When the Coast is Clear

We have returned from a fabulous trip to the beach. Each year, Chris and I discuss taking a "real" vacation. Each year, we "just" go to the beach. Every time, I am so thankful that I have such a beautiful place to vacation for free!

Our little family had a wonderful time at the beach. We spent a lot of time on the boat...

we rode to lunch at Pirate's Cove...

and had dinner by boat at Sunset Grill with Susan and Rob.

We spent a lot of time in the pool and on the beach.

On our last day, we ventured out on a boat ride. We diverted course when we spotted the Blue Angels practicing overhead. We enjoyed watching them for quite awhile. Then we headed to a little island near the Intercoastal Waterway for a little exploring.

I commented to Chris that I didn't feel so guilty about keeping Philip and Daniel out of school that day. We got to see several porpoises, a crab, several hermit crabs, and a heron that would not leave us alone! We watched him eat two fish up close and personal!

Those are the specifics, but there were so many other moments worth remembering.

William's never ceasing call for "Da-ee" and Chris' faithful response of "yes, William."

The excitement that Daniel showed us on our first day down there. He wanted to do it all...beach, pool, boat ride. As we put him to bed that night, he sadly told us that he couldn't go to sleep because we hadn't played in the sand yet. We assured him that we would tomorrow...thankfully he accepted it. He especially loved all the boat rides. He loved sitting next to his father and getting to help drive the boat!

The feeling of holding a very still William while riding on the boat. You see, William doesn't sit still much at all these days. He didn't love his life jacket and would fuss when the boat was still or moving slowly. However, when we began running faster he would sit perfectly still (many times falling asleep) in my lap and the feeling was wonderful!

The good times spent with Susan and Rob. Our children are fortunate to have most of their family in town. Sometimes, though, I think it would be fun to "visit" family some too. They loved having Susan and Rob there when they woke in the morning and when they went to bed at night. Rob played in the pool and fished with them. We all watched the first game of the season with dear friends, Laura and David Hodge. So much fun!

My attempts to get sunset pictures of the boys in their matching outfits. It never happened. Sunset is the best time to take pictures at the beach. Unfortunately, my people are early risers and thus early to bed. We always had someone melting and needing to be in bed before 7:00. Maybe next time??

A visit from the stomach bug. Philip got it the first day we were there. I thought he was less than enthusiastic, but we went on to Pirate's Cove. He began running fever there and slept pretty much the rest of the day. Thankfully, Philip is rarely sick for more than 24 hours! The next day he was as good as new!

All in all, it was a great trip. Time away for us to be together is so wonderful. Can't wait to do it again!