Preparing for re-entry

We're back. And the beach was as lovely as I had remembered. I did not want to leave. And I certainly do not want to go back to work tomorrow. My stomach hurts thinking about it. I missed the dogs terribly, though. I know they loved being at Camp Bobbie Jo, but it breaks my heart to go to sleep without them climbing all over me.

It was a perfect vacation with plenty of beach time, a little pool time, some Red Bar crab cakes, a good book, a great movie, a little scrapbooking, ice cream every night, and excellent songs on the iPod. All of that combined with the opportunity to hang with PJ all day every day made for a fabulous week!

As with any vacation that involves relatives, there are many funny stories to tell, but not many I can share here for fear of offending someone or causing PJ great embarrassment. I reminded him several times that I was laughing with him - not at him, and that there's a good reason we do not go on vacation with my family.

Our friend who came along was great fun (except for that damn canopy incident) and her daughter and daughter's friend were exceptionally well-behaved and super cute all week, so that was a huge plus. We witnessed many families on the beach with children who made me want to fall on my knees right there and thank the good Lord yet again for not "blessing" me with such a burden. Why do these parents spend so much money and energy to get themselves and all of that crap all the way down to the coast just so they can listen to the little brats whine about wanting to go to the pool? I don't get it. Build a pool and stay at home. The rest of us will thank you for it. And why do they tolerate such behavior and back talk? I heard many comments from the mouths of babes that would have gotten me slapped clear across the state of Florida, but these parents seemed less than fazed by it all. Maybe they take better drugs than my mom did in her day.

Before we left, the Birthday Bunny (translation: Bobbie Jo) came about 5 months early and gave me a FABULOUS new camera! A Nikon D40x!!  It's amazing. I know "amazing" is a lame word for someone who claims to be a writer, but that's how I describe it. I simply am amazed by it and the pictures I am now able to take so effortlessly.

So, I thought I would share a few pictures here from the week and leave you with some things I have learned...things I hope I remember next year:

1. Buy new shoes instead of a t-shirt.
2. ALWAYS rent the chairs and umbrella.
3. The word "instant" in the name "Instant Canopy" is not to be taken literally.
4. Take your camera everywhere. Even if you think you will look like a huge dorky tourist - take it. You are a huge dorky tourist anyway, and you will be sorry if you don't have pictures to prove it.
5. You will never get everything you need at Publix. Resign yourself to the fact that you will go there at least once a day.
6. Bandannas ROCK!
7. Do not offer to pick up the shrimp.
8. Leave your sensitive britches at home.

OK, now for the photos:

Me.

He.

We.

She.

BFF.

Clover being less than impressed by my new shoes. (She's still mad because she didn't get to go.)

Comments

[PJ]

It was a perfect vacation that ended all too quickly, and it was a great time spent with family and friends. And as my Grandpa Grady would say, that new Nikon really "has the business about it."

[0-no]

OMG...... i love this whole entry!!!
first your new banner ROCKS!!!!
and you got to enjoy your ipod.... yea!!!!!!
sounds like you had a good time at the beach.....
and they pictures are incredible!!!
and you are right.... clover does NOT look impressed with your new crocks!!

[katie m.]

great pics of you and PJ! I love that first pic of you, too - you look GrEat!!!!!
and, um, the crocs? Love them!!!!!
super duper cute.
K

[katie m.]

oh, and i love love love love your new banner. v.cool!
k

[vanna]

i'm sure it'll break bobbie jo's heart to go to sleep without them climbing all over her tonight. =/
glad you had a good time, and glad you're home!!

[Linh]

You are so right about kids just wanting to swim in the pool when they're at the BEACH! When we're at the beach, I make my girls play on the beach and swim in the ocean.

Also, I agree that today's drugs are very good!