It is a truth universally acknowledged that a rainy day becomes much cheerier when one is in possession of a turquoise umbrella.

7/9/11

Endings

Reality? What's that?

Please define.

The past day has been one of endings for our beach vacation this year. The last time I sink my toes in the sand. The last time I feel the power of the breaking waves lifting me up and carrying me on the boogie board to shore. The last time I stand on a sand dune to open my mouth and taste the salty air.

I know we'll be back next year, Lord willing, but still...it's hard to say goodbye to an amazing week.

A week filled with cute little brothers making their own memories.

Celebrating the 4th by dressing in red, white, and blue and heading to the parade and fireworks at the marina.

Collectively oohing and ahhing with the crowd as firework after dazzling firework exploded in the dark sky.
Visiting the shops downtown like all of the other sunburned tourists and loving every minute.
(Do these two look thrilled or what to be wearing their festive hats? Yeah, I think so, too.)
Laughing at the stunts pulled by cousins and siblings.
(Can you hear the ocean, Zander?)
Choot 'im, Elisabeth, choot 'im! ;)
Having a 'twin sister' photo shoot on the sand dunes as another day creeps to a close.
 Elisabeth.
Me.
Elisabeth and me.
Rolling out of bed in the morning and hurrying to slather sunscreen on my shoulders and dash out to the front yard that was the ocean.
Building sandcastles in the grainy white sand. (This one was for you, Bailey, if the name written there isn't enough indication. ;) Thank you so much for the wonderful guest posts, sweet friend!)

Even as I write this post, we're experiencing more 'lasts' in the little beach house on this little Florida island. The last family Wii bowling tournament. The last time we laugh in the living room as we recap events of the day.

It makes me feel melancholy, really. When this post publishes in the morning, I'll have already spent my last night in the cozy room that Elisabeth and I share and will likely be on the road. Home. Which isn't a bad thing, but...well, hold on just a moment while I go hug a sandy beach towel and breathe in the scent of sunscreen.
Just kidding, y'all. Don't worry, I'll be okay. Because even I as feel sad...even as I try to grab and hold on to every fleeting moment...even as my mind subconciously records the 'lasts'...I am already anticipating one thing.
Lord willing, the 'firsts' of next year.

Do you have a favorite place to vacation during the summer?

8 thoughts:

Beth said...

Glad y'all had such a special trip and wonderful week! Loves all the pics but especially the Shoot him Elisabeth one, it made me LOL :)
At least coming home has lots of perks, you have a cute little feller waiting for you!

Joni said...

Lovely photos!
I don't get to go on many trips, but I did visit my brother in Santa Barbara earlier this year. (A whole 'nother world from Kansas!)
Looks like you're all having a wonderful vacation! :)

Kara said...

Looks like fun!

*sighs* Y0ur're pretty...

Vicki said...

Wow ... that looks so wonderful, Erin! I feel rested just looking at all your beautiful pictures. I especially love the ones you took in the town - they are so different from anything we have here in the Midwest. I would love to visit a seaside town someday! :-)

I'm glad you had such a good time! Feel free to share more pictures with us whenever you want! :-D

Love in Christ,
Vicki

Abby said...

:D You're funny! Love your posts! I really like the beach too. It's sorta scary, though... you never know what's hiding under the surface-- until it strikes! Just kidding... maybe.:D

Abby

ps. where'd you get the white dress? It's lovely.

Dodi said...

Ahhhhh, I love the 4th too.
The fireworks, parades, food, it's just all so wonderful!
I love the pictures of you and your twin sister, you both look so gorgeous:))
<3 Dodi

Bailey said...

Oh, Erin! I love my sand castle. Thank you so very much. *HUGS*

We're heading down to Texas Wednesday to visit our favorite special Texan family members...and to, of course, swim in their pool all summer long. I'm so excited to soak up more sun, get more mosquito bites and eat barbecue and pancake suppers. Our Texan relatives know how to host Wisconsin relatives, let me tell you.

Your vacation sounds lovely. I'm sorry it's over. :o( A tissue for you, friend.

Erin said...

Thank you, friends! It was hard to leave--really hard--but goodbyes are what make hellos so much more appreciated, right? :)

Abby- Thanks! I got the dress at Bealls Outlet a few months back. :)