In sunny Florida
With the completion of every item on my two-page-long pre-vacation to-do list, we stuffed the car full and pointed south. Very, very south. To Giga and Poppop's home away from home in St. Augustine, Florida. Such a blessing.
Of course with so many hours spent in the car, anything could (and did!) happen. Shoes were thrown, my husband fell head over heels in love with Siri, and we listened to several episodes of Andy Griffith, a car-trip tradition for us. Trey talked for almost the entire 12-ish hours of driving, and Aden was lulled to sleep a few times by the hum of the engine and his brother's monotonous mumbling.
We took advantage of the nearness and, for the first time in six years, I was able to see my Aunt Karen and Uncle Barry at their home in Jacksonville, right on the river. This was really the boys' first true encounter with them, as Trey was just a baby the last time we were together. Aunt Karen quickly climbed into favorite-great-aunt contention, showering the boys with their favorite snacks and super-cool toys. Not to be outdone, Uncle Barry took Trey and Aden fishing off his dock. Color us all surprised when Aden caught a fish!
We all talked for hours, watching Trey and Aden play with their new toys. Zeke the birdie even talked a little, to the delight and amazement of the boys. What a great reunion, hopefully to be repeated every time we come around!
In the heat of another of our days, we went bowling together. Trey is extremely fond of bowling - as long as the gutter guards are firmly in place, of course! (I'll admit they didn't hurt my game either. Ninety-nine baby!)
Giga and Poppop's condo is so nice, clean and modern and beautifully decorated. I'm so glad they have this place to go to and relax, and we are thankful to be welcomed there with them. Even though it means poor Poppop has to sleep on the floor with a 60-pound boy draped across him! And even though it made poor Dudley visibly miserable. Boy was he glad when we took off for home.
From my childhood, it has been ingrained in me that vacations are to include wave-jumping, pancakes, and putt-putt. And this year's putt-putt was one of the best, for the course wound its way up a man-made mountain to an ocean overlook. It was a beautiful evening, cool breeze, beautiful views, and a surprisingly competitive match between all of us.
Ah, but the beach. Could not get these boys out of the ocean, even long enough to build a decent sandcastle. Beach bunnies, we are. So very blessed to be able to enjoy such a destination. To love on and be loved on by my parents. To look at the vast ocean and realize our smallness, and to be reminded that the God who put all of this together loves us completely. Beautiful memories from an unforgettable vacation.
Of course with so many hours spent in the car, anything could (and did!) happen. Shoes were thrown, my husband fell head over heels in love with Siri, and we listened to several episodes of Andy Griffith, a car-trip tradition for us. Trey talked for almost the entire 12-ish hours of driving, and Aden was lulled to sleep a few times by the hum of the engine and his brother's monotonous mumbling.
We took advantage of the nearness and, for the first time in six years, I was able to see my Aunt Karen and Uncle Barry at their home in Jacksonville, right on the river. This was really the boys' first true encounter with them, as Trey was just a baby the last time we were together. Aunt Karen quickly climbed into favorite-great-aunt contention, showering the boys with their favorite snacks and super-cool toys. Not to be outdone, Uncle Barry took Trey and Aden fishing off his dock. Color us all surprised when Aden caught a fish!
We all talked for hours, watching Trey and Aden play with their new toys. Zeke the birdie even talked a little, to the delight and amazement of the boys. What a great reunion, hopefully to be repeated every time we come around!
In the heat of another of our days, we went bowling together. Trey is extremely fond of bowling - as long as the gutter guards are firmly in place, of course! (I'll admit they didn't hurt my game either. Ninety-nine baby!)
Giga and Poppop's condo is so nice, clean and modern and beautifully decorated. I'm so glad they have this place to go to and relax, and we are thankful to be welcomed there with them. Even though it means poor Poppop has to sleep on the floor with a 60-pound boy draped across him! And even though it made poor Dudley visibly miserable. Boy was he glad when we took off for home.
From my childhood, it has been ingrained in me that vacations are to include wave-jumping, pancakes, and putt-putt. And this year's putt-putt was one of the best, for the course wound its way up a man-made mountain to an ocean overlook. It was a beautiful evening, cool breeze, beautiful views, and a surprisingly competitive match between all of us.
Ah, but the beach. Could not get these boys out of the ocean, even long enough to build a decent sandcastle. Beach bunnies, we are. So very blessed to be able to enjoy such a destination. To love on and be loved on by my parents. To look at the vast ocean and realize our smallness, and to be reminded that the God who put all of this together loves us completely. Beautiful memories from an unforgettable vacation.
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