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

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making summer memorable - alys beach 2011

Our 4th annual family beach vacation was a memorable one. As I shot these photos, I couldn't help but remember the years traveled - and looking through my lens - how different, how grown up... the kids are now. My sister and her family planned a trip out west, and although we were tempted to tag along, Ava grounded me to our summer tradition and the promise to return to the "beach" since she was 2 years old. This year was no different - she wanted to be at the beach - for 7 full days. I tempted her with Disneyland... but she refrained, and said she's outgrown the "princess stuff" {that's actually very good news!} 


So we left at 3am on Saturday and headed east - to Alys beach - the furthest beach we've stayed at along Florida's Gulf Coast. We arrived by 6pm, changed, and raced to feel the tip of the ocean...


Alys Beach Vacation - Summer 2011


There are so many photos I wish to share here - so instead, I put together 4 slide shows of some of our beach moments. The scrapbook story begins with our great escape... to simply get away.... which is what the kids have been waiting to do with us since the last snowfall...





We chanced the weather, water, and what our beach stay would be like... and we couldn't have shown up a better week. The water was clear and sparkling like the gem its known for, "the emerald coast." Windy mornings and evenings sandwiched perfect days - Mother nature was good to us.


Alys Beach Vacation - Summer 2011


Days 2 and 3... when Ava woke up, she gulped. She wasn't dreaming... she was still at the beach. A little too ambitious and sun burnt from the sun, the kids were forgiving.... and figured out how to split their time between the sand and water themselves. We brought a 9x9 canopy with us {instead of our umbrellas} - which was wonderful to catch naps under...


father'sday


Aaron's Father's Day this year was very heartening and humbling... After I spoke to my Dad, Ava turned to Aaron and told him to call "his Dad." Ava remembers her Papa every day - knowing that he is no longer with us. But still, she emphasis, that he is, in some essence, still here, and very much alive in our hearts


Having to let go of a father is a very deep and painful loss, that from an adults point of view - seems to only widen with time. We try to splash memories of him as much as we can... but still - all of our hearts ache for Papa. I so cherish how Ava remembers him daily - and how Noah will spontaneously point out memories, in the least expected moments.  

I dedicate this next video to my father-in-law Ron and to my husband Aaron, who finds strength... every day... holding on to - our hearts. 


After the first few days, the vacation days seem to blur together don't they? There was no schedule to follow - just our hearts. We got our traditional photo shoot out of the way on the second day. And we're so glad we did! We picked up an inflatable boat for Ava to jump the waves with... and even though it flipped over in the water and she fell in, she came running out yelling, "Mom, did you see me? I was swimming in the ocean!"

Noah on the other hand, stuck to playing in the sand for the next few days - burying himself chin deep and pretending to be a "merman" and then a dinosaur, stomping on all of Ava's castles... 

When we ventured into town throughout the week, there was quite a bit of ice cream involved... along with some good eats and window shopping. We also chanced on a beautiful fireworks display at the Village of Baytowne Wharf {by far the closest we have ever been to}, an outdoor comedy show of children's fairytales, and some fun games {euro bungy, hamster balls, climbing wall} the kids were so excited to try, now that they are "taller" this year...



Days 4 and 5...
Having the children all to "ourselves" on vacation is quite a bit different than having them at home. Their personalities shine ten-fold... and their curiosity, questions, and energy... seem to be exponentially bigger... and for me personally, seeing this duo together, as brother and sister... was mesmerizing. 





What amazes me the most about the beach is how "small" we feel. There is, and always will be, so much that we won't know. And it is in this - that I find so comforting


The first day we arrived, Ava said, "this is the life!"

So true. But to me, so is the every day... whether we are just snuggling, tickling, racing, or reading books together...  its the infinite amount of conversations spoken - and non - discovering more about ourselves... and what's yet to come.


Alys Beach Vacation - Summer 2011


Alys Beach Vacation - Summer 2011


Until then... we're taking it one step at a time, balancing on both feet, and carrying much love...


Alys Beach Vacation - Summer 2011


Thank you sweet Ava and Noah... for all the wonderful summer time memories we shared at the beach this week. And as amazing as it was... know that there are better days ahead of us... simply because we have each other.



8 comments:

  1. Thank you for these videos. Sitting in my cubicle at work, realizing how fast the kids have grown. Through this blog I have seen every shining moment and I thank you very much.

    Absolutely amazing.

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  2. I am so glad that you guys made the trip. it looks like everyone had a great time. I can't believe my babies are growing so fast. everyone is so beautiful. I hope you keep this tradition so that they can remember all their life these memories. beautiful! Great job! love you all!!

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  3. Thanks so much Mom! We missed having you and Dad with us this year! But I'm so glad we all got to vacation somewhere, and you and Dad enjoyed CA.

    It was also a sweet that Ava and Noah had us completely to themselves. Of course, Ava missed you like crazy (thanks for letting her spend the night when we got back! and taking care of her cold and sunburn :) You're the best Mom!

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  4. What an amazing post! I absolutely am in love with the videos! When i woke up in the morning when this blog was posted, i was wondering why i had 'Ive got you babe' stuck in my head. I didn't remember hearing that song for years - until i realized Zarlacht was up all night putting the slideshows together.

    Thank you so much for the kind words and the dedication. I will forever cherish the memories we created and shared as a family during this trip - and am looking forward to the next one already! (As long as we reserve something at least 1 day before we are leaving)

    :)

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  5. I love love love your vacation blog - really enjoyable the way you group everything to share - just so very beautiful.

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  6. you have the most beautiful family! and i love how your mom's screen name is grandma.

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  7. Thank you Freedom Three - Mom doesn't hide at all her life as Grandma... spoiling the kids and all (hee-hee). She's always avoided learning the computer - but in the beginning when I had no traffic on this blog, she made such an effort to comment and share her love. She's the best! We're very blessed. Thank you so much!

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  8. May Allah bless your family - my absolute favorite post. The pics were beautiful and I cant pick a favorite one. The videos captured my heart - I love Ava & Noah with all my heart and to see their joy brought me so much joy. I am so glad we got to experience our annual vacation the way we did - it all did work out for the best. Seeing that A&N had their parents and the beach all to them selves is priceless.
    Khola Wag loves them so very much.

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

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