When we arrived at the beach house, we noticed a beautiful home, gorgeous pool and porches and then we walked up the steps over the sand dune and there it was. Huge pipes, heavy loaders, bull dozers, a complete construction site at work with consistent beeping expanding the beach, a 36 million dollar project. We were not informed of this. After all of us returning to the rental agency to return the key and complain, we returned back to the beach house with no other option. They would not give us a new house, a refund, or even an apology. We were told that they sent out an email explaining the beach construction was going to take place. Needless to say, we decided to laugh at the situation b/c we felt we were on a hidden camera show and enjoy our time as best as we could. We were elated to see in the morning that the construction crew had moved down past our home which was a blessing. We thought we would spend the whole week unable to utilize our beach access, etc. So that worked out. Then we woke up the next morning to a fog of smoke outside. The smell was enough to make you cough and quite disgusting. This smell was from the huge brush fires miles away. Thank God, the smoke cleared every morning for us to go to the beach and returned each evening when we were done outside. Oh, forgot to mention that as we unpacked on Saturday, River was looking wasted. Yep, a fever which reached 103 during the middle of the night. He and Mason both got this weird virus, along with others. Thank God it was only a fever on and off for 2 days. Ibuprofen did the trick and no one missed the beach or pool any day. Thank God again!
So with the few bumps, we had a blast as always. Incredible 80-85 degree weather, pool and ocean view from our porches. Unbelieveable. Being right on the beach was not only gorgeous and convenient but it allowed us to really use the beach way more. We would go back for evening walks, pictures, you name it. The pool was a huge hit too each afternoon and evening. Mason took off with swimming with the floaties. No fear ever. The hot tub or "hot pool" as Mason would call it was a favorite as well. Mason and River did great sharing a bed for the first time and Regan slept wonderfully. She made it most mornings until 5/530am. Thank you Lord. I appreciated Chris making coffee early every morning and enjoyed Kevin and Chris' jam sessions. Some awesome praise and worship time with the family. Kevin's voice is really improving. Such talented brothers. Dad and Mom took us out to Miller's on the water for some incredible food one evening. We also ate out at a new place across from our house. Amazing wings, fish tacos, and crab bisque. The other two restaurants we visited were old favorites, Tortugas (gotta have the fish tacos-ordered to enjoy poolside) and The Brewery. Yum. Makes Chick-Fa-Lei seem pretty boring back at home. I snuck away a few times to Tropical Smoothie Cafe and the beloved Outlet Mall. Some other highlights included Ed Bassmaster's Snappin Turtle, the new Pier, Regan sleeping in the tent, go cart riding, 3 family dinners "in", squirt guns, naptime, and I think I have mentioned the ocean view! A huge thank you to Dad and Mom. Logan and I had a very difficult time returning home this year. We treasure that time and only hope and pray for more with the 16 of us all healthy. You really feel spoiled to get just adult time together with your siblings and parents when all the kids go to bed each evening. So so very nice. Glad God gave us yet another year together at the beach!
