Anna Maria Island Florida

What can I say about Anna Maria Island Florida...."Beautiful"...I have never been to such a perfect beach and community.  From the time we crossed over the Palma Sola Bay on Manatee Ave onto the Island we were pleasantly surprised by the laid back island atmosphere.  As we landed at our first stop which was Holmes Beach we were in awe of the powdery white sand and the clear, warm, emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  We spent hours splashing, floating and shelling on this beach before heading north to Anna Maria City Beach.  Here we had a fabulous lunch at The Sandbar Restaurant.  There was a fabulous gift shop and bar area with an outdoor beachfront dining area which is where we were seated to a table where we could dine with our feet in the sand.  After lunch we explored this part of the island and we were not disappointed.  From the quaint inns and hotels to the fabulous homes all the way around to Bimini Bay and the City Pier, it all felt so tropical and "old Florida style" which I loved.  Later we headed down to Bradenton and Cortez Beaches where we found a lot of shells as the tide washed in.  A drive down to Longboat Key and a decision was made that this will be our new winter or early spring vacation spot from now on.  No need to use your car either.  You can bike or ride the free island trolley everywhere.  Siesta Key Beach and Sarasota are just a few minutes to the south and St. Pete and Tampa Bay to the north.  Definitely put this destination on your Bucket List people.  You will not be disappointed.  I am dreaming of the day we go back. It can't be soon enough.

Tennessee Ashley & Florida Garnet

I just recently returned from a quick visit to Florida and normally I jump right on here and post all of my beach pictures and tell all about my trip.  I will do that in another post.  There was something far more special about my Florida vacation trip.  You see Florida is where one of the most important people in my entire life resides...my Mamaw Garnet.  Just look at these pictures, isn't she beautiful!!!

My Mamaw has been my very best friend from day one of this life.  I have such a great time reliving my childhood memories with her.  I can pull into her driveway & to this day I still get that excited feeling I did as a child when Mom and Dad would take me to her house to spend the night or just to visit.  Whether we were playing cards, making fudge or homemade apple pies, jumping on her beds, cutting up left over material with electric sissors, singing into a tape recorder, pretending to be news and weather reporters while she recorded us, or dressing up with her Mary Kay makeup and all of her jewelry, my sister and I always have a blast with her.  She is so full of life and young at heart.

I always feel so at home when I stay with her.  As I laid in her guest bed and looked up at the pictures on the wall of my Dad and his brother I felt as if I were 5 years old again staying at her house because those same two pictures have always hung in the guest bedroom.  As I stood in her bedroom glancing around I see the same sewing machine that I remember her letting us use when we were little.  In the kitchen there is the familiar china cabinet and table, the table that we played Rook and Rummy or Shanghi at all those years ago.  Everything about Mamaw's house brings back wonderful childhood memories.

I love being able to talk to her about everything, anything, nothing is off limits.  I can be honest or I can be silly with her.  If I were an outlaw she would be my partner in crime!  I am her biggest fan and she is mine.  I hope that everyone out there has someone this special in their lives.  The only regret I have is that Tennessee and Florida aren't neighboring states.  She is a twelve hour drive from my house but only a two hour flight so I will be visiting her again very soon.  I don't plan on ever letting too much time go by without going to see her again.

Garnet is a precious jewel...that definitely describes her in my opinion.

I love you Mamaw!!!!!
        

 

Awesome Vacation in Tybee Island

We spent Memorial Day weekend on Tybee Island with Brian's parents.  This trip was a gift for Betty's Mother's Day present and Doug's Birthday present.  We all had so much fun none of us wanted to come home.  The weather was perfect, the island was full of activity, we even took everyone over to Savannah for a day and showed them all around the city.  The condo we rented from Sandy's By The Shore was spactacular!!  Ryan spent a lot of time playing his guitar down on Tybrisa Street at night (see video below) or on the beach and he actually made money :)  I really enjoyed the live bands & dancing at Spanky's.  I will be going back this summer.  Tybee Island has become my favorite place to vacation.

Ryan plays Tybrisa Street Tybee Island GA

We had an awesome time in Tybee Island GA for Memorial Day but my son Ryan had a blast playing his acoustic guitar down on the beach & on Tybrisa Street at night.  He actually made money :) Anyway on this night he was joined by a super fun guy that we got to know.  He can really belt out the songs.  Had a blast.  Hope you enjoy the video and watching Ryan try his hand at being a street musician.

Ryan Live @ The Marina

At my birthday celebration my son got to have his moment on stage and have an impromptu jam session with another young man named RJ.  I loved every second of it and so did the audience.  You guys ROCK!!!

My Best Birthday EVER!!!

This birthday was the absolute undeniable BEST I have ever had.  I was surrounded by family and friends who made sure my special day was full of fun, wonderful surprises and gave me lasting memories I will never forget.  I am truly blessed.

Two Graduations in One Night...Priceless!!

Well the big day went off without a hitch.  Ryan and Taylor graduated from high school.  I am such the proud mother & aunt.  I will never forget this exciting day as long as I live & I can't wait to see what these two young adults with their futures.