One of our favorite weeks of the year is going to Florida after tax season. For another year, we made it!
April 20
Its tradition....after crossing over the Florida/Georgia line blasting tunes from the Florida Georgia band with the windows down, we stop at the welcome center and get excited about finally (finally!!) being in Florida again. We always look a little scruffy after traveling through the night but we're quite happy about things!
We joined the rest of the group, who had kicked off the fun several hours earlier. This year both of Shaun's brothers joined us. We missed Shaun's sister, who had visited a couple weeks earlier because, sadly, her husband's busy season begins just as tax season ends. Our group totaled 15 people.
This house included two golf carts, which was fun to load up for close trips. The kids played pickle ball several nights and there was a park with a playscape close by. We were just one block from the beach
April 21
At the end of our short street there was a little park with benches, perfect for sunrise viewing.
Every evening after dinner we went to the beach to watch the sunset. The kids loved the water and there was usually a ball being kicked or thrown as well.
April 22
Jack is so fun to have along. He's up for whatever game is being played, he patiently spends time with the little ones. He's trustworthy and responsible and we just enjoy having him around.
Gavin brought his pack of various rubiks cubes and people spent hours working those. Jack found an app for that. :)
We didn't stay on Anna Maria Island this year so that we could be just a short drive from Nana and Grandpa John. She has made great efforts over many decades to see her family several times a year and foster a relationship with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Its very special that they all know her and have special memories of time with her.
Evie had a blast grabbing peoples phones and taking pictures. She's an adorable five year-old who people are happy to smile for. Lots (and lots!) of selfies, too.
When I saw this one of Nana on my phone I said, Evie, that's such a great picture you took! She said, Are you going to put it on your picture place. Ha! Yes, here it is on my "picture place". 😄
Rubiks cubes for all. :)
April 23
We had such a great day at Busch Gardens! According to our entire group, the weather was not too hot or too cold. As a bonus, the crowds were thin. Normally, upon arriving at the park we split up pretty quickly...the roller coaster crowd and those of us who are not, but this year, the lines were blurred and we mostly stayed together.
Aiden was determined to try a roller coaster for his first time and ended up being a fan! In fact, he did three different ones. We were so proud of him for facing that fear. Though amusement park rides are not important to life, knowing how to overcome a fear and try something new is vital.
April 24
I think this was the morning we saw three dolphins and a sting ray swim right by.
Boston Celtics playoffs, Boston Bruins playoffs, NFL draft...busy time for our sports-loving family.
April 25
Everyone got all cleaned up and Nana and Grandpa John treated us to dinner out.
I grew up with just one set of grandparents who lived across the country and I rarely saw. When I met Shaun, he had three sets of grandparents and a great-grandmother, all who were kind and gracious and pulled me in as their own. Its been a special gift these 30+ years to have had those relationships.
Its not perfect, but its such a blessing to be able to vacation with family. We recognize not everyone has that and we try not to take it for granted.
April 26
I was surprised when I saw Amanda, Aiden and Jack wander down for sunrise on our last day there.
By 1:00, we were packed up and on the road to the airport. When we found out months ago Sarah would be graduating at the end of our Florida trip, we went through a bunch of different scenarios. We landed on us girls flying from Tampa to Philly, renting a car and driving to her school and then home, while the boys made the 20ish hour ride home in the car.
Jack and Aiden took full advantage of the extra space and we may never be invited back in the car again.
April 27
After our free hotel breakfast, we got ready and headed to Summit International School of Ministry, very close to Hershey, PA, where Sarah (and her twin brother Ben) have spent the last two years. It was so neat to see where Sarah has been (such beautiful school grounds!) and also to experience the service. There was music, speaking, spoken word, laughter...such a beautiful, sweet spirit. I was unprepared to be blown away, but I absolutely was impressed and touched. And, we love our Sarah. 💙
After some quick hugs and pics, we left Sarah to her celebrations with family and classmates and headed home.
A sub-theme to our entire Florida and PA trip was Chick-fil-A. We can all agree on it, its always convenient and we are happy supporters.
I so appreciated the time with the girls, especially our car rides. They are growing into beautiful young women and its interesting to hear their thoughts and hearts on meaningful life issues. I'm super grateful to be in this season of life with them. Can't believe I get to be their mom.
April 28
Church and then Sunday afternoon soccer on a lovely spring day.
