After going on vacation for the first time as a family, I don't think we'll ever stop planning for the next one. What a wonderful week! It was much needed after Joel's work schedule in August and I think I'll be drawing strength from its memories this week as we now tackle what I believe to be the most emotionally difficult task yet: Silas and Micah are giving up the pacifiers.
Dreading bed time. The boys are now asleep after a combined 1 1/2 hours of crying.
Micah and Silas with their special animals that we got today since they're working so hard to overcome their addiction. Silas picked out a dinosaur that he named "T-Rex" and Micah liked the monkey best. The monkey's name is "Coke, Coke, Banana," one of Micah's favorite sayings.
The Great Vacation of 2008 was a huge success. With 8 adults, 3 3-year-olds and 4 1-year-olds all sharing a beach house, I didn't expect to enjoy myself as much as I actually did. Sure, a couple of times there were people in my way when I needed my morning coffee, and there was certainly a squabble or two over sharing toys. And then there was the arsenic hour in which all children between the ages of 0 and 35 get fussy just before dinner is ready. But everyone was gracious and patient toward one another and I know I'm better for it.
Despite this precious picture, Micah actually seemed to hate the beach until the day we left.
At the National Naval Aviation Museum with JG, Ava and Abbi
Learning how to fish
Silas and Andrew at Fort Morgan
Finally, if you're still reading, here are the final highlights:
*Sitting around the beach fire in the dark with the grown-ups. I always feel like I'm up to no good when I'm out after dark- and to me, that's a good feeling.
*Getting to watch good parenting in action. I think this played a large part in being able to share a house with so many people.
*Watching the array of personalities that have developed in each family's children. From compassionate, bold, loud, observant, fun-loving and patient, there was so much to take in and dream up where our children were concerned. (Not pictured in this post: Mason and Corrinne. I don't know how I managed to come home with zero pictures of them.)
*Sitting on the beach during naptime.
*Being able to watch Joel have so much fun with the boys. I think I really underestimated the effect of being away from our house.
Now the plug for next year because everyone is invited...
"PINE IN '09"
6 comments:
Pine in '09 sounds like so much fun! what is it? how do i sign up?
-an interested third party who isn't your husband
I'm having Fank withdrawals - seriously in a depression...
when can we come to LR to see y'all again???
We LOVE you guys! Can't wait for Pine in '09!
You get the prize for being the first of the trip to post it to your blog. Sounds fun. I love to travel and when Caroline was only about 2 weeks old I made him commit to our first vacation. I said I did not care where or when but I had to look forward to something. We are headed to San Antonio in a few weeks. Maybe we will join you for Pine in '09 wherever that is.
Alice, you look SO GORGEOUS in that first picture with Joel. Not that you're not always quite a lovely person... :)
Hey Guys ...........
Looks like you had a great time !!!!!
Alice and Joel look absolutely stunning in the beach shot. I need one of those for my frig. How's the pacifier endeavor coming along ? Old habits are hard to break ..... young or old. Looking forward to more posts !!!!!!!
Grandma & Grandpa W
Ah the Arsenic hour. So many days I have experienced this. Now I know what to call it. I'll add this to the parenting glossary along with "hangry."
Post a Comment