Red, White and Blue

This picture says enough on its own:

February in Florida

This past February, we took advantage of a deal on Southwest Airlines to escape to Tampa for a long weekend. Why Tampa - it was the cheapest and warmest place where we could get a deal! We went with no plans or expectations, and we were more than pleasantly surprised.

We arrived early Friday morning, rented our car, changed out of our winter clothes and headed towards the beach in Clearwater. We took a beautiful drive from across the bay to Clearwater and down an oceanfront drive toward St. Petersburg. Somewhere along the way we stop for a lovely walk on the beach before exploring the pier at St. Petersburg. That night, we took a chance on a Charley's Steakhouse, which was next door to our hotel. We still talk about the dinner!

View of St. Petersburg from the Pier. I keep meaning to investigate getting a better camera and having Emily teach me how to use it. As you can see by this excellent photograph, I have yet to get around to it.

First attempt at self-portrait over the weekend. Traveling as a couple is wonderful, until you try to take photos of yourself!

One of my favorite photos from the weekend. Why is it that colors seem brighter in Florida? Or other lovely, warm places by the ocean??

Saturday, we woke bright and early to drive to Disney World! I tell you what - Disney World, in February, with no kids - that's the way to do it! No long lines, no crying, and lots of time to maximize the Fast Pass and ride Space Mountain five times.

Apparently these pictures are posting themselves in the order of their choosing. Not sure why, so let's start with the last first and proceed in no particular order. This is my favorite shot, the castle changed colors every few minutes after dusk.

Hands down, worst ride every. Ridiculous line, lots of criers, and disappointing ride - they seemed so much more fun when driving wasn't something you could do every day. Upside of the ride was a cute picture!

Obligatory first picture of the day. Matt couldn't see why I wanted to take a picture so much, and certainly wasn't going to wait until next year for us to earn our spot to take a picture in front it. Instead I had to settle for the best shot I could get - there's only one kid in this one :)

Is it just me, or does Cinderella's castle seem a whole lot smaller as an adult than it did as a kid?!?

Ready to start our day of riding roller coasters. By the way, if you are wondering why we packed only long sleeves and pants - we were too!

Sunday we were exhausted and slept the latest that either of us has slept in years. We explored downtown Tampa, and walked around University of Tampa and the small channel, where, based on the handsome graffiti work of rowers, it was clear that lots of universities visit the area for spring break training.

One of the better self-portraits we attempted that weekend.

View across the channel of University of Tampa.

Photo of Sigma Chi graffiti for David, along with only a few of the many rowing tags.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip that we hope to replicate this winter!

More than a year...

It has been well over a year since our last post. In fact, the last entry was posted days prior to me starting my job as a family law attorney full-time. I suppose time does fly. As the days were filled with work, rather than leisure I found myself with little time to commit to blogging; however, I find myself wanting to make it part of my life again.

That said, I am not exactly sure what I hope to do with the blog. I guess I hope to share some of the things that we do and see here in Philadelphia, along with our adventures outside the area. It will include updates of Matt's rowing or Buddy's latest antics. Personally, I think I may share favorite recipes or latest projects.

If anyone has specific requests, feel free to shoot them our way.