It’s Sunday night and I’m missing my rovers! I’m still at Erika’s and thankful that I have little Sloaney Bologna to kiss on! I wanted to quickly post about our weekend for fear that if I don’t I will forget the wonderful memories we made this weekend. I’ll start by saying my sister knows how to put together a wonderful celebration and I’m feeling full on so many counts. I must be quick because Round 2 begins in the morning and I have to get some good sleep before we journey across the pond. This weekend we celebrated our 30th birthday with dear friends. If you’ve been reading for a few years you may remember our friend Chris who we requested prayer for as he faced cancer, fought through major surgery & reconstruction, and then endured high concentrations of chemotherapy. He is a childhood friend of ours and we are so grateful for the Lord’s preservation of his life and health… and for the gift of Katie, his beautiful bride! Chris is from Louisville, KY {like us!} and {like us!} found himself an Alabama spouse and they now live in Chicago, which means we, unfortunately, don’t get to see them as often as we’d like. Katie has become a friend to us and we are so glad to now have her in our lives. Last year we had a wonderful time at their wedding in Charleston and since then have been planning on meeting up for a little rest, relaxation and reunion at the beach! Erika took the reigns and made wonderful reservations for us, both for accommodations and food.
As much as I want to share all the details of our wonderful weekend I want to sleep more! So, I will be concise as I can. We were beach-side most of Friday, missed our check-in and ended up barely making it to our reservation at the beautiful Caliza in Alys Beach; not in the attire we had hoped to wear {ie swimwear} but once we were there we didn’t care. The atmosphere was incredible and we didn’t mind being make up-less, salty, sandy, and sticky… we were just glad to be there…. it is BEAUTIFUL… isn’t it? We sat at the table at the very left and sat right next to some friends celebrating their 10th anniversary {congrats Steve & Kristen!}.
Saturday was another perfect day and there was no sign of oil on the beautiful beaches of South Walton County. Despite Erika bringing approximately 112 bottles of SPF we all got a little more sun than anticipated. Which means we spent most of Saturday in the water or under our umbrellas. We went in early and headed to Rosemary before dinner to meet up with a good friend from college. Erika has seen Laurin several times in the last few years in her journeys to and from Memphis but I hadn’t seen her since my wedding and it was so fun to sit and catch up with her over a glass of wine and live music. From there we made our way to dinner at Cafe Tango where we once again enjoyed a delicious meal and great conversation… and many laughs!
Today we wrapped up the weekend with lunch {and more live music} at the Red Bar and saw Katie and Chris off. I’ve packed and repacked my suitcase and I’m still hoping Erika’s packed some things for me to wear in hers! We also saw Justin off and he’s back with Mom, Mimi and the rovers… and I’m missing him and the kids already!
Thank you, Sister for a wonderful weekend, I love you, Happy 30th Birthday to you…. can’t wait for our next adventure, which reminds me… I need to get in bed!
E @ Oh!Apostrophe
June 13, 2010 at 9:51 pmHappy Birthday to you both! Have so much fun on your trip! 🙂
Kimberly
June 13, 2010 at 10:05 pmBeautiful! You and Erica are so tan 🙂 Have a wonderful trip, can’t wait to read all about it!
Melissa (melissab74)
June 13, 2010 at 10:16 pmWhat a wonderful birthday celebration! Happy birthday to both of you! Safe travels to Italy!
Meghan Cresawn
June 13, 2010 at 10:17 pmPlease tell me where you got your dress (the one in the poolside pic) and both yours and Erika’s dresses in the last couple of pics! They are so pretty! Happy birthday! Have fun on your trip!
alison g. (brazil)
June 13, 2010 at 10:20 pmWhat a beautiful and amazing weekend! Happy Birthday to you both, and safe and easy travels to you – we can’t wait to hear all about Italy!
Sara from L.A.
June 13, 2010 at 10:20 pmI have lurked for quite sometime…but holy cow! What a location. I want to go there….right now. Calgon take me away! You are a lucky lady!
emily
June 13, 2010 at 10:29 pmI pretty much want every outfit you three girls are wearing! So cute. Happy birthday!
