We did not plan on being at the ocean right away.

Dressed in our airport clothes, complete with long pants and tennis shoes, we were nowhere near beach-ready. But the water was calling us, and we could not resist. We weren’t able to check into our hotel room quite yet, but we simply had to make it to sand. All four of us were far too excited to bother waiting or even getting changed into swimsuits.

I didn’t know at the time that my husband had never actually played on an ocean beach like this before. While Ben was gathering up our things, double-checking that the car was locked and our shoes wouldn’t be stolen, the girls and I were already making our way down to the sand.

We waited for Ben so we could step toward the water together, and boy was it worth it for me to stand back and snap a few pictures of their reactions.

🦩 Full Circle Memories

I had been to this beach once before, back when I was the very same age my daughters are right now. Standing there with the wind in my hair, the memories came flooding back of my own first time seeing, touching and smelling the ocean.

It was a complete full circle moment.

Life is such a beautiful journey, and I feel profoundly blessed to spend this time experiencing the wonder all over again through the eyes of my own children. Having these girls keeps me young, keeps me wanting to adventure and makes me thoroughly enjoy watching their discovery even more than experiencing it for myself. The pure joy they bring into our lives gives me everything I never even imagined I needed.

🦩 17 Years of Marriage and a Full Life Together

Celebrating our 17-year marriage anniversary with our whole family right beside us is just the icing on the cake.

Many people might think it is strange that we would include our kids on an anniversary trip, but for us, they are a massive part of our marriage. They are a huge joy that stems directly from continuing to place so much intentional value on our relationship.

Thank you, Ben, for 17 years of marriage and 20 years of sharing your life with me. We have built the most beautiful thing together from the ground up, and looking back, what an awesome life it is. We’ve done well.

And of course, the glory goes to God. Our original match maker.

Thank you God for Your guidance, Your favor and Your quiet presence through every single season.

Talk soon,

L