Home is where you make it...

As a transplant from Arkansas, it's not always economically feasible to be with my family on every major event… from births and deaths, to birthdays and anniversaries, or even most holidays.  Holidays are typically the times when I get a bit homesick.  Luckily, I've been able to plug into an amazing group of people that have become a surrogate of sorts, which helps alleviate a lot of the homesickness.  Thanksgiving was a terrific example - amazing food, great friends and conversation, overflowing drinks, laughter echoing off of every wall in every room of the house.  

My friend Jason DID WORK in the kitchen!

I think it true that family is not just those that share your bloodline, but the group of people you choose to surround yourself with.  This holiday sure felt just like home.

When I get away, there is usually ocean involved...

Morning view from the apartment balcony

Recently, I was able to take advantage of a long weekend and took a mini-vacation to Palm Beach, FL.  I stayed with two of the best guys I know, Robert Rexroad and Ryan Tolley.  I am honored to be able to call these guys colleagues, but blessed to call them friends.  They were my hosts and guides around this beautiful city for the weekend.  Along with Bobby's charming lady, Elizabeth, we had a blast for the weekend, full of great conversation, relaxation, reflection and just good ol' fun.

This is a photo of the first ever mimosa purchased in Nana's Diner, 

a new West Palm Beach establishment.  

I'm always finding ways to etch my name in a record book!  :) 

We spent a little time on this yacht... wait... we spent some time LOOKING AT this yacht while waiting on the drawbridge to do it's thing for a small sailboat passing through.  I WILL be hanging out on one of those one of these days, mark my words!  Until then, a boy can dream...

This is honestly one of my favorite sites...

a beach chair in a beautiful spot, watching the ocean wash in and out, feeling the breeze, enjoying the sun, refreshing drink in hand, and a little music in the background.

I could most definitely get used to this!

Hanging out of the window at stop lights can make for pretty sweet photos...

I always get excited when the palm trees are leading the way right to the ocean.

I almost came home on Sunday, but decided I deserved one more day on the beach... 

Best decision of the weekend!

I'm a blessed man.