To Florida and Back

A week ago today, we left for Dayton Beach, Florida. We survived the 20 hour car ride and arrived at our hotel located right on the beach. (I have decided that I would really love to live near the ocean someday although I don't know if that will ever happen.) Payton competed on Wednesday in the USTA Nationals. He placed second for his age group for tumbling and third for trampoline. More importantly, he had fun and it was a great experience. We spent the remaining three days just playing in the sun at the beach, in the ocean and in the hotel pool. The only odd thing was that Taylor was not with us, as she chose to go to summer camp instead. (Never underestimate the power of summer camp!) So it was just Cam and I and the two boys, but we had a ball even though we felt the gap of Taylor's vivacious personality.

We had a couple of little glitches - one, the saltwater in the ocean didn't quite agree with Graham, who must have swallowed more than a human should while body surfing the waves. Before long, he had projected the saltwater all over the pool deck and grew quite dizzy and disoriented. It was short-lived, and before we knew it, he was ready to hit the water again. The second glitch happened on the way home. We had agreed to pull a friend's newly purchased boat back home, and shortly into the trip, a couple of the trailer tires blew. A few hours and several helpful Wal-Mart tire guys later, we got back on the road and eventually got home safe and sound. Life is always an adventure! Overall, it was a great trip full of beautiful moments enjoying God's magnificent creation and celebrating life together.