Ocean City, MD Vacation

Hello and happy summer! I hope you're enjoying my favorite time of year as much as I am. 

We celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary on July 9th (9 years already??), by taking a road trip to Ocean City, Maryland, with some additional stops and sites along the way. It was so good to get away from the daily workweek routine and kick back and relax. We had a great time! 

We packed up and hit the road. While driving, we saw the most beautiful rainbow - end to end. It reminded us of God's promises and we took it as a sign that this was going to be a good trip. 

We stayed one night in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (AKA Amish country) to break up the drive. We found an adorable retro 50's diner for lunch and stopped to check out an outlet mall. 

We drove on to our destination, Ocean City, MD. When we arrived at our (pink!) hotel, we were pleasantly surprised with our balcony view of the ocean. We couldn't wait to hit the beach! 

Sitting under an umbrella with my toes in the sand is exactly what I was looking forward to. We soaked up the sun and enjoyed the ocean waves as long as we could. I wish I could go back there! 

At night we walked the boardwalk and got some sweet treats. You never know who you'll meet! I couldn't resist getting a photo with a minion. Maybe this was Dave? 

We got to enjoy some delicious seafood. My husband took on the all-you-can-eat crab challenge at O.C. Steamers. It took him about an hour and a half to eat this pile. So. Much. Work! The view during sunset was worth it. 

Our last night there was probably my favorite. We ate dinner at a restaurant called Hooked, played mini-golf at Medieval Faire, followed by my FIRST Rita's Water Ice. The latter was life changing. How has my Pennsylvania family never taken me there in 9 years? No excuse. They have a Gelati, which layers your choice of custard with your choice of flavored ice. I had chocolate vanilla twist with strawberry mango ice. Where have you been all my life? 

The fun continued as we drove to Baltimore for the remainder of our vacation. Andrew was excited to take me the harbor, which was walking distance from our hotel. Speaking of hotels, can I just mention that Sheraton's are by far my favorite hotel. If you have the choice to stay at one, you won't regret it. I've stayed at Sheraton's in Connecticut, New York City and now Baltimore and they are always so comfortable, beautiful, classy, stylish, professional and they pump their lobby and elevations with the most glorious scent called "welcoming warmth." True story. I wish I could bottle that stuff up and fill my house with it! And the linens and fluffy pillows! 

After watching the end of the World Cup game, we walked to Little Italy and ate a delicious dinner. The weather was HOT. 

The highlight of our time in Baltimore was seeing the Yankee's play the Oriels. This was my first MLB game! It was so exciting. We got to see Jeeter and everything. I was impressed by the enormity of the stadium! Unfortunately, during the 5th inning it started to thunder and lightening and there was no way the game could continue. We were so disappointed! They called the game in favor of the Oriel's. I really wish we could have seen them finish the game, but it wasn't meant to be. 

The next morning, before making our drive back home, we went to the Baltimore Aquarium. There was so much to see! Sharks, turtles, exotic fish, dolphins, and my new favorite, jellyfish. I was so amazed just watching the jellyfish swim and float around. God's creation is absolutely stunning! 

Then, sadly, it was time to go home. On the road again. But not without getting Chick-Fil-A! All good things must come to an end. 

It was wonderful much needed time spent away. I'm so thankful we got to take this vacation, see new places and spend time together. I usually don't like to "brag", but my husband really is the best. He planned this trip, coordinated everything and went out of his way to make me happy. I love him more than words can express. I am one very lucky and very blessed girl!
 

Beach Wedding Invitation

I had the honor of designing my cousin Marsha's wedding invitations. She and her husband, Jonathan, got married on the beach in Florida. They asked for a seaside themed invitation with a natural and organic feel to reflect their special day. Almost as if the invitation had been kissed by the ocean and left in the sun to dry.

Here's how they looked, printed on ivory paper. It was really fun to use a watercolor texture and nautical elements - especially a pair of lobsters, which were Marsha's special request. 

Photo by Brad's Creative Images Photography 

What a beautiful couple! I wish we could have been there to celebrate with them. It looked like an absolutely beautiful day. 

 Photo by Brad's Creative Images Photography 

Isn't Marsha a stunning bride? I just love her rosette headpiece veil. The new Mr. and Mrs. Jones are approaching their 2 month anniversary. Congratulations! Thank you for letting me share a small part of your wedding. Love you!

Summer Fun

Somehow, it's September. I don't know about you, but I feel like I blinked and summer came and went! How can the 3 "best" months of the year be over? 

In August, we took a long weekend trip to Pennsylvania to spend time with our family. We enjoyed visiting, sitting outside (we had beautiful weather!), took a trip to IKEA (yes!!!), spent a day at the beach, and even had time for golf. I didn't take a ton of photos, partly because we were too busy enjoying ourselves and partly because certain people don't like their picture taken (you know who you are).

My niece, Syndey, just turned 8! She's looking more and more grown up, each time I see her. She is very sweet, helpful, creative and has a great sense of humor.

I asked Morgan to show me her "excited" face when we got to IKEA. I think my face looked much the same. I was pretty excited. Morgan is such a sweetie who loves to cuddle - along with being very independent and a bundle of giggles.

On the red carpet, after an afternoon of shopping. I could have spent a few more hours wandering around that Swedish wonderland. 

A relaxing, sunny day at the beach. Just what I needed.

Toes in the sand and umbrellas as far as the eye could see. 

 Of course, a little football. That hunk winding up for a throw is all mine! 

On our last day, while the guys were out on the "real" links, the girls played some mini golf. 

I'm probably the last person that should be teaching anyone how to golf! Morgan was a very good student and did really well! She looked too cute swinging that tiny club. 

Sydney and I played the last hole together and somehow got a hole in one - against impossible odds! I still don't know how. It was very exciting. The bell sounded and she won a free round of golf! 

I wish I could go back to that spot on the beach. So beautiful and relaxing! Ah, summer, I miss you already. Don't leave too quickly, ok? Maybe you can linger until late October...