Beach Dates

Good Thursday morning!

The Gallery Pics are from the pool AND a photo shoot I had with Roxie last night. She actually BEGGED me to take beach pictures of her, so we slipped away before dinner and had a really good time. I told the boys it was their vacation, and they could sleep late, play X-Box, be lazy, and NOT participate in the photo shoot. I am their favorite person right now... Well, until Mike and Roxie get back from the Donut Hole with breakfast. Food is ultimately the key to their hearts.

NOTE - I've decided to recap our Sandestin trip next Monday. It's easier for me to "think back" than write about it as it is happening. And this makes no sense whatsoever since I am quickly losing my memory (and what's left of my mind) raising teenagers. Maybe I think a little better when three of them aren't in the same room. Yeah. That's probably the answer. I need them to be far, far away to be able to remember the "good" times!

HINTS FOR AUGUST SPECIAL GUEST - I don't think many of you will be able to guess our Special Guest for August, but most of you have probably known her FOREVER! Here are a few more hints.

4. She has a heart for sick people.

5. She's not wrinkly... yet.

6. She's a homebody.

Maybe that will help a little!

Blog Linkage - I only have one link to share with you today. However, it is the perfect website to check out because it goes with our "Beach" theme so well.

Click on Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List. When her NEW AND IMPROVED webpage appears, click on Photography. She had a contest and the theme was "water." These photographs are just beautiful.

I would have entered myself, but I'm on vacation, you know.

Beach Dates

Again, this is a no-brainer. Beach dates are quick, easy and fun.

Let's say you have three kiddos. Roll your early riser out of bed one morning and take them to breakfast at a local joint or a restaurant overlooking the beach. You can be back before the other family members are up and moving around.

Do you have a chick in the bunch? Plan a photo shoot on the beach with only one child this year (unless you're trying to do the Christmas card thing). Spend 30 or 45 minutes one-on-one with your young lady and enjoy those pictures for years to come.

Go on an early morning walk on the beach and talk, talk, talk.

Go on a late evening walk on the beach with flashlights... and talk, talk, talk.

After lunch each day, take one child souvenir shopping. Shopping with one is always more enjoyable than shopping with a herd!

Don't take away from family time, but by all means steal away 30 or 45 minutes here and there and enjoy your children one-on-one. They may not remember it forever, but I bet you will.

Have a glorious Thursday! The weekend is upon us, but it isn't too late to make date plans with one or more of your kids OR your spouse. Get that Sharpie out and mark it on your calendar NOW! Friday I'll share some Weekend Happenings and a few more photos from beautiful Sandestin.

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting and Incredibly Tan Belinda