FIRST FAMILY VACATION

We just got back from our first family vacation and I gotta say, I am so refreshed. My old boss Scott Schumacher graciously gave us his timeshare to go on a mini vacation/anniversary trip so that we could get away as a family before Elijah had his surgery.
ON THE WAY....
As we were driving to Napa Valley, we realized that this was the first vacation alone together that we had taken since our honeymoon. And I think that made us even more excited just to get away. One of the highlights of the trip was our venture to Bodega Beach for Elijah's first time at the ocean.

THE BOYS' FIRST LOOK

It was Tim's first time at "his beach" (a west coast beach) in 4 years, and he felt a sense of pride showing his son the sand and surf. For Elijah's part, we were surprised at how calm he was hearing the waves crashing. He didn't seem frightened at all, and smiled for the camera on several occasions.
PLAYING IN THE SAND
It was so amazing to watch my boys bond in the sand. Elijah's tiny legs were surrounded by his daddy as he sat and held sand for the first time. Daddy also buried his feet, but Eli didn't like that as much. We also discovered that if a baby doesn't like to walk on the ground regularily, he probably won't like to walk on the sand either.

THE FEELING BETWEEN HIS TOES

FAMILY PHOTO OP
I think it was just amazing to experience our first family vacation together. It was weird, and wonderful all at the same time. I am glad that it wasn't too far from home, cause I am not sure any of us would have lasted on a LONG trip anywhere. But the drive to the beach was beautiful and full of laughs and giggles. Elijah even broke out in song for a while (he's been doing that lately.)

THE NOT-SO-GOOD TIMES

The only bummer about the trip was that Elijah has entered a new stage in life that I like to call the "tantrum stage". Everything is a protest, and requires a great deal of screaming and thrashing. This made for fun car experiences, and one REALLY great meal. The real bummer deal is that because he has asthma, he can work himself up into quite a frenzy which results in a hooping cough. Trying to keep him well for surgery proved challenging and I had to give in to all of his tantrums. I really hate being a caudler but sometimes, you just have to for the sake of the good of all.
THE GRILL MASTER

Since it was our vacation and all, we decided to splurge and buy some steaks for the grill. Sadly, we had to leave our old grill in Georgia, so we never get to have the barbeque experience. This was a wonderful delight. And the best part was getting to enjoy it together.

A QUIET DINNER

Though it was nice to be together as a family, it was also nice to get a little break from the screaming. The nights were when we enjoyed life as a couple. Putting the baby to bed and soaking in the hot tub was so relaxing. Also, I must make note of the fact that Tim was the UNO champion. It was difficult for me to step down, but he beat me 3 nights in a row, and I felt he was entitled.

WINE COUNTRY IN ALL IT'S GLORY

We did get to drive around and see the sights of Napa. It was beautiful and we so enjoyed our time tooling around and looking at the countryside. Though we stuck to Sparkling Apple Cider.

It was such a blessing to spend time away from phone calls, and schedules, and noisy neighbors and bills. To just be a family and listen to each other and laugh with each other. I think it really prepared us for all that lies ahead. And we felt honored that the Schumacher's gave us such an amazing blessing.