Here's something you may not know about Matt: he's an artist. Matt has worked with ceramics since high school and has been featured in art shows, won awards, etc, for his pieces. However, we don't really have the time or space for him to get into the studio these days, so he works to stay involved in the art community by volunteering with our local Art League.
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| Us and one of Matt's pieces a few years ago at an art show. |
Recently, his years of volunteering really paid off; he won a drawing for a free weekend trip on Captiva Island!
The weekend after the race seemed like the perfect time. After traveling for hours the previous weekend and jumping back into work, complete with volleyball games after school, I was ready for a mini vacation!
Friday after work, we followed a beautiful sunset over the bridge into Captiva. We ate dinner at our hotel, the 'Tween Waters Inn, and then settled in for the night.
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| The Crow's Nest's shrimp & grits was the best I have ever had! |
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| Date night selfie. Matt's beard is getting a little out of control; we're in a friendly standoff to see which one of us demands it be trimmed first. |
Saturday we had breakfast at RC Otter's and explored the island a bit before enjoying ourselves pool-side (in December, yes indeed!) and exploring some mangrove tunnels in the afternoon.
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| The view from our room's balcony. |
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| Our prize package included coupons for free libations. |
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| Ah, December in Florida. Jealous? |
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| These were some of the best mangrove tunnels I've ever been through. Fully shaded but nice and wide! |
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| Saturday's sunset. |
After paddling, we went to The Mucky Duck for dinner. There are so many quirky, famous places to check out on Captiva, even though the island is small.
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| ...followed by The Bubble Room for dessert. (They now carry GF cupcakes!) |
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| We missed a golf cart float parade, but The Bubble Room's float was out front. Impressive! |
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| Then Matt stuck me in the escaped gorilla's cage. (If you're ever on Captiva, the Bubble Room is a must-see just for its ambiance.) |
We slept late Sunday, but luckily the Key Lime Bistro serves breakfast until 2pm because I was really craving some heuvos rancheros. We explored Sanibel Beach and the lighthouse before heading home.
We're a little late getting our tree set up, but Matt and I both take a hard line against putting up decorations before Thanksgiving. We put the tree up as soon as we got home Sunday afternoon.
My new Spacecoast Marathon ornament is a lovely touch! (I now have three running ornaments...I think it might be time to get Matt a SUP one.)
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| We had to bend the top of the tree to fit the star on there; it may be time for a new one! |
This is our first Hanukkah/Christmas in our very own house. I love how the tree makes the entire living room feel warm and homey. I can't wait to break out the menorah, but we don't set that up early because you can't light it until the holiday starts anyway.
This relaxing weekend away was so appreciated. Just before winter break, things start to get pretty stressful; this was the perfect way to unwind, and now I'm feeling 100% back to normal. Volleyball playoffs are Monday, after which I'll have the time (and the necessary recovery) to get back to running!
What was the last weekend trip you took?
Have you ever been to Sanibel/Captiva?
Have you decorated for the holidays yet?
ABK
Your vacation looks like it was fantastic! I never knew Matt was an artist; the vase looked amazing <3 Major congratulations to both of you on winning the drawing :)
ReplyDeleteThe last weekend trip (unless you count Districts yesterday or XC invitationals) was over the summer when we went to our family reunion in Knoebels. We aren't decorated, but I cannot wait to put our nativity scene up! It's definitely one of my favorite parts of the holidays <3
We've never done a nativity scene before...with the way our yard is shaped, I'm not sure people would be able to see if from the street anyway!
DeleteWe finally put up our tree Saturday! I have been holding off because I was kind of in denial about it already being December!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool that you got to have a little get away. The last trip I took was to Cali to see my brother and his family! I could definitely use a weekend away soon though...this time of year is stressful!
I can't believe it's December either. December usually marks the halfway point of the year for me and it's SUPER weird how quickly this year has gone.
DeleteWhat a nice vacation for you both! Your hair looks great in the gorilla cage picture, and hurray for GF cupcakes! XOXOXO
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Matt for his major award.
I keep thinking how ratty my hair looks. It needs a cut!
DeleteHaha...major award!
December in Florida- of course I am jealous! I was jealous from that first picture of you in your sundress! I miss sundresses... Very cute ornament! I laughed at your "friendly standoff" about the beard comment. Paul and I have similar standoffs but they are NOT friendly. I am AGAINST the beard and he is FOR it. I just try to, um... reward him once it is shaved. You know, like the Pavlov dog thing. Shave beard = good things happen. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, that sundress picture is OLD. It's from summer a couple years ago.
DeleteI like the long beard...it's softer than the short stubble, which I like the look of...Matt doesn't care either way. He thinks he'll win the standoff because I'll get sick of the beard before he does, but we both kind of like it. Maybe I'll have him grow it until he looks like a wizard!
I like the Pavlov idea though. I use that for other things ;o)
I am sorry I didn't see the caption under your picture!
DeleteMatt is definitely cute with and without the beard. For some reason Paul's beard isn't soft, it's really bristly and always is poking me in the eye when he kisses my forehead.
What a great way to relax after the marathon! So cool that you won the trip because of Matt's work, that makes it even sweeter! Way to go, Matt!
ReplyDeleteEvery single time I go to Captiva I say I'm going to try the Bubble Room but I never have! I think I've always been worried it would be over the top hokey. I will have to seriously give it a try next time!
Adam and I do the beard standoff too! I always win though because the beard gets too itchy for Adam ... plus I refuse to kiss him with that scratchy face! My skin is too sensitive LOL (but also kind of true!)
Sadly, GF cupcakes weren't GREAT at Bubble Room (I bake better), but the atmosphere is crazy and really fun, so it's worth at least going to look around.
DeleteI was shocked how much softer the longer beard is than the stubble I usually like him to have. But I agree...I love the look of facial hair but it kind of hurts my face too!
I love the Bubble Room!! They have the best rolls haha. I'm so jealous you were SUPing in December, it looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteNext time we go we'll have to actually eat dinner there. We just stopped in for dessert to go!
DeleteThat trip looks like it was a ton of fun! Especially the mangrove tunnels. What an adventure!
ReplyDeleteIt was especially adventurous when a spider fell on me from above. ICK.
DeleteI'm so glad to meet another hard-liner on Christmas Waits Til After Thanksgiving!! Poor Thanksgiving - it's just a gateway drug to Christmas for most. We just got the tree up this weekend and I got the lights on it Sunday night after my 18-miler. Still not decorated, though!
ReplyDeleteI think because I didn't grow up with Christmas, I just don't care for it much, and I LOVE Thanksgiving, so I make Christmas wait its turn hehe.
DeleteIt kind of worked out to take this vacation after your marathon! Maybe I'll plan something like that :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was seriously perfect timing!
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