Monday, July 15, 2013

A Much Needed Vacation

A Much Needed Vacation

Justin at the beach
We all have our daily routines which is well and good but everyone needs a break from time to time......a change in scenery.....in other words, a vacation. That's exactly what we did with the family this summer when we went to Wilmington, NC.  We took a much needed getaway to somewhere we hadn't been before and it was exciting deciding what we should do.  The scenery was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for better weather. 

The thing the kids loved the most was when we visited the USS North Carolina. Tim and Joshua kept Savannah in their grasp as I helped Justin move around the battleship.  There was alot of climbing up and down stairs and this worried me a little since Justin's balance isn't the best in the world, but he climbed those steps just as good as I did.  After awhile though, I could tell his legs were getting tired and I made him sit down on a bench to take a break.  I was pleasantly surprised at how well he held up and his sensory problems didn't get the best of him.

We also visited the Railroad Museum and the Cape Fear Serpentarium.  Yes... a place where there were lots of snakes and crocodiles.  To be honest, it was kind of cool in its own creepy way.  We were all having fun until they began to let some of the snakes out to feed them.  At that point, Justin wanted to go.  I coaxed him over to a bench until the snake feeding was finished and then he leerily finished looking at the rest of the exhibits.

We also went to the beach.  I talked Justin into removing his boots, braces and socks and he walked along the edge of the water with me.  The water and sand washing over his feet scared him a little at first but he got used to it.  He would holler and then laugh with the anticipation of the next wave of water heading toward his skinny little toes.  I looked at the precious smile on Justin's face, then I looked over at my husband and daughter still walking along the water's edge before looking back at Joshua who was in the sand picking up sea shells.  We were all relaxed and at peace without a care in the world at that moment.

I realized it's not always the big things we do with our children that matter, but the small things we do that can have a lasting effect and make some of our most treasured memories.  The most precious gift we can give our kids is our time; even if it's just holding your child's hand while walking on the beach or looking at the sea shells they collected.  It makes them feel loved and important and in return we have memories that last a lifetime. 

Thanks for sharing in our memories,
Angela :)

4 comments:

  1. And that is the truth of life I wish every parent would embrace! "it's not always the big things we do with our children that matter, but the small things we do that can have a lasting effect" Wonderful post- thanks for sharing your vacation and your insight with us! hugs

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    1. I agree Cindy. It's the small things you do that so many times make the most precious memories as you get older. Hugs sweet friend.

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  2. This was such a beautiful post! So true for parents and grandparents too. I could write a book filled with beautiful memories of the time my sister and I spent with our Father when we were growing up. He didn't have a lot of money, but he always made time for us. Long drives on country roads, singing funny old songs with us as he drove. I know you well remember those same old songs after you and your brother were born. Thank you Sweetie for such a wonderful post. Every parent and grandparent should read this!

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    1. Thanks mom. You love and support means so much to me.

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