Kari
June 13, 2010 at 10:32 pmSounds (and looks) like you had a wonderful weekend! I didn’t realize you were from Louisville…I am too! We are very close in age – wondering where you went to high school? I know, random question – who cares, right? 🙂
Lisa @ lists in my pocket
June 13, 2010 at 10:38 pmYou guys look beautiful and TAN! Happy birthday, can’t wait to see pictures from Italy!
Julie
June 13, 2010 at 10:51 pmAh-mazing. Loved all the cute clothes and gorgeous spots! Have fun!
Molly
June 13, 2010 at 10:55 pmhappy birthday to you & your sister! enjoy your trip!
Malerie @postscripted
June 13, 2010 at 10:56 pmI have to admit Darby, I looked through this post twice just so I could imagine I was there instead of in my office right now 🙂
I can’t wait to hear {and see} about your Italy travels! You must have THE best sister ever.
Megan
June 13, 2010 at 11:31 pmDarby, you are beautiful!! I can only hope to look as wonderful as you after children! Your pictures are beautiful!
Katharina
June 14, 2010 at 12:41 amHello Darby – thanks for the post. WOW it really looks like you have had a great time at an awesome place! Had to laugh at the “creme bottle picture” – looks exactly like our bathroom on a 4 girl trip to spain.
And sure you americans are the world best nation in talking group pictures! How do you do that – everybody smiling and looking great! Wish you a save trip and loooots of fun!
Molly
June 14, 2010 at 2:01 amWeird. I’m a random blog-stalker who hopes that I can hire you one day to do the house I can’t yet afford and here you are posting pics of two of my dear friends from completely different parts of my life. KB and Laurin don’t forget me now that you’re famous!
Pru
June 14, 2010 at 2:43 amThis looks like the most perfect way to celebrate a birthday – congratulations on turning 30!
I can’t wait to see the photos of Rome, remember to try the gelato in every flavour!
Melissa
June 14, 2010 at 5:49 amWhat a wonderful way to turn 30! Have a fun day!
kristen
June 14, 2010 at 6:55 amhave so much fun!! happy 30!
Tara
June 14, 2010 at 7:01 amlove the pictures from your weekend. Happy Birthday! I’m so grateful that God has spared your sweet friend’s life and given him a beautiful bride…praying for continued health!
jo
June 14, 2010 at 7:02 amyou girls are gorgeous…happy birthday!
Laura
June 14, 2010 at 7:14 amHappy Birthday to you both! As always your pictures are amazing and I’m glad you had such a great weekend and kickoff to your week of celebrating across the pond. And I know you’ve said you don’t like to shop but your clothes are so cute!
Katie
June 14, 2010 at 7:26 amBeautiful pictures that represent beautiful times! Can’t wait to see more pictures. ;o)
Ellen Coleman
June 14, 2010 at 8:00 amHappy happy birthday Darby!! Have a wonderful trip!
kristy
June 14, 2010 at 8:15 amhappy 30th to you both! looks like you all had a wonderful weekend! have a fabulous time in italy! travel safe and take lots of pictures to share!
kat
June 14, 2010 at 8:53 amThat looks like an amazing birthday weekend for sure, and the fun is just beginning. Have the best time in Italy and happy birthday to you and Erika!!! (We had the same vintage-y beach chairs in St. Simons, I loved those chairs… so fun to curl up in with a magazine!!!)
Jennifer
June 14, 2010 at 9:00 amHAPPY BIRTHDAY !!! Hope you both have a wonderful time. Italy is amazing, drink wine and laugh LOTS!! btw , were did you get your colorful shirt you are wearing in the first picture? We seem to have the same coloring,and the bright colors really show off a great tan… again, enjoy your time away and together. God bless your friend, and his wife..
Kellie
June 14, 2010 at 9:20 amWhat a wonderful time! I was down there at the same time with my hubby – it was fabulous, but we were in Alabama where the oil was :(. Enjoy your time away and try not to miss Justin and the rovers too much – they are in GREAT hands and you’ll be back before you know it – to share with all of us hopefully 🙂
Annie
June 14, 2010 at 9:35 amHappy Birthday to you and your sister! Loved the pics and the cute clothes….can you share where you got the cute bright floral top in the first picture of you all together? I just LOVE it!
