We got up yesterday morning, threw some stuff in bags, and drove up the coast (after dropping Rigby with my parents). It was one of those warm blue-sky days that makes me so happy I live in Southern California. We went to a hotel where I relaxed in a cabana while Mike and Annie splashed in the pool.
Mike had tickets to a concert, so he left Annie and me to have our own adventure. First we walked to the ocean.
We sat for a while, and I told Annie about the time I brought Maddie to the very same beach. I told her I was sad Maddie never touched the ocean. I asked her if she wanted to touch the ocean; she said no. I didn’t push it.
As we walked back, Annie stopped every few feet to pick up rocks, shells, and driftwood. She asked me to hold her favorites.
When we reached the sidewalk, I told her to pick one to keep. She chose a shell, and said, “For you, mama.”
We walked a few more blocks to a restaurant, and had a dinner for two.
I had soup…she had ice cream. It was that kind of day.
When we got back to our room, Annie was very concerned about Rigby, so we called Gramma.
And then someone fell asleep, waiting for Daddy to get back.
And now that Daddy is back, I will sleep, too.
I’m going to the doctor today…fingers crossed everything is ok.
J in eire says:
Sounds like a beautiful way to spend your day. Sunshine and shells for your soul.
Beth Mariel says:
Love Annie’s dress such a lovely bright blue! Sounds like you had a good time! Good luck x
Elizabeth says:
I’m glad you had a good day I hope you can get some answers at the dr. Much love and prayers.
Leanne says:
I’m glad your day was good.
The fourth photo down of Annie walking on the sand is absolutely divine.
Becky says:
What a beautiful day!! Praying for peace, comfort and answers as you visit the doctor…{{{HUGS}}}
Adrianne says:
I can’t believe how long Annie’s hair has gotten! And I absolutely adore those curls!
Good luck at the doctor today. I’ll be thinking about you and sending positive vibes.
Jessica says:
You had me at “relaxing in a cabana” hope you got some much needed rest and that everything is okay at the doctors.
TamaraL says:
Good luck at the doctor, Heather.
That close-up of Annie on the beach is breathtaking!
Mary Moore says:
Beautiful, beautiful pictures. Hope everything goes well today! You deserve a break on this one!
LIbby says:
Good luck today. Looks like a lovely peaceful getaway!
Lisa F. says:
Fingers crossed your appointment goes well!
Megan@TrueDaughter says:
So glad you had such a lovely day. Prayers that all will be well at the doctor’s.
Lanie says:
Keeping my fingers crossed for your appointment today. So glad that you, Annie & Mike had a good day! Take care.
Tami says:
I love the pictures of Annie. she is adorable!!
Good luck at the doctors. I wish you only the BEST!!!
Kristen @ The Chronicles of Dutch says:
Your day sounds lovely!
Fingers crossed for your appointment.
Skye says:
Glad you had a relaxing day. Annie’s suit is the cutest and her ice cream for dinner made me giggle. Sending you good thoughts for your doctor’s appointment.
Molly says:
I am totally inspired by your day–I’m totally treating myself to something that beautiful soon.
Pattie says:
What a wonderful day you and Annie had. And that picture of her (“my beauty”) is just breathtaking.
Best of luck at the doctor. I hope it’s good news.
Glenda says:
I hope everything goes well at the doctors.
I love Annie’s hair. My daughter had hair like that when she was that age too
So glad you had a good day by the beach with your fav girl.
Amy Stone says:
May you have more days like these……
Annie is a beautiful child!!!
Jeanie says:
What a great day! I’m so glad you had this.
cynthia says:
Annie is just too adorable for words. A little beauty, and that hair! gahh!! I hope your appointment is positive. xoxo
Summer says:
Annie is so sweet. I have a flat stone from a Cape Cod beach that my oldest son gave me 23 years ago; he told me it was a magic stone. I carry it in my wallet. I wish you the best of luck and hope things turn out well at the doctors.
Jenn says:
You do such cool things!!! This topic (along with bullying runs raw for me). I always worried about bullying & my kids being excluded….especially with my oldest son who has a learning disability. Fortunately, he became one of the popular kids so my fears were unfounded…..until he reached gr. 7.
A new boy came to the school who in everyone’s eyes was the new “COOL FRIEND”. According to my son’s school staff, this boy became threatened by the easy friendship my son had with everyone (his friends & him had been together since gr.1). Soon my son – the physically smallest in the class not only became a target to this new kid but suddenly to all of my son’s best friends.
HURT was an UNDERSTATMENT not only for my son but also for my husband & I. Not too get into everything but with the support of advocates, the police & our lawyers…a long 7 months later we won the fight to get the bully out of our son’s classroom. Skipping 2 yrs later he is now in high school, popular again with many new friends – a little more wiser but not without scars. As for his dad & I….well, silently, we know all too well not to let our guard down but we also know as parents we can’t protect our child from every hurt…it sucks but it’s true.
I know by going thru all we did with him, we all learned some pretty profound lessons & grew a thicker skin but I’d be lying if I said the need to protect him at 2 yrs old was any different than the need to want to protect him at 11 yrs old when we saw him struggle to fit in.
It is hard Mike…I won’t lie but I will tell you this… Annie is an amazing kid…I’m sure she’ll do great. If not, then she will be a very lucky little girl to have a family who loves her more than anything & is right there to catch her when she falls. And you & Heather my friends…will always have not only my support but I’m sure everyone else who reads this blog!
Sending you & Heather hugs & support!!
Jenn says:
Dang!!! Sorry Heather…I was answering Mike’s blog. I hope your appt went well.
Take Care!!
Me says:
fingers are crossed
Joy says:
Sounds like an awesome day & hopefully was just what you needed to get your jump start on feeling better. Oh & I just love her “ice cream for dinner smile”
monica says:
what a gorgeous day! Annie is ridiculously cute in that little blue bikini. Love the close up of her too in the blue sun dress with her hair blowing in the wind. You have been in my thoughts and prayers Heather.
RzDrms says:
I’m sure this will sound super weird, but Annie’s (right) arm in that second photo reminded me of Maddie’s in one of her pix. Can’t recall which one offhand, but maybe a yellow dress one? Whatever the case, Maddie does shine through you all in sunshine and joyous times, and that makes me glad. I want to be as glad as Maddie’s smile when I think of her, because her eyes and smile almost demanded that of others. Honestly, how many people’s eyes command joy from others? I know of but a handful. And you made one of them. I miss Maddie too.
RzDrms says:
It didn’t take but a minute for me to find: http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/plasticcandy/3413382464/
She looks so HAPPY.
Tomorrow I’m going to wear yellow and purple.
Auntie_M says:
What a lovely mother/daughter day.
Can I just say that that close up of Annie is literally breathtaking?! I mean-she is beautiful in all these (or any!)you pictures…but that close up!!! Wow!!!
Reminds me of the ilustrations of the little girl in the book The Whale’s Song. I have the feeling Annie would like that book!!! It’s one of my favorite children’s books ever!
Glad you got away this weekend
xo