GAME ON!

I am so excited I can barely stand it! For months, we've had a vacation planned to Brey's family cottage. . .two weeks ago we received Gracie's Preschool information and it overlapped our vacation. Without a flinch, Brey cancelled our trip knowing that this was important in the overall picture of her education. After phone calls to the school, the family and the airlines:), Gracie and I will fly to the "Rivah" while Brey executes the original plan. As I look back at the photos from our last trip, my excitement is almost too much to contain! I don't know why, but this is my favorite place on earth. It is so restful. . .I remember a trip the we took the day after I buried my grandfather. It was so peaceful. . .I firmly believe God knew exactly what I needed. . .He blessed us with mild temperatures and no neighbors. I sat on the porch and read for 5 days. It was a perfect way to mend the soul. Several trips come to mind of. . .crazy fun! We love spending time with our "neighbors". . .it's as if not a day has passed. Boats, beer and being with "forever friends" makes for an unforgettable time! I can not wait to walk down the pier, breath the sea air and know that all is well in the world. This place is especially sentimental because of Brey's memories. Photographs of his childhood line the walls. It is one of the few things he truly remembers from his childhood ~ and it is complete happiness for him. I long for Gracie to have the same memories and feelings that we have for this modest cottage. A 27 hour drive makes it more difficult, but I vow to uphold this heirloom in the eyes of my child. I will admit, the idea of three days in a car with a strapped in kid and two dogs (each way. . .uphill both ways, without shoes on) was enough to drive me to drink! When Brey decided we should cancel the trip I was not really disappointed. However, now that the trip is "GAME ON!" I could not be more excited! Brey (and the dogs) will pick us up in Washington, D.C. (another one of my favorite places) and drive us the short 3 hours drive to the cottage. I can't wait to cross the bridge over Horn Harbor. . .Denver (my precious 12 year old lab) will raise her head (no doubt, she will be riding in Daddy's lap), sniff the air. . .look at Brey. . .sniff the air again. . .and begin to cry! She knows. . .we all know. This is a small piece of Heaven on Earth. Please pray for our safe travels. . .Brey will be driving 27 hours each way. . .alone. Granted, he usually drives 90% of the time. . .but it is a long (boring) drive. Gracie and I will return home the night before Preschool begins (responsible. . .no ~ heirloom. . .YES!). Hopefully we will land on time and only be a few hours past bedtime. So. . .here are a few of my favorite photos from "the Rivah". . .hope you can "step off" for a few moments and enjoy our "Sound Retreat". . .

I promise ~ more to follow. . .