South Seas Vacation

Family vacations are under-rated. Spending time together on the beach is a healthy and wholesome activity useful for re-connecting busy lives and catching up on hopes and dreams. While some may be unable to cope with multiple days of togetherness, this group managed to eat breakfast harbor side each morning, munch lunch on the veranda or a chaise at the pool or beach, and then casually enjoy dinner at one of many seaside restaurants. No fighting. No pulling of hair. No throwing of sand.

Reconnecting with the lives of adult children in various professions is a worthwhile investment paying memorable dividends on dark winter nights. Watching joy and awe on faces as the sun once again slides into the gulf reminds one enjoying nature is ageless. Ordering breakfast next to 60 foot cruisers and sailboats makes one long for adventure. A dolphin swimming under the window in search of food was a natural wonder that was more appreciated each day. The gigantic humpty-dumpty shaped manatees huddled together against the breakwater breathing oxygen were an unexpected treat that prompted a daily manatee search.

And then it was over. Hugs, kisses, more hugs, and eyes feeling moist as one adult child heads back to the east coast; hugs and kisses as another son and his bride head to the mainland for a short visit with her family, and feelings of appreciation as an adult daughter and her husband drive us to the airport. Back to Chicagoland we go for more summer, more sunshine and more family events in the near future. Thanks for a wonderful family celebration.
Photo attribution: somewhatfrank