Ali McLaughlin Photography

Every year during Spring break we take a road trip down to Florida. I love stopping in some of my favorite cities.. Savannah, Charleston, and St. Augustine. There is just so much history and beauty in these towns that makes me never tire of the South.

Oh and the Southern food and hospitality? So good!

Here are a few snapshots from our travels. If you didn’t already know, documenting our travels is also a favorite in my personal time. My dream is to travel the world. There is so much beauty in so many different places and my bucket list is long!

Then it was on to St. Augustine for a couple days. The oldest city in America and one of my favorite cities! We celebrated my mother in laws 75th birthday taking a tour of the city.. which is a great way to take all of the loveliness in! We surprised her with a horse and carriage ride and then had dinner at Columbia restaurants.. another of my favs!

Last but not least we took a day trip to Siesta Key. I was drawn to the blue water and white sand beach.. even if was chilly that day it was still great taking in the  fun, colorful little beach town.

Oh, and I can’t forget catching a Florida sunset is always a favorite.

I love spending time in California. It brings back so many great memories of my childhood growing up in Southern CA. I was 15 when we moved away.. but California still holds so many great memories. Childhood spent at the beach. My grandmother, who has since passed away. My cousins that still lives there that we had a great time visiting!

I love the sunshine and palm trees and nice weather year around. I’m lucky that my brother and his wife still live there and of course since it was my nieces  first birthday I booked a flight.

The day we arrived we had dinner at the Beachcomber. Crystal Cove is one of my favorites spots. I love the old 50′s feel of the beach cottages.

I can’t believe it was Blakely’s first visit to the beach! She loved the sand and wanted to eat it. It was so much fun to see her enjoying the beach and especially seeing my little brother as such a good father and both of them just such great parents. I miss her so much and wish we could live closer.

Sunday we celebrated my sweet nieces first birthday. I was so glad I was there to capture what a fun day it was! She loved her cake and her time bouncing on the bounce house with friends. The best part is too I have a nephew on the way!

The day before I left I got to spend time with some old friends. Michelle I went to middle school with in CA! Tina I met through Michelle who I love as well! We had a great breakfast in Laguna and explored the town and some little hidden gems off the beaten path. Wish we had more time together! Tina was afraid of heights and didn’t come down to the beach.. how did I miss photos of you! Check out my instagram for more photos of our fun day together. We ended the day at the Rooftop lounges with drinks and a yummy salad and got to catch up.

Miss you girls.  Miss you Phil, Nicky and mom. Miss you California….