Summer Vacation

The Florida panhandle is our yearly vacation spot. Not very adventurous, are we? But it is so relaxing and beautiful. Well, it was beautiful. The recent hurricanes have taken their toll. It will take a few years to recover. Despite the devastated beaches we had one of our best vacations yet. Here's what happened....

Chas learned to swim. Ok, not swim, but dog paddle. The day before we came home, he decided he wanted to do it, so he did. He was jumping off the side and touching the bottom and paddling all over the pool. The last day, he decided he wanted to dive to the bottom step to retrieve his toys so he did that too. Once he makes his mind up to do something, he can do it.

New favorite game is Settlers of Catan. Alex is the king of games. He wins almost every game we play, every time we play which makes it no fun for Madison and me. This game is not only fun, but Madison and I are winning as much as Alex.

Cooking together. Over the last few years we have decided we did not want to waste precious vacation time eating dinner out (getting ready, waiting for a table, and then waiting to be served), but I also don't want to spend a lot of time cooking. Then we were given a George Foreman grill (thanks, Paigee). Make a quick run for seafood and we can throw a delicious dinner together in no time. As a matter of fact, this year Alex made a fabulous grilled grouper sandwich! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Add that to our beach menu.

The Lake Place Restaurant in Santa Rosa is our dining out splurge. We have been going there for at least 8 years. It is so fun to enjoy a nice restaurant with the children. Madison was 2 1/2 years old when we first took her. Me, being a nervous first time parent, asked her to be quiet. Alex laughed at me and said she can talk. Then Madison added, "I can talk, Momma." So cute! (I guess you had to be there.) This was our first time to take Chas. A party of four sat next to us. Chas kept asking why the man had a pony tail like a girl. (oops!) The food as always was fabulous. I recommend the fish with lemon caper sauce.

Mary Poppins, our beach movie tradition. We watch it at least once each trip.

Our new discovery was Eden Gardens State Park in Point Washington. Located on a bayou this homestead from the late 1800's is surrounded by moss draped Virginia oaks, a reflection pool, and a camellia and rose garden. In 1960's the mansion was bought and restored and filled with heirlooms and antiques and later donated to the state of Florida.


Eden Gardens State Park

In the CD player while traveling was What in the World's Going on Here , an exciting overview of history from creation to Christ. Diane Waring's enthusiastic accounts makes for an interesting and fun way to review history (and to pass time in the car!).

It was a terrific week I think we all enjoyed recharging our physical and relational batteries. Wish everyday could be spent on vacation.

"And He said, 'My presence shalll go with you, and I will give you rest.' " Exodus 33:14