{Mustang Island. Prt. 3}

The sky in the mornings was a site to see. Britton is obsessed with sunrises & sun sets lately. He says "It is heavenly Father showing us he loves us." I agree. the children were eager to start each day while at the beach house. New surroundings really can be a welcome relief from the day to day tasks. The children discovered a secret hiding spot under the stairs (think harry potter) and in this secret spot they played house & legos & dominoes & puzzles. It was just big enough for our biggers to claim it their own fort. The children were less than pleased with us grown ups when we informed them no way were they getting into the pool or the ocean for a swim. But when they heard hot tub thats all they wanted to do. They soaked & looked at the fields and marshes around the house. I love the way a family trip can bring everyone together. the children talk to one another rather than seeking out friends from school or church or the neighborhood. I remember feeling that closeness when my brother and I shared a section in the family tent when we would camp in Canada or Maine. I hope the kids remember these moments too as they grow older.  Being from New England I crave sea food ...and not red lobster either. I'm talking freshly plucked from the sea. So while on the coast My mom & I decided we would find fresh sea food. We picked a really fun little place that looks like it could be swallowed up by water if the tide came up even a drop higher. It was a relaxed atmosphere and we ate up our fish and shrimp then drove past the fiery sunset & the fisherman that seemed to be everywhere. 

looking at these pictures make me miss the hubs. He is a good man that one & we are ready for his return. (but not ready for Omah to leave. can't we have both? plus an Opah & a Luca dog 

would be nice too.) Part 4. to come.

{Mustang Island Prt. 2}

While trick or treating our neighbor, Derrick asked how much longer we had till Rod comes home. Its weeks till he can return. (lucky for me my Mom has come to keep me company for a bit!) Derrick asked if we had plans to visit. We got to chatting about how hard it is to find a place to stay where all the kids fit. He asked if we would be interested in staying at a beach house that sleeps 21. yes. 21. He told me to think on it & text his wife, laura after we were done trick or treating. After I washed the sugar off the kids and put them to bed I texted Laura to tell her we were interested in staying at the house. She got in touch with her good friend, the owner & set the whole thing up! 24 hours later we were settling in for a long weekend with Rod. It was a dream! I was teary eyed the whole weekend with gratitude to my sweet sweet neighbors & their friend, Dana. How kind to allow my family to stay at their beach house. Their beautiful beach house. We were comfortable & happy & best of all, together! It felt so good to fall asleep in Rod's arms & wake up to his hugs. The children took turns treating him like a jungle gym. We spent time at the beach (the house was right on the beach!) the kids ran around, & tried to dodge the waves (Maddox failed miserably as you will see.) Jellyfish had washed up on the shore & the kids searched for surviving ones. My mom, missing my dad, wrote love notes in the sand & sent him pictures via text. The Boys raced & Presley soaked up the sun. Cooper almost blew away in the wind, Britton wore a rubber glove to try & keep sand from his cast, & I tried to document every single second of it. I don't want to forget how happy the children were, I don't want to forget how kind people can be. This life is a good good life. (part 3 to come soon.) 

{Mustang Island. Prt. 1}

How we were able to see Rod & be able to stay in this very large & gorgeous beach home to come. 

But for now, pictures & lala land for me. 

Momma out!

night 1....a reading nook. 

    morning 1: a sunrise, golden light, pancakes, card games, dominoes & going as slowly as possible.