THE SAND BETWEEN OUR TOES...

I'm finally sitting down to share the ins and outs of our time at the beach... a mere 3 weeks after returning! And I'm still struggling with how best to document our time at St. Simon's Island. I have hundreds of photos, many of which capture something worthy of sharing, something that speaks to this heart of mine about each of our children. But of course, I wouldn't dare post that many pictures. So I will make a humble attempt to pick the best of the bunch, or at least pick the ones that will in some way tell the story of our vacation.

Once again, as I was packing and preparing our things for our departure, thoughts crept into my mind, doubts if you will, of whether it was possible for our family, with all our sweet little bits, to go away and have a relaxing time at the beach. Thankfully on this side of it, I can attest to the truth that yes we did. This year's trip can't report long naps taken by me or whole books read, but it was a very peaceful time, and even relaxing. The beach just does something to me, as though the moment the sand hits my toes and the breeze brushes against my face, that instantly slows my thoughts and ushers in peacefulness. Maybe that's why I love it so much... plus I enjoy its beauty, its vastness, its colors and textures... it's part of God's beautiful creation that speaks to me most.

Our time at St. Simon's was slow paced and quite simple really... hours spent playing on the beach, swimming in the pool at the condo, shopping in the village, a few dinner outings, a couple days catching up with dear friends. Low key with no agenda is what we long for every year when we go on our summer vacation. It's wonderful, really, the way uncluttered time creates this space for connecting. And I love the way Brian and I can play with the children for hours because the pressures of day to day life at home and work don't travel there with us. Of course, we aren't able to leave all responsibilities behind, but it's certainly a much lighter load, for which I'm thankful. It's become a time each year that our whole family looks forward to with great anticipation and longing. And this year proved to be the quiet, peaceful retreat that each of us needed.

sitting on a huge, old live oak tree... so many beautiful ones on the island - they are protected

captured a good one of all 4 kiddos... rare happening

wish I could hear what they were saying... Lord, let them be the best of friends

so glad to get a good family picture... I made the girl's dresses

one night while out on East Beach, we saw a guy catch a sting ray

famous light house on the island

so sweet, the love between these sisters

our dear friends, Jaime & Greg Davis, and their sweet little Garrison - joined us for a couple of days

one of our favorite traditions is going to this little shop where we all get a shell necklace

I appliqued these shirts for the children - they wore them to dinner at the Crab Trap

does my heart good watching Brian and the kids have so much fun together

oh how they adore one another... in years to come, I'm sure Anna will look up to Catherine

this beautiful sunset was the final salutation our last night at the beach