A beach trip...

Last weekend, we went to the beach. My brother's employer allowed us to use his beachhouse and we had a fabulous time! It was nice watching the people on the beach, hearing the birds in the distance and enjoying the atmosphere!
My hubby and brother are on the deck spending time bonding in the afternoon.


The place was just a block off of the beach and the kids took their favorite rides.


In and out of the water.


Of course, with our fair skin, we were careful not to get sunburned (notice the hats and long sleeves, lol!)


But, teenagers know best and my nephew chose not to use sunscreen. He was fried and couldn't move for a couple days afterwards due to his sunburn! Aside from that, though, it's amazing how he has grown and matured in the last couple years...time passes so quickly. He's almost 17 now.


I loved feeling the water rush back and forth on my feet as did my preschooler.


There were ice cream trucks there too (driving throughout the day.) There's nothing like hearing the sound and seeing the vehicles driving up when it's so hot! Fortunately, we had a little money with us!


And after walking for hours, we had a great nap!


I took this pic of my hubby sleeping (and he has yet to see the pic!) Perfect 'male' sleep position!

Life as a rose bush...

I took this pic last week in our backyard. It's not an especially nice looking rose bush, but I thought it was interesting in that the roses reflected those people in my life. Seeing those roses that have lived, were vibrant and long-lasting and then died reminded me of Mother's Day and that they was like my own mom (and dad and those who are no longer around.) And then there are those that were in full bloom that were like the people I depend on and talk to on a weekly basis like my husband, brother, sister-in-law and my close friends. Some were getting ready to bloom, perhaps like my own daughters trying to find their own place in the world. And, finally,those not yet blossoming, like my sons or acquaintances who will eventually become friends. It resembled life and how life goes on....letting you keep memories alive in your heart after your loved one pass on, loving and living in the 'now, as well as seeing new life on the horizon.