...is the process by which we create, discover, learn and grow with those we cherish most.

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Promises

The annual family beach vacation we started last year, faced many obstacles this year. Aaron and I deliberated back and forth whether or not this was something we should forego and pick back up when the kids are older. My parents and sister were traveling out of the country, work was piling up, and the need to save now - more than ever - were all working against the dream.

The recent adventure to PV would have sufficed our need to bury 40 toes in the sand - except our family is really a bigger one - and extends into my own. There is something very nostalgic about family traditions. When I was young, we'd spend almost every weekend with our cousins - I can still smell Coney Island - hear the chatter of aunts and uncles coming in and out of Bebe's kitchen - and see my Bobo jan, over a century old, sitting in the backyard and watching all the grand [and great-grand] kids play baseball with tennis rackets. Many of my fond memories of childhood reside in those years - where weekend reunions with extended family were as common as the regular work week.

On shoestring budgets - each family came together to raise their kids as they were raised by generations before them. By the age of 10, all of that stopped, and my parents' obligation to save prevailed over childhood memories ever since.

Before using a lesson my Mom instilled - which was to refrain from making promises or plans - because "you never know what's going to happen tomorrow," I promised Ava we'd all go to the beach. No one forshadowed the recession. Aaron losing his job... or Dad's extended stay in Kabul. But I made the risky promise anyway - not accepting - how fast next summer would really come...


So when my bid for a new project was accepted, and the thought of saving it felt right and responsible, I decided that saving my promise to Ava - was even moreso.

we're going to the beach

The day after we returned from PV, Ava asked if she was going to go to the beach with Humzah. She recounted the van we rented...flying a kite with "uncle greg" and other memorable souvenirs from last year's trip. Enough said - the trip was back on! The night before we left, I stayed up all morning to make goody bags and tshirts for each child... All the while, thinking, how this was going to be our family tradition -

for our children to grow up and remember - together.

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Smile

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Look! A Crab!

Hamzah

Digging

Beauty

Wet Feet

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Searching For Crabs

We enjoyed a wonderful week in Seacrest, Florida - the beaches of South Walton are truly maginificient in every way - making it one of the top family destinations in the US.

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The karma from the gesture brought us unexpectedly to an Andante Penthouse where for one week, it was our home... where from the doors of my master bedroom, I stepped onto the beach... family gathered around the kitchen for gourmet meals prepared by chef Masaud, and children camped out in their bunkroom.

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Gourmet dinner

Andante Penthouse - Living

Andante Penthouse - Media

Andante Penthouse - Master

The Andante afterall, is a "smart house" where it took us 3 days alone to master the remote control. Everything is automated - from lights to curtains and fireplaces to thermostats - what we loved about this experience - was that it was 2 vacations in 1. Close the sliding doors, and your senses would deny that it's even summer. The decor, amenities and layout make you feel like you're in a Manhattan high-rise. Open them, and your senses will flood you with what summers are all about...

Strolling

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FamilyFlorida

As we watched the waves crest and fall, underneath the sunset, we thanked the beach for being a gracious host to our families... and then listened.

"The beauty you see in your children... and your family... and for life...

Is as natural and clear as my body.
As infinite as the horizon you see here.
Forget not, that you are as much apart of me, as I am to you...

Leaving the beach

... and I will see you next summer!"

7 comments:

  1. First of all…..
    I am well aware my wife is a pretty darn good photographer and writer as well, but this might be my favorite post of all time. Well done honey!

    On to the trip!
    Coming back home from one trip and leaving (almost) immediately to go to another was not what we had originally planned. In retrospect, it might not make that much sense either. Especially since they were both trips to the beach- but they could not have been much different even if we had planned it that way.

    We all hated to go and would have been happy to stay over an extra day… or maybe an extra year or two. My first thought was ‘How can I get a job that will pay the mortgage on a place like this where I can work from home so I never have to leave it again?’ If you have any ideas that won’t get me arrested, please post them here. My resume does not include any acting/singing/professional sports appearances, but I am willing to take lessons.

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  2. Z - the pics are beautiful. Joel and I are expecting baby #2 in December... we're looking forward to the joy that TWO can bring.
    xx

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  3. Aaron....Thank goodness you're not singing or acting. We are spared the misery.

    Love the pictures of my little nieces and nephews. Sophia is so big. She has a double chin like me! But cuter on her. ha ha ha. Miss you guys tons. Visit me soon!!!

    love.....SaraLee

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  4. Michelle & Joel! Congratulations!!! I am just ecstatic for your family - what wonderful news! xxxxxxxx and a X for RUBY!

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  5. Your photos are beautiful (and the ones in them)! What an amazing house you guys found! So happy you all had a wonderful time and are continuing the tradition!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Patenaude Family

    Life is beautiful when we share our moments together. We thank you for giving us so much.

    Love

    Parwani Family

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for sharing - I will respond to your comment here as well so check back! xo

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