76th Annual Sanibel Shell Show

I've lived in Fort Myers since 2001 and this was my first time going to the Shell Show. I didn't know what to expect but I found it to be really interesting! It's held in the Community House with a few booths set up outside in the parking lot. It was only $5 to get in & they also gave you a free ticket to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum to use during the 3 days of the show. The money goes to support The Community House-Sanibel Community Association.

Outside they have a live shell exhibit that that was really cool to see. I believe the kids were in 6th grade that were giving you information about the shells/animals in them.

I couldn't even begin to tell you about the displays with shells from all around the world! It's just unbelievable to see the shapes, sizes and colors that were on display.

Would you look at this? I totally want to find a Freak Shell!  

                                 

 Here's some of the Sailors Valentines that were on display

The patience and talent needed to create these is just crazy to me! I think I've accomplished something when I fill a jar with my shells! LOL

This is something I could do!

She didn't just stand here, she was spinning!

Adorable!

 The flower arrangements were gorgeous!

Outside there's a tent where you can buy our local shells and crafting shells.

These are all made by the Shell Club members
 

This was my favorite of all- so simple but so beautiful :)

Hope this gives you some idea of what a great event the Shell Show is & maybe you can get to the next one!
Happy Weekend!
Stephanie

Easter Shelling

We had a great Easter this year. We traded the Easter bonnets for visors & hit the beach. I took my husband, teenage son(Dustin) & almost 12 year old girl(Meredith) with me to Blind Pass. We got there around 9:30 and were happy to find the parking lot was almost empty! We started at the shell pile, although it was a little low, we still managed to find some keepers. Turns out 16 year old boys think this is really boring- hahaha. Meredith wanted to hang with Dustin so Jim & I headed over the bridge to the Sanibel side and did much better. It was a gorgeous day out.

looking over at Sanibel

When we got back this Blue Heron was hanging out by the kids.

I try and get to the beach as often as I can. Jim, on the other hand, goes every few months. So of course he's the one who finds a piece of a Junonia and a piece of a Scotch Bonnet! Which, by the way, he only knew what it was because he googled it the day before! augh!!

Scotch Bonnet
I've never found one, but I'm still looking!

I brought some peeps & props with me:

Next trip to the beach will be Barefoot Beach since I haven't been in a while-
Have a great weekend & Awesome Shelling!

Hey There!

And the award to the lamest  beach blogger is....... ME!   Unfortunately I haven't been able to get to the beach as much as I used to.  Thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to catching up with you beach bloggers!
Here's a few pictures from Sanibel last week

I was really happy with my treasures last week!

 Happy Shelling!
Stephanie

Mom's Birthday Surprise

Great weekend!  My dad, sister & I surprised my mom with 2 nights on Sanibel. Since we live in Ft.Myers she is always over there anyways- her main shelling beach is Algiers/Gulf Side beach. But it was fun to go somewhere new!

The birthday girl

Dad fishing

We booked her at Shalimar which is on West Gulf Drive. We spent the day with her yesterday and really enjoyed it.

When the tide started going out we were treated to more live olive shells than I've ever seen! My video skills are hurting but here's what I captured.

This was next door- how cute is that?!

I feel so fortunate to live in such a great part of this country- SW Florida has so much to do!
Have a great week- wherever you are!
Stephanie