Sometimes Dreams Come True
I can’t remember when I first started dreaming of taking a trip to the beach. It was an idea that sort of dawned on me gradually, until it was such a strong desire that I could no longer ignore it. You see, we live in the Midwest, and we’re hours away from the ocean. None of my five children had ever been there, and that seemed like a shame. We also knew that seeing the ocean had been a lifelong dream for several of our children, and my husband and I wanted to make that dream come true for them.
Looking back, I think my longing for this trip grew overwhelming when my oldest child turned seventeen, and I could almost audibly hear a clock ticking, telling me that things are changing, time is marching on, and our time together (the way things are right now) might be limited.
Next year may be too late. (You never know when someone might get married or go off to college or something.) We won’t have this time together again.
We could no longer wait to take that elusive vacation to see the ocean. It had to happen now. My husband was the one who made it happen. I had almost decided that it would take too much planning and cost too much money, but he told me we should do this now, and he made all the arrangements.
We just got home from our trip Sunday night, and I am so thankful we were able to go. God answered so many prayers regarding this trip, and I will be forever grateful for His kindness to us.
We had a wonderful time together, and made so many special memories. I took thousands of photos, so I thought I’d just share a few here (okay, maybe more than a few!). 🙂
We walked on the beach, collected shells, swam, took photos, ate ice cream, played games, toured the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper’s house, and went to several nature centers (where we were able to examine and touch sea life for a very hands-on experience).
Visiting the lighthouse was another dream-come-true for me. I’ve always been fascinated by lighthouses, and getting to climb to the top of this one was amazing. You could see so much from the top!
The house next door contained some of the belongings of one of the original lighthouse keepers. My favorite item was this sewing machine, which belonged to the lighthouse keeper’s wife. The little sign next to it said she sewed most of the family’s clothing on this machine.
We went to the beach every day. Some of the days it rained in the morning, so we did things like visit the lighthouse, aquarium, and nature reserve in the morning. By the afternoon the rain would clear off and then we could head to the beach.
We loved all the birds and other creatures we met. Our favorite was this little ghost crab.
Sometimes we had to wait for them to come out of their house…
We learned how to skimboard and bodyboard:
And we collected tons of shells!
The aquarium we visited was so neat, since we were able to see things up close and even pick up some of them! I was thrilled to be able to hold the sea stars. We also got to touch a sting ray and talk to a sea turtle!
This was the first “real” vacation our family has ever taken (we usually just do things locally that only take a day or two), and we’ll always remember it and be thankful for the experience. We give praise and thanks to the Lord for making this possible for us!
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ” ~James 1:17
Sharing here.
Your post was great and the pictures beautiful! Our family kind of takes our location for granted as well….we are in east TN so we can get to the beach within 7-8 hours (South Carolina). We are also a day’s drive from Washington DC, Florida and even as far up as Philadelphia. We try to go to the beach every other year but have been trying to also go other places and see cities and historic things too. We love lighthouses and were able to tour one in Virginia this year as well as others in years past. I understand completely about feeling like you’re on the verge of “the last”….the last vacation with everyone, the last year the whole family will be exactly the way it is now, etc. My oldest got married 2 years ago and we still feel like someone’s missing when we go and she stays behind with her husband. 🙁
Thank you so much, Rebecca! We drove through Tennessee on our way to Florida—what a blessing that you live so close to so many beaches! 🙂 We would love to visit some historical sites next time. So many places we’d love to go! At least it’s easier now that everyone’s getting bigger.
Oh, I can imagine that feeling of someone missing…I’m already dreading that! Of course we’re happy for our children to grow and fulfill their callings, but it’s so bittersweet at the same time. ♥
Your pictures look so dreamy and beautiful and I can tell that you had such an amazing time together. I actually live on an island with the beach in easy reach and tend to take it for granted. But just looking at your photos and the joy that you shared reminded me to appreciate the beach so much more.
I love how God’s beauty can bring us close to Him.
Wishing you blessings!
Visiting from #SittingAmongFriends
Thank you, Marva! What a blessing that you live so close to the beach! I agree, God’s beauty really does draw us to Him. I love all the variety He created (oceans, mountains, forests, lakes, etc.).
So glad you stopped by today!
Beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Bevy!!!
Reading your post makes me realize I take the beach for granted. We live just an 8 hour drive from Perdido Key, FL and are able to go every other year. The Lord blesses us by being invited by my parents. Our payment is to cook 3-4 dinners. We definitely get the good end of that deal!
Your pictures are beautiful and I hope you’ll post more. I love seeing people’s beach pictures!!! And I love your dress. Where did you buy it?
What a blessing that you live so close to Florida, and that you’re able to go to the beach so inexpensively!
Thank you so much for your kind words about the photos. 🙂
I looked *everywhere* for a white dress that I could wear to the beach. None of them were what I was looking for (too short, too tight, too low-cut, etc.). I finally found the dress above (at the very end of my unfruitful shopping trip!) and felt like I was “settling” for it. It wasn’t totally flattering on me, and I had to borrow a little shrug from my older daughters (because it was all strappy and I didn’t want to have to buy a strapless bra!). I also had to shorten it because it was way too long for me, and I had to take in the sides at the bust area (thankfully the alterations only took me about 15 minutes). Anyway, I wasn’t thrilled with it when I bought it, but I loved wearing it to the beach! It felt very romantic, with the lace blowing in the wind. 🙂
All that to say, I found it on sale for $22 at J.C. Penney in the Juniors section. I had taken one of my older girls shopping with me, and she got tired of following me around looking for the dress. She finally brought this one to me and said, “This is going to have to be it!” 🙂 My husband liked it, so I guess it was a win. 🙂
Joy, your pictures are beautiful! I love the beach, I actually grew up in Va Beach. And lighthouses? Another one of the things I love! What a blessing that you were able to experience this with your children. Visiting from Wholehearted Wednesday Linkup.
Thank you, Alisa! I’m so glad you stopped by today, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! ♥
What a wonderful vacation! Do you mind me asking where you went? My family is dreaming of a beach vacation as well and it looks like your location was just lovely.
We went to the Gulf Coast of Florida. The whole area is beautiful!
That’s so wonderful you were able to take a longer getaway with your family! I’m sure you made memories that you’ll always remember…what a blessing!
Yes, we’re so thankful we got to go, and the whole trip was such a blessing!