My Gramma passed away New Years Eve 2015. She was an incredible woman and it was at her memorial service that I learned just how incredible she was with everyone she met. She was fantastic in every way, and from hearing from so many family members and friends that day, she was that way her entire life. My memories though, are of pizza nights, Klondike bars, building sand castles and trees on the beach, and hours and hours spent at the pool with her. She retired in sunny Sarasota, FL and we would travel at least once a year to visit her on her turf. She and David would greet us with chocolates from her candy jar, make nests for us on her couch, would play endless games with us, and allow us to 'help her feed' a blue heron that would frequent her patio. One of my most fond memories of childhood is flying down all by myself to spend a week with her. She had a schedule of events for us and I can still remember feeling like the coolest kid ever- with the coolest grandmother ever- that week... and when she sent me a scrapbook that she had watercolored all of our happenings of that week- I was in Heaven. She was amazing...
What better way to honor her then with a trip down to her happy place- Sarasota, Florida. My grandmother had two daughters: my mom, and my Aunt Karen. They decided to honor one of my Gramma's wishes by spreading some of her ashes, together with their families, on the water by my grandmother's home... a small tribute to her- a quiet and peaceful send off- it was perfect.
{can you see why my Gramma loved this place so much?}
We took a boat out; enjoyed the afternoon sun and boat-picnic before we came upon her spot...just past the gazebo she used to walk to with my step-grandfather, David...
{a beautiful spot to say farewell for now... we love you, Gramma.}
After the beautiful send off, we spent the rest of the week enjoying each other. Our families live across the U.S. and we never take for granted the time we get to be together. We stayed in a large home big enough for us all, complete with a pool just outside the front door- PERFECT abyss for our crew... pure happiness.
But... before I get into that happiness, I want to document a bit of the getting there process...
Traveling with 3 kids is no joke. Lots of stuff. Lots of snacks. Lots of anything necessary to keep the peace. Lots of patience needed. Pete and I were 'all hands on deck' as I say. We knew it was going to be a bit tricky, when we got the notice that our flight was canceled as we were pulling out of our driveway for the airport. We successfully got on a different flight and all was well...
{Pete's face says it all;)...and that was even on the return flight- ha!!}
We were all locked and loaded... there was peace... until Ms. Evelyn decided she did NOT want to be a lap child anymore. She wanted up. She wanted to run. She wanted to be anywhere she could be where NO ONE would touch her- ha! Needless to say, I don't think those around us were so happy sitting next to the Lee's. No amount of snacks, games, movies, or silliness would keep her still or quiet. So we just apologized- to everyone- and counted down the time until we were back on the ground.
Such is life traveling with kids?!
As soon as we got there we tucked the little ones in to get some good sleep.. as the rest of the week was spent doing what we love: Family time/Sun Time/Pool Time/Beach Time! It was a pretty nice 6 sleeps;)!
Maggie was in her happy place: pool time with Papa every morning and endless entertainment from her Aunts and Uncles!!
Look at that face!!!! LOVE!!!
She and her younger sister had such a nice time- they pretty much lived in their bathing suits that week;)!
I think someone enjoyed her first trip to Siesta Key...
...and she was a fan of all the homemade cookin' from her aunts and uncles- YUM!!!
Ms Harper was in Heaven. My brother's girlfriend, Natalie, decided to bring her niece, Audrina on the trip. IT WAS PERFECT!!! She and Harper were inseparable the whole time- so grateful to have met Audrina and enjoy that week with her- fun times!
Big sister was also enjoying having everyone together on the beach. Always someone to take her out to the ocean...
...and cuddle with on the couch!!
This momma was also enjoying her time... so great to have a few days to hang out and catch up with your favorite people poolside.
A few days in, Pete and I decided (with the help of Nana and Papa watching the little nuggets;)) to surprise Harper with a day trip to Disney World.
It. Was. Perfect.
I would recommend a two-on-one day trip to anyone who gets the opportunity. Harper has been begging to go to Disney World. Talked about it for awhile now, and she's always given the same answer: your sisters are still a bit young, we'll go when they're older and you all can enjoy it. Well, with this trip planned only a couple hours from the theme park, we were able to make this little excursion happen far earlier than we ever thought we could.
It. Was. Worth. It.
100 times over.
The moment we told her: she lit up and said "all my dreams are going to come true! Mommy and Daddy- that's the place where all your dreams come true!!!:)"
For Pete and I, as cliche as it sounds, I think one of our dreams came true: enjoying the magic of Disney through her eyes. Being able to spend this time with just her in a magical place. She loved holding both our hands through the park, talking about anything and everything Disney, and enjoying a day with her Mommy and Daddy all to herself. She told us constantly how special she felt... made our hearts skip a beat for sure.
{some time at Cinderella's castle}
{and meeting a few princesses!!!}
{Watching some shows...}
{...and being a part of one- WITH Belle! Harper was Chip in a short Beauty and the Beast skit- it was the highlight of her time there for sure!}
This guy and I enjoyed our day together with our oldest...
...and I think she enjoyed her time as well. OUT in the parking lot.
Back in Siesta Key, we had a great time with family hitting up all the important spots we'd been to many times before: Big Olafs for ice cream was hit up multiple times- ha!
The last night, we were able to enjoy one last meal together at The Columbia. Such a fun evening and yummy YUMMY food!!
Great week spent with my favorites.
Gramma... none of this would have happened without you. You introduced this family to a BEAUTIFUL place, helped us create beautiful memories, create lifelong traditions, and allowed us all to visit this happy place together this year. I know we thought of you throughout this whole week and hope you were looking down us through that sunshine.
Florida Trip 2016 - incredible.
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