September 29, 2007 9:16 AM
We're back!
Sorry to have dropped out so suddenly and with no notice. But it was for a good cause, as we were on vacation in North Carolina last week. Got home at 1:00 this morning, so I have massive amounts of laundry, grocery shopping (we rented a house and so took most of our food from the refrigerator with us - in fact, there is NO COFFEE here this morning so I am writing this caffeine-free), mail sorting, bill paying, and emails to answer.
But I will get to it all - and you will be hearing a lot from me this week.
In the meantime, here are a few pictures:
The house we rented was perfect with a crow's nest at the top.
This is a picture we took at night in the crow's nest with the camera on timer. Not the best focus, but you get the idea - happy family full of the shrimp/oysters/clams buffet we'd just come home from.
Sophia's sand sculptures.
The Downzers - Making happy memories.
The kids spent HOURS in the waves. As northern California natives, they were used to the bitter cold, rough and tumble of the Pacific. They bob around in the Atlantic like dolphins - which we also saw plenty of.
We go on vacation in late September for two reasons: 1) more affordable to rent a house and 2) it's easier on the kids with special needs when there are no crowds to deal with. The girls got their assignments in advance and kept up while we were gone. But as the woman next door at the beach - whose family bought their house there 40 years ago - said, "Oh, so you took them out of school to come? That's great. You know, in twenty years, they won't remember what they learned in school this week - but they'll never forget this."
Gotta love how God sends messages of affirmation when we need them.
Missed you all - but will catch up soon!
Comments
Fantastic pictures, Barbara! It looks like you had a wonderful time.
Welcome back.
Posted by: mopsy | September 29, 2007 10:09 AM
Oh so much fun. CA rocks! I'm glad you're back safe and sound....ok safe...maybe not sound. ;) Looks like you've got some chores to catch up on so I'll be looking for new posts in a couple of days. Great pics :):)
Shannon in Austin
Posted by: Shannon Best | September 29, 2007 12:21 PM
welcome back Barbara! I missed your blogging but what a great time you had.
Couldn't help but compare the pic of you and Tripp on this vacation to last one. You are so gorgeous, look like one of the girls!
Posted by: floorplan | September 29, 2007 12:36 PM
Love the sand art. Glad you had fun at the beach. Those will be memories for a lifetime.
Posted by: Becky | September 29, 2007 12:59 PM
Looks great! We're planning our family vacation right now: we're going camping in Arkansas next February. Gonna give the kids all camping equipment for Christmas! :)
Posted by: Michelle Potter | September 29, 2007 2:41 PM
Who is that itty bitty thing in the middle of the family picture?
Glad you had a great vacation!
Posted by: Carol | September 29, 2007 3:05 PM
Welcome back! The pictures look great......love the turtle. You all look great and oh so happy!
Glad to have you back!
Posted by: LadyLovas | September 30, 2007 10:26 AM
My husband's extended family does a family get-together/vacation at Emerald Isle every year in North Carolina. They do the rent a house on the beach thing. We've gone with them a few times - it's very relaxing!
Posted by: Becky | October 1, 2007 1:42 PM
