Rewind: Beach Vacay 2011

To catch up--pre-vacuum if you will--the kids and I ventured to the beach last week for a change of scenery and a chance for Emma to practice her swimming consistently.  The impetus for our trip was Jason's terrible week at work (or more accurately, overloaded month), so away we went--sans Daddy.

We were SO fortunate to stay at Ammy and Doc's condo.  It is beautiful, just a few steps away from the sand and the kids had a fantastic time standing on the balcony talking to everyone down at the pool (when we weren't there of course).  It was, however, the most physically and emotionally challenging week I've had in quite a while.  Robert decided he doesn't yet love the beach (more specifically: sand) and Emma was so excited to be there, sleeping wasn't her forte--despite the exhaustion of the water.  I realized that this pregnancy is taking a harder toll on me than the first two. I'm not sure exactly of the reason why yet--but nonetheless, I've been disappointed with myself and how much I have "let go" and how little patience I have.  As my dear mother would tell me...it's time to "adjust my expectations."  Ahhh yes.  And more importantly, it's time to get over myself and watch the Lord's grace and mercy fill all the holes I am making. Thank goodness we do not parent alone. And praise the Lord He loves my children perfectly---especially when I am not coming close.

Regardless, I felt deeply blessed to share this special time with Emma and Robert, and to watch them grow together.  After swim lessons for a week, Emma was all ready to jump into the water by herself and she really wanted to teach Robert how to swim.  Robert was so enamored of his walking and running that he tolerated the water for a bit, but was happiest running around the edge of the pool--much to the test of my nerves.

I would LOVE to share some pictures of the pool and the beach, but somehow, I didn't find it at all safe to man two kids near bodies of water with my eye behind the lens!  Instead, I snapped a few pictures from our doughnut picnic one morning.  Since we were indeed VERY early risers, we were some of the first people in line for doughnuts one morning and had finished our picnic by 7:30 a.m.  Admittedly, days don't get much better than starting with Charlie's Doughnut truck.

Can you tell how humid it was that morning? My lens took at least 10 minutes to "defog."  I'd love any tips on how to avoid that problem...

 And of course there wasn't much sitting still--we had to play in the bushes before we left too!!

Thank you again Ammy and Doc!!!!  What a beautiful getaway and such fun experiences for the kids!!!