Fun in the sun

By Robin P.

Lillianna and I packed our suitcases and headed down south to visit my mom and step-father, John, in Florida at the beginning of December. We planned a five night/six day trip to take a much-needed break from our everyday life.

Lillianna and I slept on the queen size pull out couch in the living room. I was looking forward to sleeping later than my usual 5 a.m., but at 6:17 a.m. on our first morning, Lillianna woke me up.

"Hey, Mom," she said excitedly. "Let's go on the porch and watch the sun come up, ok?"

Ugh, I thought. I wanted to sleep a little later, but one look at Lillianna's face made me smile and get out of bed.

"Ok, sweetie. Come on," I said as I grabbed the big blanket from the bed.

We went outside on the porch and I wrapped her up in the warm blanket and settled her into one of the chairs. Then I went inside to make us a cup of mint tea. We sat on the porch overlooking the intercoastal and we sipped our tea and chatted. We could hear the fish splashing down below and we made up stories about them.

"Hey, do you smell mint? I think someone is drinking tea. I could really use a cup," said one fish.

"Uhm, Henry, you're a fish. You can't drink tea," replied the other fish.

"What? I'm a fish? When did all this happen?"

Lillianna and I broke out into fits of laughter.

"Mom, you are so funny! I love you," Lillianna said as she looked at me so sweetly.

After breakfast, Lillianna and I got into our bathing suits and headed downstairs to the pool. John brought down the radio, which he tuned to the oldies station and Lillianna and I danced in the water. As I held her in my arms with our wet cheeks pressed together, we twirled and whirled and sang our favorite songs. When we got tired of dancing we played with her Kim Possible beach ball. I didn't think that tossing a ball back and forth for an hour would provide so much enjoyment, but we were sure amused by it. We stayed in the pool for two to three hours every single day.

On the last night, we went to Hollywood beach, where there is dancing from 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. every Monday night. John took Lillianna by the hand and he taught her how to dance like a "grown-up." Her eyes were focused on his face and her concentration was intense as he gently gave her directions on how to step and twirl. I had to hold back a tear as I watched the love the two of them had for each other.

When the song ended, John scooped Lillianna up in his arms and laughed. Lillianna's proud smile reached my heart. Mom went out on the dance floor and the three of them danced together. I snapped the pictures to capture every moment of joy.

The next afternoon, it was time to say good-bye. I tried not to burst into tears as I hugged my mother at the airport. I always miss her for the six months she is in Florida. I took Lillianna by the hand as we headed towards the check in. We waved as Mom and John drove off.

I looked at Lillianna and sighed. We had six days without my famous cries of, "We're late! Hurry! Go, go go!!" as I rush her into the car on the way to school, Brownies or dancing school. That battle cry was replaced by, "Do you want to stay in the pool longer or head to the beach, honey?" I wish I could say that I am more relaxed now, but the daily stress is creeping back in.

I know that vacations are a total escape from reality, but I hope we can escape more often. Next year, we are taking Rich with us when we go to Disney for the first time.

How often do you and your family go on vacation?

Comments

[Kris]

This brought tears to my eyes. I'm so glad you and Lillianna had a wonderful vacation!

[LauriJon]

I too tasted the mint tea. What evocative writing and what special moments you shared with your daughter. I only hope that as my 13 month old grows we'll share mommy and daughter memories like these. You are truly blessed!

[LauriJon]

I too tasted the mint tea. What evocative writing and what special moments you shared with your daughter. I only hope that as my 13 month old grows we'll share mommy and daughter memories like these. You are truly blessed!

[muse]

How wonderful!

[amy]

This is an especially warm and wonderful moment you've captured. Sounds like a wonderful vacation.