Great Gatsby.  I have to admit, from the moment  I saw the trailer, I was counting down the days until the movie was released.  I mean, a movie with Leonardo can't ever go wrong. (Ever since Titanic, I have been a little bit obsessed.)

I have to tell you, the movie blew my expectations out of the water.  Not only was the acting amazing and the setting breathtaking, but the movie was very similar to the book.  I am always impressed when a director can take the picture in my mind and make it a reality without distorting the original author's work.  The movie left me with a longing to see it again as soon as possible.  I definitely would recommend this one!

  

  

Have you see The Great Gatsby? What did you think?

"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter—to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And one fine morning——

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

Sunday Summer Six

The sun is out, pools are opening, kids (and teachers) are getting restless, and summer is definitely in the air! 

Here are six things that I am loving about summer coming up:

1. New Essie colors.   How cute is "Bottle Service?"

2. Cocktail parties with my cute boyfriend.

 

3.  Upcoming beach trips.  There is nothing I love more than a great day laying on the beach

4. Camp! Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE camp season.  Training starts next weekend and I am so excited! 

5. Vineyard Vines summer clothes.  Their Daytimer shorts have quickly become some of my favorites.  And this dress was such a hit, I can't wait for another opportunity to wear it! 

6. More daylight time to spend with this sweet girl!  While she may be sleeping at my feet now, this little one has endless energy when it's nice outside.