Sunshine and Family 2014 (pt. 4)

Uncle Cory stayed for a week and then had to get home for a job interview. It was sad to see him go, but we were so so thankful for all that time together.

Totally cracked us up at the size of Cory's cereal bowl

bumper pool

 

One of my happy places, one of my very favorite things to do, is read books in the pool or poolside. I read three books on our trip and loved every minute of it. 

  

 

 

I just adore these girlies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf0gWFlF44I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky6UZ7Sc69o

It's a bit of a tradition to make a trip to the Shell Factory while we are at Mama's house. There are lots of seashells and things made of seashells, cheesy souvenirs and hilarious photo ops next to stuffed dead animals. It's always an entertaining little outing. Ashley got to experience it for the first time!  

Ashley challenged me to run after dinner two of the nights. It was fun to have an exercise buddy/coach/motivator!

I loved this afternoon when my girl came and joined me in this quiet moment by the pool. Ella was napping and everyone else was resting. We sat with our feet in the pool while we talked about our favorites.

Abby's excited face

Ella's excited face

Draw 12...Boom! :)

Our last day looked a lot like this...I'm not sure we got out of the pool at all.

One of the best parts of summer in Florida are the crazy thunderstorms and watching them come across the water. On one of our last nights, God gave Joe the gift of a BIG one and he enjoyed every minute of it! I love to see the excitement on his face as he watches storms approach on the radar and they develop right in front of him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8UnV7SRMuw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwsIL7Xyn9E

We were thankful for every minute of our time in Florida. We knew it was going to come to an end eventually, but it doesn't mean we were ready for it. I might sound like a broken record, but we loved every minute of our trip. 

While I packed up before the airport, the girls went on their last morning walk with Mama and Buffy. Then, Joe took them on a goodbye walk around the pool and Ella jumped fell in.  Ten minutes before we were supposed to leave for the airport, Ella and Joe were soaked. It was a memorable end to the perfect vacation!

Can't wait for next year! Thanks for everything, Mama! We love you!