Rosemary or bust!

In 48 hours I'll be waking up in Rosemary Beach! I haven't been to the beach in 2 1/2 years nor have we had a vacation at all this year so I couldn't be more excited!! This trip is one huge unexpected blessing. We're going for practically free, staying the whole week with some close friends... what more could you ask for?? (Thank you doesn't seem enough to the people that are making this happen- you know who you are ;))

Abby was only a year and a half old last time we were there... and Micah and Mabry obviously haven't been to the beach with our family... ever! Micah's orphanage (if you can believe this) actually took his grouppa to the beach once a week. They were right on the Black Sea and had a little bus that they would load up and take. They told us that Micah LOVED it. In fact, the very first time we met him he was coming off of that bus. Anyway it'll be really interesting to see how he reacts to seeing the beach for the first time since then.

Ashley and Emily will have to miss a week of school but I feel like we can get away with that more while they're still in younger grades like this. Ashley's teacher gave me a packet of stuff for her to work on while we're there which is actually great, she loves stuff like that and it'll give her something to do.

We're leaving tomorrow after church. Which means I have a LOT of packing to do today. And some serious cleaning out of the Suburban. (If anyone wants to know, almond milk DOES sour when left in a sippy cup in a hot car. You wouldn't think it would, but I can verify that it does. SICK.)

And I'm so happy that I got to sneak up to the hospital last night to meet baby Ben before going out of town. And I have to say- D'Arcy, you KNOW I had to say it!!- :) he had been awake since he was born but while we were up there, I swaddled him up tight and bounced him around for a bit and I got him to sleep for the first time since he was born! Thats good bragging rights for the rest of his life! He's a sweet, strong, hungry, feisty little thing!! And did I mention he's adorable and looks just like Mindy?

So off I go to move some laundry through. And pack. And clean. And pack some more. Please pray for a safe road trip and a peaceful relaxing week! Rosemary Beach or bust!