The kids and I took one final summer vacation to South Carolina. We were in pursuit of some extra sun and sand and pool time. We got that, and then some. A plane ride ( with one lay over), two kids, and no help is challenging- but it isn’t impossible. The kids are pros at traveling by plane, train, and automobile. (A fully stocked ipad certainly doesn’t hurt the situation.)
Sunny spent her summer learning to swim and oh my goodness she has made some huge strides. She’s still in water wings but can how hold her breath, go under water, and jump straight into the pool all by herself. She has let go of some of the fear surrounding swimming, and it’s a beautiful transformation to watch. She is normally so cautious, that I look like a dare devil by comparison. I adore this photo of her- it’s so #Graciegirl.
Saint is now a Capt’n. As in Hiya Capt’n. My sister -in-law gave him a spiffy captain’s hat and he won’t go anywhere without it. He calls himself Capt’n and tips his hat to anyone who plays along. I feel bad for any woman whose never had the pleasure of raising a son; they’re so silly and cute, and willing to try anything. They’re also excellent cuddle buddies, smell like puppies, and they’re always slightly dirty. It’s heavenly really.
I didn’t bring my big camera on this trip, but my cell phone did it’s best to capture South Carolina in August. The humidity is so thick that I had a hard time breathing. But I do love the south- it’s in my blood and bones. It’s really breathtaking.
Sunny came up with a new catch phrase while we were down there and it’s…“Not for pretty.” That’s now how she responds to things. Confused? Here’s an example.
Me: Do you want to go play golf with Papa?
Gracie: That’s not for pretty.
I don’t know where she got it, and I don’t know exactly what is for pretty- but I can tell you golf, soccer, football, and anything that requires an bead of sweat is NOT for pretty.
My Mom will say “What are you going to do with this girl?” But what she really means is “Thank God she’s the girliest girl in the entire world- I prayed for a child exactly like this.” She literally ( at one point) turns to Gracie and says “You’re the daughter I always wanted.” You can’t make this stuff up!
Adding to her very girly girl life style- my Mom took us to the most ideal place on the face of the Earth, and announced that this is the chapel where Gracie will be getting married. I mean thank goodness someone is thinking about her pending marriage to Aidan because God knows I have dropped the ball on that!
We got in that chapel and I thought, Gee I have NO IDEA where I got my daughter from but she must have been cut from the same exact cloth as her Grandmother. It’s actually frightening how much they’re alike. Their love for all things perfect & beautiful, clean & neat, expensive & slightly unattainable is something they share on a spiritual level.
On the other hand- this little guy, is cut from the cloth of boyhood.
Thank God for them both. See you next time Nana & Papa. Thanks for a great trip.
