Bachelorette in the Poconos

Last Friday through Sunday I escaped for a girls weekend in Philly to celebrate one of my best friends, Alyssa's, upcoming nuptials.  Friday night we enjoyed a "restaurant crawl" that included three courses of delicious foods at three different restaurants.  I wasn't on camera duty that night so I'll have to come back with more details after I steal some photos from friends.

Saturday morning we woke up early and eleven girls loaded into cars to caravan up to the Poconos. 
We arrived around lunch time and quickly fixed ourselves a simple lunch to enjoy on the cabin's deck overlooking the gorgeous lake. 

We spent the entire afternoon relaxing on the dock, cramming onto the end so we could all soak up a little sun.  The twins were ambitious and went for a canoe ride while some girls were even brave enough to jump in the cool water. 

beautiful bride-to-be

super awesome weekend coozies

Our evening events included playing Imaginiff and eating a yummy dinner of roasted potatoes, grilled bbq chicken, and a fresh salad before playing a few bachelorette games. 

guess the panties game

Once it was dark, we hung out by the campfire toasting marshmallows until bedtime.  No mountain trip is complete without s'mores!

Sunday morning went by too fast as we enjoyed some french toast, straightened up a bit, and anxiously awaited Alyssa's "signing of the guestbook."  The cabin has a tradition writing a somewhat humorous, detailed report of the time spent at the lake.  It was fun to hear our contribution.

listening to the weekend's entry

Gorgeous sunrise photos courtesy of Stephanie.

The weekend went by way too fast of course but we had a fabulous time.  I loved getting to spend time celebrating my best friend and enjoying the mountain cabin that is so special to her.  It was great to be with some of my long-time favorite friends and make lots of new friends.  Can't wait to catch up with all the girls again at the September wedding!

No weekend is complete without some self-timed group shots...

Destin!

Mike and I just got back from an amazing few days at the beach in Destin, FL with my family.  My oldest bro and family rented a place on the beach (previous trip here) for a week and we crashed their party last Saturday through Wednesday.  My Mom and other brother and my Sis-in-law's family also joined in on the fun. 

We woke up early every day for a hot and humid run and then sped down to the beach where we would spend the entire day soaking up the sun, playing in the sand and enjoying the gorgeous blue water.  It was the perfect escape and we loved every bit of it. 

Blake couldn't get enough of playing in the sand.  He built castle after castle and was so happy.  Lauren was a wave riding champion.  She would boogie board all the way to shore and didn't mind at all when the waves knocked her under.

 The "big boys" played lots of football and frisbee. 

group shot of the boys

girls group shot

I remembered Milissa desperately wanting to parasail last year so when I suggested it this year we rounded up a group and headed out.  We all absolutely loved it.  I was the only one who had done it before but it was a much different experience than in Jamaica! 

parasailers

so fun!

We also rented jet skis one day and had an amazing time on them.  Mike and I shared one and my Mom rode on the back of my brothers.  Apparently, my Mom was NOT a fan and was absolutely terrified.  M and I had so much fun jumping the waves as I hung on for my life! 

Our days at the beach were followed by nights back on the sand, playing games in the condo or out at the Baytown Wharf for dinner and fireworks. 

the whole group

windy!

view from the restaurant

mother daughter

self-portrait

with my favorite little girl

The morning we left, I dragged everyone out to the beach for a quick group photo. 

I also have to share the one of the cutest family photos ever.  Thanks to this crew for an amazing time at the beach!  We miss you all already!