The Ides of March

Everyone knows that somewhere within the mad month of March lies the blissful retreat that is also known as SPRING BREAK.  & in lieu of Butler's spring break being 4, count 'em 4, days away, I thought what better way to head off to Florida than to reminisce on my past 3 breaks spend in the Sunshine State?

I have been blessed to spend my past 3 spring breaks in Clearwater and Daytona and bliss doesn't even begin to describe my experiences!  I'll give you a pictorial lowdown on each year's trip!

For SB2K8, I made the voyage to Clearwater with my great friend Maddie with her parents and grandma Sue.  We stayed in a beautiful condo only 5 minutes walking distance from the beach.  Our place also had an awesome roof looking out over a manatee filled canal where we spent half of our laying out time that week!

(unfortunately I have no pictures from that year because neither Maddie nor I had Facebook at the time)

SB2K9 began with a Rihanna-esque haircut:

& was again spent with Maddie and another close friend, Eve.  That year we went to Daytona Beach with Maddie's mom & let me tell you, Daytona is way crazier than Clearwater!  When we arrived the city was celebrating BCR (Black College Reunion) & let's just say it was a BIT of a culture shock.  Thankfully the Reunion ended on the second day of our trip and we enjoyed our week laying out at the giant pool at our hotel and making sand castles on the beach!

We were lucky enough to also be staying in the same hotel as a big group of more girls from good ol' TL, so we spent some time on the beach with them too!

& of course we couldn't leave without feelin' a little bike week!

For my senior spring break, SB2K10, I went back to Clearwater with my dear friend Brooke, her mom Angie, my mom, and my grandma.  We stayed in a condo very similar to that from 2 years before and has just as great of a time!

We ate delicious pizza

Watched beautiful sunsets

& even went parasailing!

Parasailing was a little too scary for me, but I am so glad I tried it!

This year, SB2K11, my super cute, fantastic, funny, nice, awesome roommate, Emily and I are making the trip to Florida again to spend the week with my grandparents in Naples!  The temperature has been in the mid 80's for the past few weeks so I've got my 2 essentials packed and ready to go: tanning oil and bikinis.

& in case you were wondering about the SB2K's they are just a clever way to spell your names with the date in the sand.

I hope you have a great spring break whether you are spending it in the sun, visiting family and friends, or even just heading home!