We always look forward to our stop at Durbin Farms on the way to the beach and on the way home. It’s a great point in the trip to stretch our legs, shop, and grab a snack. We usually buys peaches, enjoy a snack or lunch, and get ice cream. On the way back we will stop and grab a few goodies for ourselves and others.

This year Anna and I stopped on the way to the beach to look around and grab a quick lunch. We enjoyed walking around and window shopping. On the way home we stopped in to grab some produce (no peaches this time of year), some preserves, and a few other goodies.

It’s funny how something so simple becomes such a meaningful and important tradition. We missed Richard on our stops this year (he loved the peach ice cream) and also Layla and Jared (they had extenuating circumstances preventing them from stopping).

This is a tradition that I hope to continue while creating new and meaningful traditions along the way.

We started taking rides on the Sea Blaster when Layla was barely toddling around. When the girls were little they would “drive” the boat. It has been a yearly tradition that we all look forward to. This year it was on all of our “to do” lists.

These pictures are from a couple of trips in the past. We are so thankful for years of wonderful memories on the Sea Blaster while we continue to make new memories.

Richard loved building a fire in our firepit. He would build a fire when he was piddling around the yard, when he was grilling, or just so we could sit around it. We have spent many nights with family and friends around the fire laughing, roasting marshmallows, and listening to great tunes.

Right before Richard got sick, Layla and Jared stopped by on their way back from the lake. Anna was home. It was a beautiful evening. Richard built a fire, we got the chairs out, ordered delivery, and enjoyed each other’s company.

We did not know that this would be our last time to hangout like this as a family. We saw each other after that but it was more of a rush in/rush out. This night was very spontaneous and I’m so thankful that we slowed down and took a few hours just to be together.

I will always treasure our memories with family and friends around the firepit.

It’s sunrise at the beach. Is anything more glorious? Richard and I love our home. But we loved and looked forward to this vacation at the beach each year. I have looked so forward to coming this year and I’m so thankful I came. While making new memories with our girls, I have had time to reflect over our time together here and on other vacations over the past several decades.

One realization I have had while here is around coffee. Several years ago we bought a Keurig coffee maker for our home; so no left over coffee in a pot. Before this, we would set our coffee pot to brew while we slept. There’s not much that compares to waking up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee. The condo where we stay at the beach has a traditional coffee maker. While here we brew our coffee and enjoy several cups while getting ready for our day. One of the best things about vacation is getting to leisurely sip on coffee without the sense of urgency in our day to day lives. In years past, we would sit at the dining table or on the porch drinking coffee and planning our day while enjoying the beautiful beach view.

This year I have done many of the same things. Enjoyed my coffee, planned my day, taken in the wondrous ocean view. But strangely (or so it seemed), for the past three days I’ve had to throw leftover coffee out. Now if you know me, you know I’m a coffee drinker. I keep saying to myself, “wow I can’t believe you didn’t finish this coffee.”

Then the realization hit me. I was making coffee for Richard too. Not in a conscious way – but more of “that’s the way we’ve always done this.”

I’m not writing this post to be sad or gloomy. If anything it is to remind myself and others to:

*try to catch a few sunrises here and there

*take time to slow down and enjoy life at a more leisurely pace every now and then

*never take the small things in life for granted; trust me they will become the big things at some point if you are lucky enough to have had a significant relationship

*take time to enjoy your coffee (or other morning beverage)

Anyone who knows Richard, knows he is the biggest Alabama fan – Roll Tide! He also loved softball; coaching and being a spectator.

One summer his Dad gifted us with a trip to visit Tuscaloosa. We decided to take this trip on our way to the beach. We ate at the famous Dreamland BBQ, walked around the University, and visited Rhoad’s Softball Stadium.

I’m thankful for this fun little trip and grateful for memories and photos of our time together.

Richard and his Dad always golfed a couple of times when we vacationed with the Smallwoods. When we vacationed with the Offutts, Craig and Richard would golf. When Jared started vacationing with us, he and Richard would golf. Richard loved golfing with his Dad and Craig. But he was thrilled when he realized that he and Jared could golf together. He would plan their tee times, get up bright and early to get a good breakfast and coffee in, then excitedly leave for the course.

Today Jared commented that he missed the challenge of fitting his clubs in with all of the other things when packing the car.

I’m hoping there is a beautiful golf course by the water in Heaven and Felix and Richard tee up on a regular basis.

I’m on family vacation. I’m so grateful. It’s beautiful. I have time away from work. I’m with our girls and Jared. I’m so grateful. I want to soak it all in!

Im also sad because my guy is not physically here! It’s tough! I miss him. But I also cherish the memories. Im so glad we had so many wonderful vacations together.

I am hopeful that I will be fortunate enough to continue to enjoy life’s blessings in abundance.

Today I am reminiscing over past beach vacations. We have been fortunate enough to either visit Gulf Shores or Destin for vacation for over 30 years. It is definitely bittersweet to go on vacation this year without Richard. But I feel like he would want us to continue to make new memories. I know I would want him to if I had gone first.

Take time out of your busy schedules to make lasting memories. I’m so thankful we did. I’m also thankful that I get to keep making memories with our girls and Jared.