Family Beach Trip

"Smell the sea, and feel the sky
Let your soul and spirit fly..."
Van Morrison





Best little beach house in Pensacola. Amazing views, pool, gorgeous beach access, and quite possibly the best front porch ever...who knew that all everyone needed were some Adirondack chairs, a nicely stocked cooler, shade (all day)and a coastal breeze to survive at the beach! I really think some of us considered sleeping out there...for comfort sake, our room had doors opening onto the porch, so we had best of both worlds at night!




Our beach trip started out right with a night out at our favorite beach hang out, Peg Leg Pete's...yum!!! Well deserved after unloading all the cars and getting all the gear and groceries into the house. Whew, who know you needed SO MUCH STUFF for one week at the beach! Sunday was Hannah's birthday party (see post on her party) and we were all ready to relax in the sun for the next few days. Mike and I made our signature beach dinners of shrimp, bacon and avocado tacos, followed by risotto, seared scallops, and pancetta, as well as squeezing in one Italian night too, pasta all'Amatriciana, our most favorite dish from our Italy trip. Always good to end the night with a grand meal (and a some good wine) after snacking all day! Everyone enjoyed themselves at the beach, pool and hanging on our huge front porch...pictures speak for themselves, no need to explain relaxation!











I really do think that spending the late afternoon on the beach is really the best...something about the combination of the sunset, long shadows and peacefulness of the waves makes it perfect. My beach babies got right to work searching for shells, digging for treasure, and walking up and down the sand - setting a good example for their little cousin, she will be a pro soon (we hope!)




Mornings at the beach are just great too! Lots of fun to be had, and then what could be better than jumping into the pool before lunch and naps? I love our beach schedule...too bad that can't be our routine every day, and we can't have a houseful of people to help out too! This beach trip marks the first one with all the grand kids...my parents (Nana & Papa) had their hands full for sure, but loved every minute - the beach was the perfect relaxed setting, just like the beach trips we always used to take when we were little! So the tradition continues...




Sadly our beach trip ended too soon, too be continued another time. Tuesday morning of our trip we learned my Uncle Charlie had passed away...his heart was too weak and was just not strong enough to make it after his by-pass surgery. With heavy hearts we celebrated his life and shared tears of sadness, trusting in the Lord's plan for him. Not that there is a perfect place to receive news such as this, but heaven and my Uncle were not far from us at all...

"for he himself is our PEACE."
Ephesians 2:14