Saturday, May 30, 2009

Respite - Family - Birthday

Last week Karen and I were given the opportunity to spend some quality time with my cousins Phil and Sally. Living most of their lives in the state of New York, they moved to Florida about 6 years ago. Karen and I have had a standing invitation to visit them for some time and this year we made the trip. Sally and Phil are gracious hosts and made us feel at home from the moment Phil greeted us at the Orlando airport. This photo shows Karen and Sally doing what Karen loves to do more than anything else while vacationing, spending time on the beach. This beach time gave Karen and Sally some great one on one time to catch up on each others lives. This beach time continued throughout our stay as we visited other Florida beaches in the area. Phil and I were also able to catch up with each other and renew our family bond. On Saturday May 23rd (my birthday) we made the drive to Disney where I was treated to a FREE admission  and told "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" more times than I can count, as I was given a HAPPY BIRTHDAY button to wear. Each time a park employee would express this traditional birthday wish, Karen,Sally and Phil would chuckle. Although visiting the beaches and Disney were very enjoyable, spending time with family distanced by many miles made this time a true respite for Karen and I. Whether it was the early mornings enjoying conversation and a good cup of coffee or evening Sally Robb dinner's that melted in your mouth this was truly a vacation that made us thankful for family and wishing that we were not separated by so many miles.  Oh by the way .... Going to church in shorts was the bomb !!!!

2 comments:

Kristyn Knits said...

sounds like the whole vacation was "d bomb". so happy you and Karen were able to relax and have some fun!

mark said...

i am so thrilled that you guys were able to go. i knew you would have the best time, and don't tire of hearing the stories of the delectable dinners, the sleep affecting snacks, or the take your appetite away thrill rides. family, and the bonds that have formed from the shared dna, are truly gifts from God.