Rich and I decided to meet up with my parents and brother this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida for my cousin Dave’s wedding with ten-week-old Alana…
As first time parents, we had no idea what to expect from a 7-hour trip in conjunction with a wee one, but as God would allow it, we had great travels and a very enjoyable trip.
We drove down on Friday, and as we crossed into Florida after dark, we pulled into the Welcome Center and drove straight to the familiar large, happy, “Welcome to Florida” sign that consistently greets us as we enter the state.
It was Alana’s first time in Florida, and we needed to document the occasion! Here we are on Friday evening, chilly, introducing little Alana to the state in which her mommy was born! She was ready for a nap and a bit discontented!
Here we are at the first hotel Alana has ever been to, the Jacksonville Marriott! She and daddy are chillin’ on the bed
We had a blast getting Alana to smile all weekend! She began smiling in response to us at about 8 weeks, and it was so fun to see her interacting with my parents as they grabbed smiles of their own!
Here is Rich getting a smile…
(Notice Alana’s tongue is out even when she is smiling! I think it’s officially her trademark)
My parents enjoying Alana at the fabulous Marriott breakfast on Saturday morning…
And Dave’s wedding! He and his beautiful bride, Sarah, have a passion for working with kids and adults in Zambia related to the topic of HIV/AIDS. They have been on several trips and plan to go there longterm sometime soon. We were so honored and excited to be a part of their day, and are totally thrilled that they sense God leading them to continue their work in Zambia. And we loved getting to meet Sarah, who seems like an incredibly sweet, perfect choice for Dave!
This is my other cousin, John, Dave’s younger brother. He and I are the same age and I really admire John. He is talented, smart, and has always been super kind.
Shawnie with Dave and John…
And my mom again with Alana…I think Alana suffered from over stimulation! She got fussy at the wedding and then completely conked out!
Oh, the drama…
My honey and me…
More fun grandma time!
Spit up! Drool!
On Saturday evening after the wedding, we grabbed subs at Firehouse Subs (yum!) and then made our way to Coldstone Creamery for some tasty creations!
Here’s Shawnie and I at Coldstone. I just can’t believe this is my little brother, who’s diapers I helped to change and whom I babysat, cuddled, and rocked as a 13-year-old. Wow. Now, at 14 and myself at 27, “little brother” is a very relative term, as he is taller than me and growing into a young man whom I love and admire very much. He’s sweet, sensitive, fun, cool, and athletic. And he wants to please God, most importantly! I think he’s got a full, awesome life ahead of him.
Rich, dad, and I getting a little silly while in line at Coldstone!
It’s amazing to me…I’ve always loved family vacations and getting together with my parents, but now I enjoy it on a whole new level. I love the attention that Alana gets when she is with them; I just feel like the shower of love and interaction must go so far in helping her learn about the world around her. And, of course, I want the very best for Alana. I know the very best will always include time with grandma and grandpa!
Then, the saddest part of the trip…the “goodbyes.” We ate a scrumptious breakfast together at Cracker Barrel on Sunday morning and then we parted ways.
But happily, Alana and I will be flying down to Fort Lauderdale in late February while Rich is at a wedding photography workshop! So, we will have more fun family time soon enough!
We will see you soon, mom, dad, and Shawnie! We love and miss you! Thank you for another fabulous time together!
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