I've been messing about with words in my head all morning, wondering if I could possibly write about my "slicing" vacation without it seeming like one of those "come over to view the slides of our awesome trip" invitations. Then I read Cathy Mere's post today at Merely Day by Day, and her advice was great. I started!
This is the third year my family has traveled to Captiva Island, same house, by the beach, with a pool, heavenly. I am in love with this place, and also love what the tradition of it encompasses: exciting ocean creatures seen and discovered, wonderful new experiences in and out of the water, and eating at favorite restaurants. I gave Carter a para-sailing time for his birthday. He turns fourteen on Friday. Ingrid's swimming abilities after spending hours each day in the ocean or the pool increased tenfold (obviously practice does mean perfecting). And Imogene's swimming became stronger too, and she was able to swim in the ocean without feeling overwhelmed.
In addition to those wonderful things, we had a wonderful evening celebration at dinner with my nephew and his partner who were formally married a couple of months ago. When families live so far apart, it is special that we have time together. Finally, being all together means learning about each other all over again. It is hard to be apart. Except for my daughter and family, we can't just drive over for a short evening. It becomes a bigger deal once or twice a year. These moments, these "slices" of each other are times we treasure and will remember.
I am lucky to be able to spend another week while the rest of my family returns to their busy lives. I'm not at staff week this week, and am fine being here, playing more, writing and doing things I want to do. I will be mentoring one teacher this year, so won't be totally apart from school. I'm ready for NEW!
Here are some pictures of the highlights of last week. For those of you on FB with me, sorry. I know you've seen quite a few already!
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| Carter and his mom, Barb, getting ready! |
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| The people said they were 400 feet high! |
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| Love these little pelican birds that Carter and Ingrid dived for endlessly (in the pool). |
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| Imi's first time in the ocean-loved it. She is just four, didn't remember last year. |
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| At a fun restaurant, the Island Cow. |
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| From our house to the beach-my favorite view. |
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| The ocean means burying willing parents, and others, too. This is the first, my son-in-law, Dave. |
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| I love the evening walks on the beach. The storm had passed on. |
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| Evening walks at low tide mean lots of shells. Sarah was the best at finding good ones! |
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| I find it hard to stop taking sunset pics. |
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| Also love taking the bird pics when I can. This heron visited once in a while. |
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| Some of us took a boat to another island, filled with dead mangroves on the beach. Here's Nathan walking back. |
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| Last evening walk with Carter. |
You've convinced me. I'm going. Also planning on more family time before school starts. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYour girls are at a good age to find somewhere, Judy. We started taking Carter on a yearly trip at about 5, stayed in state for a while, just the three of us. Since Nathan, Barb & Carter moved, now all of us are getting together at least once a year away.
DeleteLooks like an amazing vacation. I love the way it's not about the place, but about how it's become a tradition, too. That last photograph is wonderful. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tricia. It is a lovely time together.
DeleteLife is a beach!!!! I love the water and sand . . . it is the one thing I miss living in the desert, but so many good things it's worth it! Great pics!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn. This is the only time for me on the ocean, too. The mountains are special, just different.
DeleteI went to a wedding in Captiva this spring. Oh, it is lovely. I am sure all that scenic beauty can't compare with being with your loved ones though. Glad you are able to spend this time together.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Both things are special, and I'm so happy the kids get this experience of the ocean, too.
DeleteGreat pictures. Nothing beats being able to spend time with family. That this vacation is now a tradition I'm sure gives everyone something to look forward to during the year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, you're so right. We are talking of going elsewhere next year, but there are several things to wait for, like possible job changes, calendar conflicts, etc. It is a challenge to find one week! But we will find something I'm sure!
DeleteDon't stop taking sunset pictures! They are something to marvel! What a special time for the whole family to gather. These are the memories the kids will tell their kids. I'm trying to figure out something similar with my son and his family. Wonderful moments saved forever!
ReplyDeleteAs I said above, we started taking Carter on little trips when he was five, and now it's become an all-family time since they moved. Perhaps next year Ingrid & I will take a long weekend somewhere? Whatever we do is fine with me as long as we're together. Best wishes in finding a place and time, Elsie.
DeleteI absolutely loved following your trip on Facebook, Linda! Your pictures were so amazing and I loved seeing your family enjoying time together. We should all be so blessed! Welcome home. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer, I'm glad you enjoyed the pics. I'm still here, stayed another week by myself, going home Saturday.
DeleteI have LOVED sharing the moments and seeing your pictures on Facebook. For many years, my family spent weeks on Sanibel island. It is where my son learned to swim and where my mentor gathered us around her to learn. Both Sanibel and Captiva are close to my heart. Such a beautiful place to build family memories and spend time together. I'm so glad you had a great trip. Here's to NEW!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee Ann. I knew that you were familiar with the area, but how wonderful that your life is wrapped around these wonderful places. We do love them too, and enjoy the ocean time very much.
DeleteI loved hearing and seeing the highlights of your wonderful family vacation. We just splurged on a big family vacation for the five of us and it was a gift. I'm already cherishing the memories and the photos as the youngest heads out the door in a week or so to college. I love your idea of making it an annual event!
ReplyDeleteTerrific that you've started, now you can repeat too. Thanks, Molly!
DeleteLoved the pics of family fun and now a week at the beach all by yourself . . . makes me think of Gift from the Sea, I bet you'll be busy writing. Loved all the pics, but especially the one of Sarah with the shells. The colors in that one are wonderful! Have a blissful week!
ReplyDeleteThat evening light is beautiful, I agree, Ramona. I am liking my week, but missing everyone, too. Thank you!
DeleteBeautiful pictures! Nothing better than a beach vacation!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa, so true!
DeleteLoved all the pics, all of them. This looks like simply a lovely destination. Enjoy the rest of your time at the beach!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kendra. So far, the time has been wonderful.
DeleteYour time with your family sounds heavenly, Linda! So glad you all had such a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catherine. It is wonderful to be together, even if for a short while.
DeleteI am so glad you posted. I love the beach. Family memories are so tied to those moments. They are some of sweetest ones I own. I love how Imogene re-discovered the wonder of the ocean. I swam in the ocean for the first time this summer last Sunday. I felt the same feeling!
ReplyDeleteHow great for you, Julieanne. Imi, her dad and I got down there first, and she just sat right down and laughed! I love the picture!
DeleteYour pictures make me YEARN for the beach!!! We are planning a big family trip next year for my mom's 70th birthday. I. CAN'T. WAIT. Thank you for sharing these family memories with all of us!!! :) Treasures!!
ReplyDeleteOh, so nice to anticipate your coming trip, Michelle. Wonderful to hear about!
DeleteWow! Like Michelle, your pictures make me yearn for beach and water time! These are absolutely gorgeous! Glad you have had made such special memories!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. It was a terrific week with everyone.
DeleteYour grandchildren will hold on to these wonderful memories forever. It's great that you and your family have a special place. Your pictures make me want to drop everything and go to the beach.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret. We look forward to this all year-great memories for sure.
DeleteBeautiful, Linda! My husband and I stayed in Captiva once. There is an Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant nearby. I wonder if it's still there. Thank you for sharing this slice of heaven!
ReplyDeleteIt's on Sanibel, Laura, called The Mad Hatter, & we haven't been to it-maybe next time. I'm going to The Green Flash tonight with my nephew. Thanks.
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