FAMILY DELIGHTS

The only downside to a nomadic lifestyle is the loss of close connections with our family.  We miss the spontaneity of climbing in a car and driving off to see our girls and the grandbabies on a whim.  We miss the summer weekend fun of chats alongside the pool, coffee times in the gazebo, or watching babies run as if there is no 'off button'.   We miss the dinners round the round table - I even miss the cooking and cleaning up afterwards.  "Come and watch me" and "come and play with me" are now orchestrated with flight schedules, allowable vacation days, and availability of vacant bedroom space. 

So it was with great delight and excited anticipation that we counted down the days to the two visits from family - Tiffany and her family came down at the end of June and Courtney and her friend arrived in the first week of July.

We had so much fun!  The grandbabies experienced their first swims in the ocean - thoroughly enjoyed it despite the salty taste of seawater.  They were like dolphins every day - dipping and splashing in the water.  No fear on the kayak, or even when taken further out into deeper water - there was always a smile on their faces.

They tumbled into bed each night, exhausted and happy.  And woke the next morning ready to start it all over again.  When Courtney came, we experienced a somewhat more sedate tempo, with much sun tanning on beaches, and sunset cocktails on the dock.

Loved every minute of their visits and felt an empty space in my heart when they left.  Hoping to do this again soon!  And of course, continue the trips up north on a regular basis.  FaceTime just isn't enough!