Long Boat Key

Ever been to Long Boat Key? It's a tiny little key just past Amelia Island (near Bradenton) on the West coast of Florida. There is only one two-lane road that leads in and out of Long Boat Key (LBK) and it is mostly lined with condos, houses and an occasional waterfront restaurant. At the end of the Key is a round-about circle called "St. Armand's Circle." It's one of my happy places. Probably because the few times I've been to St. Armand's Circle has been to eat great food, shop at my favorite stores, and relax with amazing people. LBK is one of my favorite places to vacation.

Lucky for me, one of my best friends has a condo there and her daughter, Lilly, and Payton have been friends since they were babies. Literally...

And through the years as they've grown up, attended different schools, changed interests, and realized that they are different genders... yet nothing has changed. They are still thick as thieves and get along so incredibly well.

Spending a few days at their condo in LBK is so relaxing and so much fun. The kids play all day long alternating between the white sandy beaches and the two pools at the condo. They search for coquinas, play in the waves, make up extensive pool games and basically wear themselves out.

Of course Parker tags right along...until he crashes for his naps.

During this visit, my friend Rachel built them a huge fort across the dining room area. They played inside of it the entire visit pretending to be otters.

Notice Payton's "Otter stance".

They begged to sleep under this fort. But we thought it probably wouldn't be a good idea.

One evening we drove down to The Circle and did a little shopping at one of my favorite stores, Lilly Pulitzer. Even the dressing rooms in this store are fabulous! Brightly decorated with maps of Florida, floral pillows and a great bench, which Parker quickly rearranged so that all of the pillows were on the floor. I'm sure the employees would have loved it.

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Hey...they were having a GREAT sale!

 Even the kiddos love Lilly Pulitzer. :)

 Then we grabbed a quick bite to eat, followed by a stop at Kilwin's ice cream and fudge shop. Guess who got a huge slab of homemade chocolate fudge...

Our final stop was at my favorite little dessert shop, Le Macaron. The most beautiful French macarons you've ever seen... or tasted!

The next day was filled with more beach fun, seashell hunts and swimming before we headed home.

It was the perfect summer getaway and we are so grateful to our sweet friends for inviting us to stay with them. Thanks Lilly & Rachel - we love you gals!

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That's probably it for blog posts this week. Brian leaves on his mission trip to Haiti and I will be spending lots of time with family while he's gone. I'll be back next week with a couple more posts but until then, enjoy your summer!!