Thanks for all the inspiration and beautiful photos….have a blast in Italy!
Shannon
June 14, 2010 at 9:42 amBeautiful!! Please let us know where all the cute clothes came from.
beki
June 14, 2010 at 10:01 amI thought about y’all all weekend! The happiest of birthdays to you both! Safe travels, friend!!!
Jennifer
June 14, 2010 at 10:06 amWhat fun!! I can’t wait to hear all about Italy! Have a wonderful trip 🙂
CeCe
June 14, 2010 at 11:11 amHappy, Happy 30th! Have a fabulous time in Italy!
Tara
June 14, 2010 at 11:21 amHappy 30th Birthday! It’s wonderful that you and your sis do so much together. Have fun in Italy.
Kristen
June 14, 2010 at 11:45 amBeautiful pics..beautiful place! So fun seeing all of you! Can’t wait to hear about the trip! Have FUN!!!!!
rachel
June 14, 2010 at 11:51 amAwww, your beach pictures make me so sad that we had to cancel our trip due to oil. 🙁
Have a great time in Italy!
Molly
June 14, 2010 at 12:14 pmJust realized I told you I want you to help me do my next house. While I’m sure you have fabulous taste and ideas, it’s your sister I want. Not the first time that mistake has been made, I guess!
Nelle
June 14, 2010 at 1:46 pmHappy, happy birthday Darby and Sister.
My favorite birthday verse from Psalm 139: 13-14
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Tessa
June 14, 2010 at 2:07 pmbeautiful pictures! you lucky girls you! happy birthday! have a fabulous trip!
Sherry
June 14, 2010 at 2:50 pmhave a great time….it’s already starting out wonderful!!
Kaela
June 14, 2010 at 2:59 pmHappy Birthday! I can’t wait to see the trouble you and your sissy get into! Have fun, be safe!
Lauren
June 14, 2010 at 4:02 pmLooks like everyone had a great time! Beautiful pictures! I love your red dress, by the way. Happy 30th Birthday!
Maggie @ Living the Life of Riley
June 14, 2010 at 4:56 pmI love Caliza. We ate there at the table next to the one ya’ll were at just a couple of nights later. Luckily it was not the same night, since my husband would have wondered why I was talking to one of those “strangers from the blogs you read.” 🙂 Beautiful pictures. Can’t wait to see the pictures from Italy.
shannon
June 14, 2010 at 5:31 pmyou take the most beautiful pictures ever.
and that looked like a lovely weekend. you and your friends are all precious!
have a wonderful time in italy. can’t wait to hear all about it!!!
May
June 14, 2010 at 6:00 pmAw, you two cuties – glad you had a great weekend, and hope you have a great birthday trip! ♥
Today's Letters
June 14, 2010 at 6:14 pmhappy freakin birthday twinners! so fun to see you two together. your trip looked amazing. isn’t traveling with your sis the shiz? xoxo
Kristi
June 14, 2010 at 8:52 pmgorgeous pictures! Happy Birthday!
Lindsey
June 14, 2010 at 10:16 pmHappy Birthday!!! Looks like you had a great weekend and I hope your time is Italy is just as wonderful!! have a great trip and can’t wait to hear about it when you get back!
Love ya!
Christa
June 14, 2010 at 10:17 pmHi I just wanted to say I love your blog have read it a few times and found it thru blessed names as i read their blog sometimes…had ordered a few things for my twins from them so that is how I got to yours….the Lord gave us twin girls after two sons so when i saw you had a twin sister I loved seeing your heart connection and rship with your sister….what a gift!….looks like u all had a great trip…..I love Rosemary so loved seeing the pics… and on a trivial note …do you mind me asking where your sister’s gray eyelt dress came from? …thought it was precious
christa
Chrissy
June 15, 2010 at 6:52 amHappy Birthday!!! I hope you guys are enjoying Italy at this very moment!!!!!!! My favorite pic from your weekend celebrations? The bottles of sunscreen … Erika is very prepared! I LOVE THAT!!
