Where we've been

Praise the Lord. A trip long overdue. Not just for family togetherness, which there was plenty of.

But for my own spiritual refreshment. How I have longed to just sit and look at the ocean. Listen to the waves. Smell the salt. One of my favorite things in the world to do, because there I am compelled to think about God.

The ocean is vast, living, powerful. God spoke it into being. He called it good.

And then the same God who said, "Let there be seas," said, "Let there be an Ashley." And He formed me with his hands. And called me very good.

Praise, praise, praise the Lord.

My insecure self forgets this in normal life. I am ever thankful for the reminder.

So, the family togetherness.

Warning, photo overload.

Trey. Had. A. Blast. You know, just in case you were afraid he didn't.

Aden, well. I don't have to tell you that Aden's true reason for going to the beach was the food. He tried fun at the beach, and for the first few days, chose instead to sleep while we were outdoors. He did gradually warm up, though.

We took Trey to the aquarium, as he had been asking to go. Once there, though, he was more impressed by the moving sidewalk than anything else. The grown-ups had a good time anyway!