My thoughts on the ocean.....

I always shunned the idea of going to the beach. My own self-critical mind always thought "Why would anyone want to see me in a swim suit?" Everyone has issues with their own self image. I also thought that I would immediately be attacked by jellyfish or sharks when I even poked a toe in the ocean. So when it was time to plan vacations, I always suggested locations far, far away from swimwear....like the mountains. Well, this summer I didn't have a choice. Josh won a trip through Farm Bureau to Bonita Springs, Florida...so, of course, I went...who could pass up a free vacation!! So we arrived at the hotel mid-afternoon and after an all night driving trip (we left at 9:30 pm), my first priority was a shower, not the ocean. This did NOT bode well with a four year old. To our good fortune, it was raining when we arrived at the hotel and bought me and Josh some time to feel human again. Since I was not in a huge hurry to see the ocean and it was a ten minute drive, we decided to eat supper...which did not bode well with a four year old either. So after we ate, we drove to the beach. I think Josh was more excited for me to see the ocean then he was for the kids to see it. (He loves the beach, so if I was convinced then we could have future vacations in warmer climates.) The drive was a little cruel to my eyes because the view was blocked by either houses or vegetation. We drove to a parking area and strolled on the boardwalk to get to the beach. It was the perfect setting for my first view...the temperature was pleasant and the sun was setting when these eyes first looked upon one of the most beautiful creations are Heavenly Father created!!! I immediately fell in love with the white sand, shells, the smell and feel of the salty breeze, the sound of the waves crashing ever so slighty onto the shore, the feel of the water and sand tickling your feet as you stepped into the water...I loved it! It is so incredible that our Lord has such an wonderful imagination...this world holds so many beautiful sights to behold. I love the mountains and the ocean both!!!

Abby also immediately fell in love with the ocean, especially seashell hunting. (Micah was sleepy, so it wasn't very exciting for him at first!!)

For the remainder of the week, we visited the beach on several different occasions. Abigail and Micah both enjoyed playing in the sand immensely. It was so sweet to watch them play nice together. I know that is so fun for Abby to have her brother as a playmate!! We also spent lots of time in the pool at the resort as well. Needless to say, no one was attacked by a sea creature and I also realized that everyone goes to the beach, regardless of body type. So my initial fears were laid to rest:) We did turn a little pink, in spite of multiple sunscreen applications, but nothing too bad.

In addition to the excitement of the ocean experience, Josh and I also had the opportunity to spend time with Anthony and Amy Reese from North Carolina (we met them in Austria) and their two beautiful, sweet daughters Olivia and Sophie. Visiting with the Reese's as well as our old friends from Kentucky Farm Bureau really added a sweet topping to an already wonderful trip!!!

I have been quite stubborn about our vacation spots in the six years since Josh and I said "I do." He tried on various occasions to convince me of the beauty and pleasantness of the ocean, but words cannot describe it...only seeing it first hand can persuade a person to love the ocean. Future vacations for the Wilson Family will no doubt include several excursions to the beach. Enjoy some pictures from our first!!!

Micah's initial reaction to the beach...of course he had just woke up:(

Abby cheeses for the camera, regardless of location. This was her first view of the ocean and she immediately loved it!!!

Abby was so proud to have a "palm-palm" tree on her cheek...it matched her outfit!!

Daddy the Pirate!!! He and Abby loved the birds...one stayed on Josh's shoulder for about twenty minutes!!

Micah the Crocodile Hunter!!! Actually this is an alligator named Pearl and Micah LOVED her. She also brough an eight-foot alligator friend with her that Micah loved as well!!

WAKE UP!!! It's time to go to the beach!!!

Micah quickly adapted to the beach and enjoyed digging in the sand!!! He looks like he is in deep thought about something....probably those alligators!!!

Abby could have spent hours moving the ocean to a hole she dug in the sand....she couldn't figure out where the water was going.

A true beach bum...still going strong at the resort pool at night after a long day at the beach.