Jamie
June 15, 2010 at 7:34 amHappy Birthday!!! Have a wonderful time together in Italy.
Michele
June 15, 2010 at 8:45 amY’all are too cute. Happy Birthday!
Shannon
June 15, 2010 at 8:59 amThis place looks lovely! So relaxing – and what great photos! Looks like you had an awesome birthday so far, and I can’t wait to hear about Italy!
Cortney
June 15, 2010 at 9:36 amThese pics make me even more excited about our upcoming trip to the beaches of South Walton!!! Hope you’re having a great time in Italy, too! You’re such a jetsetter these days! 🙂
Lauren Ahier
June 15, 2010 at 10:40 amWhat a beautiful place!I love Erika’s gray dress, you’re right, she does have some great clothes!
Colleen
June 15, 2010 at 1:57 pmDarby and Erika, Happy Birthday! I know you guys had fun because I’ve been to all those places! We just love Alys Beach and want to stay there one day. It’s simply paradice. Makes for great pictures! Also, Tango is such a neat experience since it’s so little and quaint. My husband and I sat at the little table outside by the door and loved every minute of it. Anyway, you just made me very jealous with all your pictures, but I will be there in less than 2 weeks now! Have a great trip!;)
Michelle
June 15, 2010 at 2:19 pmHappy birthday! wonderful post- it makes me want to get to the beach even more! Y’all look beautiful AND I too love your outfits- PLEASE give us the details! 🙂 Have a fabulous trip! Safe travels…ciao! 🙂
Ebonn
June 15, 2010 at 2:38 pmOMG! I have that same jean, strapless dress from Target! I love it! It’s perfect for the summer and looks great on!
Looks like you guys ar having a wonderful time! Happy Birthday!!!
Jill Cribb
June 15, 2010 at 2:42 pmHappy 30th Birthday! What a wonderful birthday weekend! What a blessed lady you are! Hope your trip is wonderful & safe!
Meagan
June 15, 2010 at 2:55 pmHappy birthday! What a beautiful spot! I know y’all will have a wonderful time in Rome. It is such a fabulous city! Can’t wait to see your pictures when you get back.
Kristen {a little ditty}
June 15, 2010 at 3:09 pmGreat pictures — Looks like a perfect weekend! And now I can’t believe you have another trip! Hope you two are having an awesome 30th celebration in Italy!
Jessica J.
June 15, 2010 at 3:41 pmA few days ago we booked a table at Caliza for this weekend! Your pictures just make me even more excited! It looks so beautiful!
Cami
June 15, 2010 at 9:22 pmHappy 30th birthday Darby and Erika! Hope your trip to Italy is fantastic!
Marianne
June 15, 2010 at 11:33 pmHappy, Happy Birthday to you and your lovely sister! I have been following your blog for awhile now and I simply adore it! I hope you are having a fabulous time in Italy – sounds amazing! By the way, I also have the same denim strapless dress from Target. Love it!
Christie
June 17, 2010 at 9:01 pmHappy Birthday to you both! What a great way to celebrate — I am insanely jealous as I am sitting in this tomato packing shed in the 100 degree heat!!! Have a wonderful trip to Italy!
Kitty Hurdle
June 17, 2010 at 9:23 pmWhat a lovely celebration! After living in Destin the past month for our Campus Crusade for Christ “Greek Summit” missions trip, I can attest to the beauty and fun of that area. So glad you got to be together with your sister and friends to celebrate a beautiful milestone! xoxo
Melanie Gore
June 17, 2010 at 9:30 pmHappy 30th Birthday! I am from Florida (my husbands family grew up in the Marianna, Grand Ridge area) and now I live outside of Cincy. We are about 90 miles from Louisville. It is a small world.
Looks like you had a great birthday!
gg
June 21, 2010 at 2:45 pmthank you darby for sharing the beauty of 30A/beaches of south walton with your readers! we can really use good press like this right now! and what a neat surprise to spot a picture of my store(gigi’s)in your blog! happy birthday! hope you and your sister are having a blast in italy! we go in september.
Natalie
August 2, 2010 at 11:57 pmMay I ask where you shop for your clothes? They are so cute!