Having a winter birthday, I'm used to small celebrations. Summer birthdays go hand-in-hand with barbecues and afternoons spent by the pool- while my greatest birthday tradition has been going to P&H Truck Stop with Mom & Tim.

This year my birthday just happened to fall during a week of vacation. I love to travel, and am quite organized, which is why Dad and Charlotte put me in charge

of our Florida itinerary. I took everyone's interests into account, but for February 1, I told everyone we were going to the beach.

Siesta Key Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever visited. Shelby and I discovered it on a trip last year and loved the tranquility, sunshine, and soft, white sand. Being on the Gulf Coast, Siesta Key's water is warmer and loaded with a variety of seashells- many of which are home to crabs and the like!

Today was a beautiful contrast to my business minded birthday of last year. I woke up and cooked myself a delicious breakfast, packed our lunches, and leaned my head against the window to enjoy the sunshine on our drive down.

Dad, Shelby, and I stayed at the beach while the others explored nearby Sarasota. We putzed around in the water, but mostly we napped. With plenty of sunscreen.

I felt so relaxed at the end. It's not often that I'm able to shut down my thoughts for hours on end, or see sand on my birthday. (What an experience to wear my bathing suit on a beach during my February birthday!)

I am so grateful for today. It was a beautiful way to ring in 22- a testament to my year of revitalization efforts.