I am having a big birthday this year so there are multiple celebrations. I really wanted a long weekend with friends and because we are moms of school aged kids and/or teachers, we planned a trip in July. The 5 of us were flying in from 3 different states so I wanted to go somewhere we could fly direct (like Tampa). I settled on Siesta Key which may have not been the best decision in July, but decision made.

We all arrived at various times on Saturday between 6 am and 10 pm. Once Stacey arrived in the afternoon, Stacey, Danielle, and I ventured out and it was hot and stifling. Gilbert drove by in a golf cart and we happily hopped on (he works for tips). Stacey and Gilbert were instantly best friends.

Stacey loves her sunsets as much as I do so we hustled to the beach after dinner for our 1st sunset.

The next day the 5 of us packed up the beach gear and spent a couple of hours on the beach.

All of these lovely ladies came into my life at different times. Obviously my sister Pam was first, then I met Stacey in Maryland when we were both in our late 20s and we worked together, then I met Danielle when we moved to NJ and we were both moms to toddlers, and then Amy when we moved to California and we were both moms to 2nd graders. I feel so lucky that they came into and stayed in my life.

Back to the beach. It was crowded and hot but the water was warm, calm and beautiful. I was a little worried because I was still wearing my splint and could not get my incision wet or put any force on that arm (ie get knocked over by a wave).

We had my birthday celebration that night at an Italian restaurant and it was delicous! Danielle and her raised eyebrow with her martini. Always a sparkle in her eye!

We had early-ish dinner reservations so that we could catch the weekly drum circle on the beach and the sunset.

Me and my sis.

Evenings were spent cozied up in the VRBO family room chatting and enjoying a glass of wine. The house had plenty of room for all of us and was on a canal. There was a pool but it was so warm we only got in it a couple of times.

More beach time the next day with all our stuff loaded on the cart.

That night the ladies planned a fun sunset cruise that started at an over the top Tiki Bar.

The boat went through the Intercostal Waterway and we stopped at a sandbar. Sue also joined us for a couple of days. She lives in Ft. Lauderdale and I met her on my photography trip to Thailand and have taken 2 -3 additional trips with her. So happy that she could join us!

Danielle and Stacey and our little boat.

We all really enjoyed sleeping in every day, except Pam who rose at 6:30 am every morning. We would have a late breakfast/early lunch and just take our time. No kids to feed, no to-do lists to worry about, and no schedule. So nice.

On our last day we did some souvenir shopping in the little town and Pam and I found oyster shooters.

Then back to the beach for sunset.

Sunset silhouettes.

The sunset was insanely good with a huge shadow cast across the sky.

We waited and waited for people to leave the lifeguard station so we could get some pics. The light was amazing.

Our last sunset of our time together. I feel so honored that these 5 friends took time out of their lives to spend with me. Time together is the best gift of all and I loved our time together.