The Beach - 10 Years Later

Once upon a time there was a young family. Through the years, these parents took their three kids on an annual vacation to the beach. Myrtle Beach, to be precise. Twelve consecutive years of memories made. Eventually other events took priority and the kids grew up. 

Lo and behold, ten years pass with no beach vacations, when the parents have a brilliant idea. "Even though they are grown, two in college and one married, maybe they might still want to spend a week with their parents and each other in the South. In March."

Much to the parents' surprise and delight, the answer was yes! Some very generous and kind friends offered us their beach house. We hit the road a few weeks ago and this is what it looked like.

backseat shenanigans - brothers will always pester younger sisters

After a 14 hour drive, it took us approximately 15 minutes to empty the car and get ourselves outside.

It seems we had enough to satisfy our sweet tooths (teeth?)

Something on Drew, Ben and Ally's to-do list was to visit one of the many souvenir shops they frequented as children. And take a picture.

Which led me to dig this out. Turns out it was taken on our last trip. Did I mention it was 10 years ago?

waaaaaa!

God gave us day after day of abundant sunshine and warm temps.

This is pretty much what we did all day.

This guy here got some new sunglasses.

For a whole day I kept looking at him and wondering who he reminded me of. I couldn't rest until I figured it out.

Do you see it too?  Any guesses?


Ahhhhhhh yes......Dr. Nefario from Despicable Me.....of course!


Because Brittany is officially a Burtis now and certainly fits in with the family nonsense - she made her father-in-law a friend.

Do you see it now? Imagine the white lab coat.

You should really pray for this patient man. He doesn't deserve us.

Yay for beach toys!

We got in trouble for leaving this hole (which was much deeper than shown here). Apparently a deer was euthanized just the week earlier after falling in a similar hole. They are illegal on the beach. It's an official ordinance. Who knew?
PS..turtles can fall in too - which is also frowned upon.

                   Gorgeous sunrises...for those who got up early enough to see them.

Some, who will remain unnamed, even after years of experience with sunburns still prefer to learn the hard way, even though they are gently reminded (not nagged) to use sunscreen.

Natural consequences

Chocolates do not make that mistake and can stay in the sun longer. Mocking their mother's hat, however, is completely unnecessary.




This is what we did one day to keep the vanillas occupied.

I asked for one picture here under the pier - just one - and this is what I got. If you know these people, you probably know which one (think blue shirt, black shorts) started this shenanigan.

Every night we played games, all sorts. So much fun. Endless ridiculous humor.

But the best part of the week - the very best thing of all - also happened around this table.

Before we arrived, Scott gave us an assignment. We were to take turns giving a family devotion. One night per person. Can I just tell you what a gift this was?

We sat around that table for almost an hour each evening after dinner, everyone with their own Bible, discussing and commenting on the content chosen by the speaker. So many important things said. Weaknesses were confessed, struggles shared, while hope in God and His Word was declared as the ultimate goal.

Night after night God gave us a glimpse into the work He is doing in each of the hearts and lives of our children. Amazing.

Fellow moms who want to raise awesome kids, may I encourage you to make dinner a priority in your home? No electronics. No tv. Just full on eye contact and important topics intentionally brought to the table with the expectation that everyone participates. 

Insist on it. This is where the fruit we are hoping will appear in their adult lives begins growing.

Hard times will come to all, but a firm foundation has been laid that will give them something to always stand on if it is chosen.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth. 3 John 4

                       (and that they still want to go on vacation with their parents)