Weekend Update: Life Behind the Crafts

Last week I was too busy talking about ice cream to get into the other details of the weekend. 

To recap, John and I did a LOT of kayaking.  {1} On Saturday we kayaked to a deserted island called Rattlesnake Key.  {2} I found a baby crab. {3} We bought snorkels, fins, and a dive flag and did some snorkeling! {4} Saturday was glorious.  Sunday... not so much!  The tide changed and we found ourselves paddling in really shallow water with a super fast current.

Last week John's parents visited over their spring break.  We had a great time! {5} John's mom brought me a box of Thin Mints, which were scarfed down in about 20 hours.  No shame--I could easily finish box in an hour but I was pacing myself this year. {6} Garrett was a gracious host to a large family of fleas.  He was not excited for his flea bath and I wasn't too excited to pay the exterminator. {7} Every year I curl my hair because I forget that my hair WILL NEVER CURL.  I spent at least an hour curling my hair and it was so gorgeous... Until I took a step and my luscious curls bounced like a Pantene commercial and drooped into nothing.  {8} My jalapeños are growing!

{9 & 10} I went to the forest preserve with my friend Jackie.  Isn't she so cute!  I love watching the bugs and the lizards in the lily pond.  {11} Speaking of lizards, how adorable is this baby lizard in my mail box?!  {12} I visited the "Best US Beach" this weekend.  It's in Siesta Key and the sand felt like flour!  Sugar white sand!!!  I can't wait to go back!

We went on a roadie this weekend.  {13 & 14} Garrett was really into exploring at the hotel and loved sleeping in bed with us.

{17} I worked on my embroidery swap project and I can't wait to share it with you this week :)  {18} Garrett was barking at night this week- and I thought it was because his skin was still irritated from the fleas.  Turns out he had an ear infection! Poor baby.  He was so good at the vet.  {20} G was super cozy on the ride home from Siesta Key.  He was yawning and snuggling with me.  Nothing better than a cuddly dog... except maybe a baby :)  How was your weekend?  xoxo, Ashley

My Life Monday: Spontaneity

Hello beautiful!  How was your weekend?  I announced last week that I would get a little more personal on the blog, so I'm going to take a quick break from crafting and share a little bit about me and what I've been up to this weekend.

On Saturday, John and I woke up at 5:45 and drove down to Key West.  It's takes just about 4 hours-- but only 1.5 hours is on the mainland.  The rest of the drive is so beautiful!  There is one main street that travels through all of the tiny islands called "keys".  You pass over a lot of bridges and the ocean surrounds you on both sides!  Here is the Google map of the Keys.  Key West is at the very bottom and is home to the southernmost point in the United States!

We usually just walk around the island without a plan when we visit Key West.  There are so many restaurants, shops, and things to do-- so it's easy to have a great time and play things by ear.  Yesterday we found out about a sailing, snorkeling, kayaking trip.  John really wanted to go but I didn't have my swimsuit and my waterproof camera was at home.  I told John we would do it next time, but I could tell he was disappointed.  It was a beautiful day-- 82 degrees, sunshine, not too windy.  We walked for about a block and realized I was passing up a perfect opportunity.  I decided to be spontaneous and we began our mad dash across the island.  We needed to buy swimsuits, sunglasses, towels and sunscreen, drop off my camera at the car, and make it to the marina in 90 minutes!  We made it with minutes to spare.

Snorkeling was my favorite part of the trip.  I have wanted to see a sea turtle for the longest time and finally my dream came true!  I floated a short distance away from the group and I saw the cutest baby green sea turtle! He was busy munching on his turtle grass and didn't mind me watching him one bit!

I also saw a barracuda!  He yawned and I saw all of his teeth!  John didn't realize how close he was to him and almost kicked him with his flipper!  Scary!!!  I promise I'm not exaggerating-- we were at most 8 feet away from him.

I also saw a green moray eel, a queen angelfish, snapper, grouper, and so many other fish that I have no idea what they were!

After snorkeling, we sailed to a mangrove island and kayaked around it.  There was a bald eagle in the treetops!  We saw so many birds-- osprey, herons, and sadly many others that I've forgotten their names!  The picture above is from a kayak trip about a month ago in the upper keys-- but it gives you an idea of what mangroves look like.

We watched a beautiful sunset on the boat as we sailed back to Key West.  It was such a lovely day!

How was your weekend?  Have you ever visited the Keys?  Where is your favorite natural place?

xoxo,
Ashley

Image Sources: Sailboat   Sea Turtle   Barracuda