Summertime, Summertime, Sum, Sum, Summertime...

My summer is rapidly coming to a close.  Many of you might be thinking... Hello!  It's only June!  Yes, but my county goes back to work on JULY 19.  Well, I'll give it credit... normal, returning teachers go back on July 22.  Since I will be new to the county, I have to report 3 days sooner.  So, I thought I would reflect on the few short weeks I have had to enjoy summer, and then make the most of the next less-than-4-weeks I have left.

For Memorial Day weekend, Stephen and I went on a last-minute trip down to Daytona Beach, FL.  Stephen's aunt rented a condo and was so nice enough to invite us to come down.  We got to see Stephen's cousin Randy, his wife Ashley (commonly known as Randolph and Flash), his cousin Brandon, his wife Melinda, and his cousin Brandi and her husband Tim.  Sydney went on the 7+ hour drive down Friday evening after work, and I must say... she was an angel!  The last long roadtrip we had taken was to Nashville when she was about 13 months old, and she wasn't having it so much.  We popped in her Sesame Street DVD, and she was good to go!  We had a great trip and the weather was perfect.

Ashley, Stephen, and Brandi overlooking the beach.

Sydney, styling and profiling.

Sydney and Daddy on the beach.

The very next Thursday after Memorial Day, Stephen, Sydney, and I boarded a plane to head down to Tampa, FL!  We stayed in Treasure Island, FL at a beach house.  My whole family, minus my brother and his wife and daughter, got to stay together.  My mom's god-daughter got married that weekend in St. Pete Beach.  It was beautiful.  SO much fun. 

The beautiful wedding on the beach at sunset!

Sydney and Daddy at the reception.

This is my favorite pic. :)

Since those two trips, I have been trying to take it easy, hang out with Sydney, catch up with friends, and get the long to-do list of things I put off doing during the school year (like tackling my closet!).  I have been lucky enough to see my best friends from high school at Ashley's baby shower.  Ashley lives in California, Jackie lives in NC, and Erica lives in Atlanta... needless to say, we don't get to be together that often. :( 

Jackie, Ashley, me, and Erica

Things haven't changed too much, huh?

Jackie, me, Erica, and Ashley, around 1998.

So, there you have it... my first few weeks of summer break.  Here's hoping the next few go by veeeerrrryyyy slooooowwwlllyy.