Monday, September 17, 2007

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!

18 comments:

Aunt Boo said...

Those are some really great pictures. I am glad that you all had a great time.

See you soon!

Love,
Aunt Boo

His Doorkeeper said...

What wonderful memories you have made with your delightful family!
You are a blessed woman....but you already know that!! What alot of fun you look like you were having......priceless!

Jennisa - Avery and Livvie's Mommy! said...

You got some wonderful pictures of your kiddos! How nice for you to have some time with your husband and your kids away from home! Hope you feel 'refreshed'...

Mom of Eleven said...

How precious. I truly have little tears in my eyes. What precious memories, girl. Your sweet family is so blessed by God and you are such a blessing to so many others. What an example of true quality time together. I am so happy you all had a blast.
See you soon,

Andi said...

Looks like fantastic amounts of fun!

The 4 Sullivans said...

What a great family. Thanks for sharing your fabulous memories. I love blogging and getting the wonderful opportunity to "meet" such a sweet family!

Beth/Mom2TwoVikings said...

Aw, sweetie...with all the joy, energy, and sense of discovery my Flicka has as a single, I can't imagine it times three! LOL You're heart must be blessed to exploding! *wink* So happy for you!

Anonymous said...

Precious - I can tell you had a great time. We're heading to the beach next week - hopefully, we'll have as good of a time too. Your pictures just bring tears to my eyes for the happiness!

Jen said...

Looks like fun! I have always wanted to go to Amelia Island. I am a quality time girl, too:)

Maria said...

Thanks for the smile! :)

Perri said...

Great pictures. I love the important talk perspective.

Mayhem And Miracles said...

If I knew how to make a button, I would create a new award specifically for you - because you take the most exquisite pictures I have ever seen. Your family is beautiful.

Lisa said...

Thank you for sharing your amazing photos. Your children are absolutely beautiful.
It sounds like your long weekend could not have been any better!
And I love the picture of the kids in bed and the little one with one sock on and one sock off...reminds me of my little guy who always has to be messing around before he falls asleep.

keri said...

sounds like a fantastic vacation! i love ALL the photos...you captured your trip so well!!

Deidre said...

You know what this post spoke to me? My family needs to take more vacations with 'just us'. We plan months in advance to take along the people we see all the time and rarely vacation with just the 4 of us. We need to do that.

Thanks for sharing! I love the pictures.

Mandy said...

Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a sweet comment. I am having a great day and so appreciate your prayers. I am smiling today as I think of Madeline and my other wonderful children. You are right not to let the devil steal your joy. Your triplets are just precious. Thanks again.

Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

Jenny said...

I just have to say that your children are beautiful, you take amazing photos and I can always count on your blog to humble me in my adventures in parenting in a Christian family.
Thanks :-)

Jenna said...

Glad ya'll had a great time! And love the beautiful pics of a beautiful family :)