Our May Beach Trip: Visiting Family

We love our trip to Florida each year.  Each of us looks forward to it with such excitement.  I have sure we’ll go twice a year as soon as the last child is over three and we can attempt the 15 hour drive more than once a year.

Mommy’s nerves can only handle so much! 

But this year, the drive was wonderful because my parents and my in-laws flew to Florida and took C (age almost 2) with them!  The drive was almost easy, especially in our lovely new 12 passenger van! 

But I digress.

One of my favorite parts of this trip is seeing my family.  Most of my mom’s side of the family lives in Florida, though some are beginning to move north!  I love the opportunity to catch up with the family still down south.

Our traditional potluck Sunday night dinner has grown!

I am one of twelve cousins on my mom’s side, and am almost the oldest.  It has been such fun to watch some of my younger cousins become parents.

And I get to hold their babies…

And experience the beach for the “first time” all over again…

This year my amazing hubby watched the kids so I could have dinner with my grandparents and one of my aunts!

Of course, what I love the most, is that my children get to meet and play with my aunts, my cousins, and my cousins’ babies!  The family continues to grow and we continue to hope the bonds will develop with the next generation, staying connected one day on Face.book too!

       

And my little T enjoys seeing her namesakes:  Grandma Patricia; Cousin Patricia; and my little Patricia!

 

Of course, relaxing with our own immediate family and BOTH sets of grandparents has become a special highlight.

We were able to grab two family shots that showed EVERYONE’s face!

My little stair step babies are growing…

And the beach allows us such precious time out of our normal routine to enjoy one another.

So I gotta agree with the shirts…

 

It sure is.  And as I FINALLY document this trip, I can’t wait for May to come again!