When last we met…

We talked about me finishing the Narnia series last week. A couple of you sweet, sweet dear ones to me posted what you read…thank you…you all need to scroll back and look at the comments <3

And then Russ and I loaded up a few clothes, a few bags of non-perishables, our books and sunscreen and these treats from a friend who made us a roadtrip snack mix and headed to 30 A for the annual beach trip.

We don’t have a lot of holiday traditions that hold fast. Our kids have other commitments and places to be and while we usually see everyone at some point, it’s never quite the same routine.

So this end of summer invite to this part of the Emerald Coast that stretches from Destin to Seaside has become something we have enjoyed for a number of years with Rachel and Zach. We haven’t made all of them and some we have shared with Zach’s parents, but we have had enough of them that we feel like it is a core memory for us and hopefully them <3

They have added a variety of young families so the dynamics have changed, but we are truly honored to have been included over the years. The kids are older and having their friends there is a dream come true for them to add to the summer fun.

We do a lot of the same things…and have added new things.

But some things never change…

Any opportunity to build a sand castle is not wasted.

Someone always gets buried in the sand, even if that someone had to do it himself.

Shopping is mandatory. Sis found a copy of The Borrowers and we were delighted to support a small business instead of the “Great River Store”…

Posing for photos usually takes a village.

While we eat in often (and sometimes have to make special treats…)

…we also have to try and hit as many local favorites as we can.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, is invited to the table for games when there is a spare minute

. Rain does not hinder the party. At all.

Watching them all growing up together is beautiful and sometimes painful and always, always the best part of life.

This year we left a couple days before the actual party ends. I wanted to be able to work my shift around all the other summer vacations going on and we had a couple things this weekend.

We were leaving early and hoped everyone would sleep in, but our Graham came out to say goodbye. He had set his alarm so he wouldn’t miss us. He promised Joel he would wake him too. They helped Papi load the car and gave generous hugs.

We pulled out of the place wiping tears and feeling loved deeply.

And deeply, deeply…grateful