Amelia Island Memories

Where do I begin? The headline is that our trip to Amelia Island was as close to perfect as one could ever hope for with a trio of three year olds. Yes, there was a poop accident (or two), a dire need to tee tee while on the beach followed by a refusal to squat behind a dune, an expected number of emotional outbursts...by why focus on those things? There was no vomit, beautiful weather, new experiences, shrieks, giggles and oodles of quality family time.

Our plan to drive through the night was thwarted by a monsoon in South Georgia. When we found ourselves going 40 mph on an interstate because we could no longer see the hood of our car for the rain, we opted for a hotel room for the night. This was an experience in and of itself, since this is our first time traveling without pack and plays. A fold out sofa and rollaway bed worked nicely on the fly. Our sleeping arrangements the remainder of the weekend looked like this. (Until about 6am, when 2 groggy adults were added to the picture.)

Miraculously, that first night in the random hotel the children slept until almost 8am. I cannot think of a single time in their lives they have slept that late. My husband & I are now considering contracting Holiday Inn Express to come renovate their bedrooms. Whatever it takes to get some sleep!

We drove to visit friends who live on St. Simon’s Island and had a wonderful afternoon exploring the amazing Sea Island resort. The lavishness really defies description. Suffice it to say, I was a nervous wreck to take our little family of tornadoes through the property. While we oohed and aahed at the opulence, the highlight of the day for the children was riding a mini bus and eating ice cream with sprinkles. They actually sat around the table the G8 leaders used for their 2004 summit. To see my little people's heads peering over the edge of such grandeur, once occupied by the most powerful men in the world, was quite an experience. I commented, "We should have a very important meeting." R replied, "OK, Let's talk about Jesus." What perspective those little hearts and minds can bring!

As we arrived at the condo Friday, we were greeted by a gopher tortoise. The children were beside themselves with excitement as they chased it around. We then ventured down to the beach. As we looked out over the ocean there was a beautiful rainbow. (The children's first real-life sighting.) R said, "Look, Mommy! It is the wain-bow God made for me." As we splashed in the surf, amidst the squeals of the children my sweet husband and I shared a moment. Pure, unadulterated happiness. We were all grinning from ear to ear.

The remainder of the weekend was filled with fun memories like feeding turtles in a turtle pond, daily visits to the nature center to see the snakes (uggh!), chasing lizards, collecting shells, and renting bikes. Most memorably we had a lot of terrific Daddy time...the biggest blessing of all! (Can you tell my love language is quality time?)

When motherhood inevitably starts feeling overwhelming again, I want to find these memories in my heart and rest in them. There is truly so much joy to this life.

While I am feeling joyful, I probably ought to be unpacking...and doing something about the laundry!