Phil's siblings left on Monday afternoon; after a week of the familiar go-do-see pattern that accompanies visitors to our home, our days are suddenly quieter, our schedules less hectic and our free time is once again filled with our respective activities of choice. But in this aftermath window-of-quiet (until the next round of visitors), I am reminded just how much family matters. And I miss them.
Whenever we have visitors - whether family or friends - we are always so caught up in activities; the driving, the sight-seeing, the dining out...and while each of these are worthy of their own "been there, done that" story, the most memorable of all are the moments spent sitting around and just talking. The act of exchanging stories and laughter and hugs...these are the moments in life that I am most thankful for.
Most of their visit was spent outdoors and in the sunshine, our skin sun-kissed and bronze and the soles of our feet weathered and exfoliated from the constant friction of wet sand. We were more than happy to give them a taste of our lifestyle: the beach life.
On Saturday, we took them to a beach on the West Side, set up the tent and the BBQ and took them stand-up paddling. This beach is gorgeous, with it's landscape of fallen trees and large roots that have been worn smooth from years of pounding waves on the shore.
It's a wonderful place to be...even the garbage cans are happy here :).
I will never grow tired of our life out here. The sun, the sand, the surf; I am always in awe of His creation. And I love that we are able to share a piece of our lifestyle with our families. There is always a slight sense of satisfaction when we see that visible "click"...when they fully understand and comprehend exactly why we packed up our bags to move here.
I say this often, but it never loses its meaning: Life is good and we are blessed.
You are so blessed! That is a beautiful post. My sister in law who lives on Oahu is "vacationing" on your island this week. :))
ReplyDeleteLooks like an amazing beach day and I'm so glad you had fun with your family... Great family time is the best! :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is a beautiful place. So happy you get the ability to live there, and love it as you do!
ReplyDeleteLove that last picture of you 2 holding hands...and I love all the others too, must see those fallen trees!
all i have to say is WHAT A LIFE!
ReplyDeletethat pic of you 2 lying on the surfboards??!! i wish I could do that every single day of my life
this is so true...while i love visitors, showing them around Boston and telling stories, its nice to relax afterwards!
and that piece of tree root? holy amazing!
xoxox
Sibling time is the BEST! I love that you said the conversations are your favorite part, not an activity. That is so true!
ReplyDeletei love that last picture. so much. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, my - love that tree! What a great find.
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorite memories of being at home with family include sitting around the table mostly talking and laughing and possibly paying attention the food in front of us.
For me, it's really just about the time we spend together, not about everything we do or see, though I do like to experience something new when I go home {this last trip it was whitewater rafting}. It's just a joy for me to be with my family - I don't really need to be entertained :-}
Following Back, but now found out that I'm so wishing I was on the beach!! Blessed Lady!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://talkitychristian.blogspot.com/
i will always, ALWAYS be in awe of the beautiful place you call home. also, you've got mad photography skills, dear:) lovely!
ReplyDeleteThat's a really cool shot of the surfboards. Almost makes me want to learn how to surf! Lol.
ReplyDeleteOmgoshhhhhhhh Angie...Y'all live the perfect life ;) So blessed!!!! :)
ReplyDelete"even the garbage cans are happy" Hehe I love that!!
ReplyDeleteHawaii is absolutely beautiful, and you capture it perfectly, Ang! Love your pictures :) Family matters and you are indeed blessed!
xoxo
I absolutely LOVE that last photo!!
ReplyDelete