Young Women Activities

The summer has been so busy that I felt like I really didn't get to spend that much time with the girls. Luckily we got to celebrate the end of summer by doing two fun activities in one week! For mutual we went over to Key Biscayne and walked on the beach. We got to watch the sunset and get a little exercise in at the same time. It was really fun to get out with everyone!

That weekend we had our end of summer sleepover. The girls all came over to my house as well as the leaders Kim and Andrea. We missed you Marisabel! The girls decided that they wanted to go swimming that night so we got to hang out outside and enjoy a perfect summer night. When we came back in, some of the girls wanted to learn the "Cups" song. I learned it at camp when I was a teenager and so we got lots of practice in. I think some of the girls actually learned it! After, the girls watched "It", the 1980's Steven King movie. Apparently it wasnt as scary to them as it was to me when I was younger because the girls found it pretty funny. 

The next morning we all woke up a little late and made breakfast. We had pancakes and eggs and chowed down. After we went swimming and laid out. I think the girls had a really good time... I know I did! Sadly, we didn't get a group shot but I am so happy so many girls could come. We will miss Melanie and Alejandra as they move on to Relief Society. Love you girls! 

Sanibel Island 4th of July

I love the West Coast of Florida. If you want to go to an incredibly gorgeous and peaceful place and not leave the US, go to the West Coast. Sanibel Island is particularly amazing and a gem of a vacation spot. If you haven't been there and have the choice, GO! My Mom was amazing and got a condo on the island so we could all get together for the 4th of July. Luckily Mike came down from Chicago, Dillon could join us, Sarah and Ryan got work off and Derek and I came for the weekend. It was truly perfect. We relaxed, enjoyed the ocean and beach, fished, etc, etc. I collected some shells for our house, showed Derek what real sand dollars look like and got to be with family. On top of that, we had some awesome fireworks on the island and celebrated the 4th with a bang. I wish every day was a vacation like this. Big thanks to Mom for organizing the trip :) Hope we can do it again soon!

Perfect views

Sunset

So many shells! It hurt to walk down the beach because there were so many. 

Comet came too and loved hanging out on the beach with us. 

Getting ready for fireworks. Derek can never keep a straight face. 

Happy 4th!

Sunrise on the beach 

There was a lot of laying around too

I just love him! 

We went fishing and the boys had a great time... but didnt catch anything :(

Sibling love (and Derek's butt)

Finally got some DQ

Relaxing like pros

Daddy and Mikey

Leaving the island... so sad for it to be over!

Vampire Diaries Party

Ok I'll say it, I like Vampire Diaries... a lot. In the end it comes down to the fact that I am a hopeless romantic and have an unhealthy appetite for soap opera inspired shows (Revenge, Vampire Diaries, Nashville, etc, etc). When I found out the season finale would be the week of my birthday, I decided to throw a finale party with a few of my friends from church who are also avid fans. I had a blast planning the party and trolling Pinterest for ideas. The party was a total success and the finale episode was a crazy ride! I can't believe we have to wait until October for more episodes! Guess we will just have to re-watch this season in our free time :)

 The table with the decorations

In the episode the characters graduated so I got a few graduation glasses and necklaces (Dollar Store)

 I made the fans out of card stock and printed the labels from Google images

 Everyone had a bottle of hot tamales to take home, telling us which team they are on. You can find these printable labels here.

 The cupcake toppers are from the same site. I used gel icing to make bite marks and red velvet cupcake batter.  

You can find the vervain print here. I thought it was a really fun touch :) 

 I found the bottle wraps for the drinks here as well as the "thirsty" print. I think that was one of my favorite touches! 

Of course Marisabel is Team Stefan and Melanie is Team Damon (the right team)

We had a blast together! I am so grateful for these girls as friends and I am so glad we could have a fun night together! Until October....