I don’t even think I could put this vacation into words. Delicious. Amazing. Healing. Renewing. It was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had (second only to Jamaica, mostly because it was Jamaica).

Obviously Busch Gardens was a blast. So was the Adventure Island water park. The weather being absolutely amazing was a dream come true. The resort offered the best accommodations I could have dreamed of. The company left my belly hurting from laughter. The flowing drinks and delicious food left me 7 pounds heavier and all too content and comfortable. The beach? Oh, the beach. My heart was so full of love and happiness and joy. The visit with my Aunt? It was as if someone took this heavy, burdensome load off of my back. The hurt and indifference I’ve unnecessarily harbored for nearly 20 years melted away when I saw my mother’s sister (and, ironically, my mother in her eyes) for the first time in 18 years. I suddenly embraced healing and a fresh start in her presence. And I would be sad for all the years lost to pride, but instead I look forward to a life of loving her and knowing her. She’s a beautiful soul, and through her stories and memories I fell in love with Mom all over again. I can’t even explain. What a beautiful gift.

I had said I’d stop posting pics of the kiddos on my blog, and I intend to. But I had to share this one. It’s one of the only pics I got of my Aunt Elizabeth, and Noah happens to be an important part of this picture. They say children are good at judging character. If that’s true, a picture is worth a million words. Noah melted in her arms, which says so much because he’s such a busy toddler that even I have to beg for cuddles. He welcomed her, so much so that he drooled as she rocked and cuddled him…

Jeremy did his deep sea fishing excursion with a bunch of guys. He was VERY sea sick up until the last few hours of the 8 hour trip, despite having taken Dramamine before boarding the boat. In the last few hours he caught the biggest 2 fish of anyone though! So he was quite pleased with himself. And I was pleased too because the fish was amazing when we de-boned and filleted it that evening for supper.

The children adored the beach as much as I did as a child. I saw myself in them. And I was as childlike and silly and funloving, as if my soul burst right out of my body. I wanted sometimes to just lie there and soak up the rays quietly with a book, but they kept me on my feet– in the waves, on the sand, with a castle mold or float in hand– inhibitions and worries and schedules as far away from my mind as they could possibly be. I asked God to let me live Heaven the same way. In every exact detail. Family. Love. Friends. Forgiveness. Waves. Sand. And more Love.

I have so much I want to share, but I’m still weary. Homesick. Going through withdrawals. I’m getting “Back to Life” now. Bags to unpack, clothes to wash, lonely dogs to nurture. It’ll all settle back down and I’ll be back to posting soon. Hugs to all of you I’ve missed in Blogland….