We Finally Did It!

Much to the excitement of many of us, Dad and Mom decided Friday morning to take a trip to the ocean! We were a bit late in starting out being as the decision to leave wasn't final until mid-morning. Anyone who is a member of a large family knows what a whole day trip means: diaper bags, port-a-crib, swimming appearal, balls, Frisbee, towels, food (lots of it) sun block, camera, kites... You get the picture :)

By noon we were actually on the road, a van full of excited but tired children. Reading and naps were the occupation of the afternoon of travel and after two and a half hours, we could see the rolling waves and hear their calm sound. The cry of seagulls and the wind gently blowing against your face while the warm sand is squishing between your toes...Heavenly! The afternoon passed too quickly as we frolicked in the waves and watched the little ones overcome their fear of the ripples in the water that splashed up their legs. Christian was happy to sit on Mom's lap and just watch, wading wasn't his idea of fun.
Laughter is so good for the soul and every family needs a break and time away. It was perfect timing for us to have a day of relaxation...Well, I guess I haven't gotten to the pack and clean up part yet...Maybe it wasn't all relaxing :)

We tried to eat before taking our rinse showers...Ha,ha! Kaylianna was distressed beyond words to be the victim of the hungry seagulls! Two whole string cheese sticks were stolen out of her little hand. I figured it was okay if we all protected the little ones from being the object of prey but no, those greedy birds stole mine too!!! The last straw was when the container of watermelon fell upside down into the sand...The van was packed and all of us headed up to the showers in a nearby facility. Showers were interesting, matted hair full of sand and we forgot shampoo and conditioner! Oh well, a tad was left in the shower from a smarter person before us so it had to do. Many quarters were spent and finally all dry, we headed home on a scenic route. The van was a sight to behold. No floor was to be seen, clothes and sand everywhere, but we were having fun and didn't have to think about unloading and clean up for a couple hours until our arrival home. Heading home, the kids spied a large park along coast and called out, "let's go to the park". Dad quickly pulled in and while the younger ones ran around, the rest of us enjoyed a walk on the pier and watched a swift sail boat float in and out for the shore line. That was the official "wear out" time. If we weren't tired before, now our exhaustion was
complete!
Thanks Dad and Mom for a beautiful day! Ready to do it again?!

Scenic view.

Katherine & Kaylianna.

Dad & Christian.

Mom & Christian.

Brenton & Benjamin.

Anthony feeding the seagulls.

Taking a rest after supper.

~ Serenity Prayer ~

I came across this lovely prayer while at the gift shop the other day and thought I'd share it with you all.

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. Taking as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will, that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in the next."

Yes, this post is more serious than the last one:) Anyway, I hope that we all remember everyday to cherish the moment we are in, though often we tend to get anxious about the one up next! Yes, we should be warriors for Christ and "change" things for His glory but sometimes it takes more courage to accept and surrender to the things that are to be left in the Father's care.