Farewell, Naples

Tonight is my last night in Naples and I wouldn't have spent it any other way.  In fact, this whole week in Naples has been absolutely perfect. It was filled with a handful of tearful goodbyes but great times were had before those goodbyes had to happen. Let's recap.

Having grown up in Naples my entire life, I will admit that I did not take nearly enough advantage of the fact that I was a 10 minute drive to the beach. The cool, breezy days laying in the sand that I always envision are never the reality. Instead, I'm sweating before I even get of of my car and my body seems to be coated in sticky, mugginess that is impossible to wipe off. The water is either too cold or it feels like a bathtub. In other words, I'm more of a lay around the pool kinda gal.

But, Monday night was the perfect beach experience and the best way to bid the Gulf of Mexico farewell. My sister Jessica came down with the kids and we piled into the van with our mom and headed to Lowdermilk Beach. Along the way, we stopped and picked up sandwiches (and a bottle of wine, naturally) so we could have our own little picnic. The kids immediately wanted to jump in the water and we were in and out of it all evening. An ominous looking cloud and distant thunder attempted to ruin our fun, but the storm passed right over us without a single drop of rain, phew! We stayed and watched the beautiful sunset before attempting to wipe off that sticky, mugginess. But, kids just don't seem to mind that and the amount of sand the two of them managed to accumulate in every crevice of their body was comical!

Calm, relaxing waters

The two greatest kids out there. I will miss them more than I can put into words. So I won't even try. 

Sandcastles and sunsets

A little panoramic action


Tuesday was a relaxing day spent poolside with the kiddos up at Jessica's house. Nothing fancy but it was perfect. I knew it would be my last time up at the house so I tried to savor every moment and fit in as many kisses and hugs as I could.  

Lounging around with a catalog. Just like her mommy and aunt!


Wednesday was another poolside day spent with my oldest and dearest friend, Andrea. We grew up down the street from each other and were inseparable as kids. We've always remained friends and even if we don't get to see each other as often as we used to, we always pick up right where we left off...which are the best kinds of friends! We lounged around and talked for well over 4 hours before saying a sad goodbye. Great last time hangin' at the Crown Pointe clubhouse!

Later that night we did happy hour with Jessica, our good friend Courtney, and my mom and some of her friends. Good conversation + white peach sangria = a great time. We topped the night off with Prosecco and creme brulee!

Thursday, today, was spent packing up and lunching with Becca, another one of my closest and oldest friends! It was great to catch up and I'm so glad we got to see each other. 




Tonight was the hardest. I had been dreading this moment for months. I knew it was coming, but I cried every time I thought about it. Saying goodbye to Bridget and Ross. The Johnston clan came down for dinner tonight and we had a quiet but perfect night eating pizza, playing ring toss, and looking at old pictures. But I knew the night was winding down as we gave the kids baths and put on their PJs. B knows that I am moving to Indiana but both of them are still too young to understand what's really happening. I know they were looking at me like I was crazy as I went in to hug them with tears rolling down my face, but I tried to keep it under control as best I could. Bridget came back for a total of five hugs, I think, and I savored every one of them. Jessica, mom, and me all cried, but it was a pretty short farewell, which I was thankful for. And even though I've been shedding tears on and off all night, I already can't wait to start a countdown to see them all again! 

We hit the road to Gainesville tomorrow, but I already miss Naples. It will always be home, but it's time I go and find myself a second home.