I knew that when I was able to get two months off to move from Virginia to Utah that I would be spending a good chunk of time in Florida. Partly because I'm over the Cold but most especially to spend time with my people. If you're reading this, then you are my people and you know how important friendships and relationships are to me.
It was funny actually, as everyone would ask me what I was going to do with all of this time off, if I was going to do a big trip overseas. I knew from the get go that I needed this time to decompress, to spend time with the people that matter in my life and to just be on the open road. As someone who has spent many hours in planes, there is just so much freedom and relaxation that comes from being able to get in the car and go wherever you want.
Halfway through the Sabbatical, I have no regrets.
Here's who I was able to see as I trekked down I-95 and crisscrossed my way through Florida.
Met Merrilyn off of I-95 somewhere in North Carolina as we ate and laughed and shopped.
It was heaven!
After about 9 hours on the road, I made it to Jacksonville to hang with Missy and Joe Novak at their adorable beach place. I definitely took advantage of the proximity to the beach.
Adorable.
This is the way to start a day. I love the beach. It makes my heart hurt to think I'll be so far from it while living in Salt Lake City.
Missy and I kicking it on some mansion's deck where apparently no one ever is (so says Missy- but how about later that day when I went back there was totally someone cleaning the chairs! Haha!).
My adorable Beach Cruiser in its natural habitat.
Living the life on the beach.
Was able to stop in Orlando and do a session at the Temple. I really do love this Temple. Such a comforting and peaceful place.
Got to spend an afternoon and evening catching up with Kristen.
She is such a support to me and is the 2nd sister I always wanted.
The perk of spending lots of time in my hometown of Valrico is the chance to just spend a lot of downtime with old friends. Sarah and I spent nearly all day together (along with her adorable daughter and parents!) reminiscing about our high school days and simply enjoying our time together. Running errands with her made me really want to live nearby so we could laugh and grow old together.
There really is nothing quite like old friends.
A great dinner out with more high school friends. Cortney, Shelley and Ashley. Every time I come in town they make time for me and it just melts my heart. I love that we've known each other for over 15 years and that there is still such a bond between us. Love these girls.
Was able to go down to Indian Shores and spend a little more time on a beach as well as taking a stroll with Shelley.
I really do adore this girl.
She is such a spiritual strength to me and I love our heart to hearts.
Mr. E.T. Hague was in Orlando for work so we spent a couple of days together.
Shopping, eating and cruising the city in a convertible.
Just how we roll. What a blast!
Took a stroll through my old neighborhood.
So many memories!
4015 Lithia Ridge Blvd.
My Florida Home!
I really did love this house.
Finally got a little pool time in once the weather got above 70.
Life is good.
