Grateful Heart – Weekends Away

The first day of school marked the end of summer fun but we had the chance for one more weekend getaway so we loaded up the kids and our boat and hit the road.  I grew up just about 50 miles from the coast and we went to the beach a lot.  I really love to take the kids at least once every summer and this year we made it twice.  

 We arrived just about the time the sun was setting and it was a beautiful view as we drove across the tall intracoastal bridge.  Up until just a few years ago this was still a draw bridge and it was always one of our favorite parts when we were little.  If the bridge was up we would get so excited to sit and watch the barges go by.

I wish I had taken a picture of the cute little house we were staying in on the river.   Family friends own it and it is just the perfect little size for us but the mosquitos were like something I had never seen so we were truly in a full out sprint from the car to the house every time we arrived.

We had dinner and then headed down to the beach for a little moonlight walk in hopes of finding some little crabs crawling around on shore but no luck.

 We headed out for some fishing in the surf with the boys bright and early.  I turn down so many fishing trips with Keith and when I go I always love it and love seeing the sky awaken in the morning.

 Carly reeled in our first keeper of the day but that was it for this girl.  She definitely has motion sickness like her mom so fishing in the surf had her looking green.

 It’s always fun to catch something unexpected so Dillon was excited about this eel.

 We headed back in to some calmer waters and the boat ride made Carly feel much better.

 This boy….he would be fishing every day if he could.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found him with just a stick and some string trying to catch fish in a creek, a ditch, pretty much anywhere.

 Keith took us through the intracoastal locks and we had to follow this tug boat.  We love guessing what the barges might be carrying and the intracoastal was a busy place on Saturday.

 We found a promising little fishing hole and were getting some bites.  Dillon caught this red fish but it was just shy of being a keeper.   There was a lot of catch and release going on this weekend but I’m okay with that.  As long as I’m catching I am interested.

 We moved on to another location and look how beautiful.  The water was like glass!

A quick family selfie…..just to prove I was along on this trip!

 Finally the part Carly had been waiting for!  We headed to the beach.

 I truly have never seen the water so clear and blue as it was this weekend.

 My mom drove down and joined the fun.

 Who knew that little fish, crab and shrimp where hiding in the seaweed that was floating through the water.

 We loved this little crab with the perfect little X on his back.

 Happy day!

 Sunday morning we headed out and this was on one side of me.

 And…then…this…happened!!  I’m totally blowing this up into a canvas for Dillon’s room.

 After I had enough of the surf we headed back in to calmer waters.  Just me & my boys for the morning fishing trip while little sis slept in.

And just proof….this boy can fall asleep anywhere.  We headed back to the dock and as soon as that engine started blaring he was out.

Before I left on Friday I found this surprise in my mailbox from my sweet friend Holly.  She always, always finds this most meaningful gifts and I love a good cuff to remind me what’s important.  Friday was the anniversary of my dad’s death and she knew it was the perfect day to remind me.  It is so easy when we are away to “Be Here Now” but when I’m back in the daily grind I often do not make the time to be present with my family.  Work in progress!

Have a great Monday friends!

Linking up with these ladies here.