This week went by with a splash and a wave.  (Get it?)

FUNNY

Why is it that asking a bunch of kids to pose for a photo feels like punishment to them?

FASHIONABLE

Beach towns love their outlet malls.

We hopped on over to one for a few wild minutes and saw this cute dress hanging there.

I think the print is sweet with a sort of old-fashioned feel to it.  I think it looks like a version I’ve owned and loved in the past too – but with a few small changes – mainly in the length of the sleeves.  Also – how fun would it look with a pair of leggings and boots?

FLAVORFUL

On special occasions, I like to order an appetizer of Spinach Artichoke Dip.  I like it best warm and served with crusty bread, but any old cracker will do when necessary.

Last week I wanted to try some for our community group meal.

I googled and landed on the simplest recipe ever and I think it was a legitimate success.

I’ll be back for more, Spinach Artichoke Dip.  You can count on being around for holiday parties multiple times, my new little tasty friend.

FAITHFUL

There was an alligator – no, TWO alligators – outside of our condo in the lagoon in the back for most of the week.  Two adults took nine kids to the ocean every single day.  We both drove four and half hours in one direction (twice) to make this week possible.

Faithful is the fact that, despite minor sunburns, everyone is healthy and well and happy.

I am aware every night when I put my head to rest on my pillow that life does not have to look this way.  That it might not always look this way – healthy heads resting on clean(ish) beds.  Bellies full of good food and minds storing big thoughts.

I am grateful grateful GRATEFUL for the health and the well being of my children.   May I never take it for granted.

FEELS

Of course all of the feels this week are ocean related.  The birds swooping.  The waves crashing.  You guys – what gift in their childhoods.  These sort of days.  These spectacular ordinary moments these kids get to be living.

At some point on beach afternoon, I had to use the bathroom, so I left the beach, with Hilary in charge of the kids, naturally, and when I walked back – down one of those tree lined, Spanish moss dangling pathways beaches of the south are so well known for – I stopped at the little ridge leading to the ocean. I paused.  I spoke out loud.  I didn’t care who heard me.

And I said – “Thank you God for good good gifts and the fact that today I can see them.  I’m looking at them.  Kids laughing. Surf.  Salt air. Friendships.  Warm autumn sunshine.”

____________________________