Weekend with Pop-Pop, Uncle Rocky & Aunt Julie

We were so blessed to get to spend 3 whole days with my dad ("Pop-Pop"), my brother Rocky (Uncle Rocky), and sister, Julie (Aunt Goober :). They flew into Charlotte from Maryland for Columbus Day weekend. It was SO GOOD to see them. I missed them so much. All summer I was blessed to see them about every other week while mom was sick. Since her death it had been 6 whole weeks, which felt like a very long time.

We had lots of fun hanging out together, going to the mall, getting candy apples, going to Starbucks, watching movies, going on walks and eating lots of yummy meals! My Uncle Perry (Dad's brother) and Aunt Janet drove up from Columbia, SC for a night...it was great seeing them as well!

I pretty much have the most amazing family I could ever ask for. All three of them are true Hereos of mine for the way they trust the Lord, focus on others and exibit so much Joy in a difficult time. I couldn't love and respect them more than I do right now! They are truly amazing.

Alathea also absolutely adores them (and really enjoys the attention :). A few days after they left I was listening to a message my dad left on the answering machine. When Alathea heard "Pop-Pops" voice she quickly turned her head, had a huge smile, wiggled her legs and let out a squeal. More proof of how much she loves them too!

Fun with "Dada" on the Lazy River

Everyday in Florida we'd float around the lazy river over and over again! This lazy river was sweet...complete with water falls and fountains! Joe, being the amazing servant he is, ALWAYS held Alathea either in his arms or in her float, while I floated leisurely alongside. She loved being held by her Daddy!

Meeting Mimi & Mere in Florida

We're back from beautiful, sunny Florida! Our trip was wonderful...even better than we expected. Joe & I had so much fun vacationing with a baby (despite so many people who've told us they feel otherwise!). We found so much joy watching Alathea squeal in delight each morning as we walked her down to the lazy river area! One of the highlights for us was spending two days with Joe's grandmother (Alathea's great-grandmother!), Mere, and his Aunt Mimi (who is like a 2nd mom to him). Mimi met Alathea for the first time! We love them so much and don't get to see them often enough!

The week was also a wonderful time of relaxing together and making some wonderful memories as a family! Alathea kept us laughing as she is quite the little "explorer" now. We'd turn our back for a second and find her in the closet, in our suitcase, buried under our clothes laughing in delight! (We laughed too :) She easily crawls from room to room and can pull up on anything within reach. This was a perfect vacation for a 7 month old baby! I'll post more pictures soon!