Thursday, April 11, 2013

Florida - Redux

Welcome back...I'm glad to see you. I just KNEW you'd be curious to come back to read the second part of my latest travel adventure.

And here it is............................

We left our oldest son behind and hit the road to the panhandle to visit our youngest and his wife and children.

Have you ever had the pleasure of being greeted after a long absence by little children? It's heartwarming, overwhelming and simply...grand! We got the best reception - lots of hugs and kisses all around.

The following days were fun but relaxing. Perfect combo. It was school vacation week - our son took a few days off so we could have plenty of time together. There were a few occasions to celebrate too - our son's and granddaughter's 3rd birthday, and Easter!

It didn't take long for the fun to begin:

We saw the "Croods" (if you haven't seen it, I urge you to go to the theater and see this one...it's hilarious!)

It's an animated film about a prehistoric family's adventures. Young and old alike will love the humor and storyline.



Our granddaughter had the best rainbow-themed birthday party! My daughter-in-law did an amazing job with the decorations and the fabulous cake! My little princess was queen for the day with all the attention, the presents, the goodies. It was a perfect day!


A day at the beach is a must in their area so we spent a day there complete with a picnic lunch. This particular stretch of sand is their favorite...and has become mine too! There's a playground and volleyball nets right on the beach. Shopping, restaurants and most importantly....clean restrooms! YES!

Another day found us back at the same beach. We took our son and his family there for dinner at his fav local seafood restaurant. Every time we go there my grandchildren are so delighted to order grouper for their grandma! (Can't get it here in New England.)
 
On Easter Sunday, after attending a beautiful service at their church, we headed to the local harbor entertainment district which celebrated the holiday with free activities for the kids and a visit from the Easter Bunny!

Interspersed with all these adventures, we found time to just chill out at their home. We played games, watched movies and planted raspberry bushes. Hubby even picked up new mitts, balls and bats, and taught the young ones the mechanics of playing baseball.
*****
 Ah, another successful vacation with the family.
Kids change so much so fast that I hate not being able to see them on a regular basis.
But I try to be grateful we've had the opportunity to spend as much time
with them as we've been able to.
I highly advise finding the time to spend with your family as much as you can.
And if you aren't so lucky to have grandkids like I do,
then I recommend you borrow someone else's from time to time - you won't regret it!
 
Sweet benefits of spending time with little ones:
listening to their wild imaginations woven into their charming little stories,
watching them learn something new,
sharing experiences like movies and making crafts,
laughing together at their knock-knock jokes,
planning adventures like trips to the playground or the beach,
playing house and having tea parties ...
there's nothing better.
It keeps me feeling youthful, feeling wanted, feeling needed, feeling special ...
and who wouldn't want that?
Try it - you won't regret it!
 
 

6 comments:

  1. SOUNDS LIKE FUN TIME WAS HAD BY ALL !!

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    1. It was tons of fun, which is probably why I keep getting invited back. Don't wanna me an old-fuddy duddy grandma!

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  2. Yep, you are so right. Grab every moment with family that you can. Thank you so much for sharing your trip. I smiled all the way thru!

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    1. Thanks for taking the time to stop by. I certainly deeply entrenched in the "spend time with family" camp. Glad you agree its so important!

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  3. It looks like a fun week, and lovely weather, too!

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    1. It was a blast! weather was perhaps the strangest part... when we arrived in Florida the nights were in the 30's...gah! days were 50's-60's. By the time we left, temps climbed into the 70's... figures... weather got better just when we were getting ready to head home... oh well, we made the best of it!

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