Sunburnt -- In January??

Last Thanksgiving, our grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary! To celebrate, they offered for their 3 daughters and their families to all go down to Sarasota, FL for a week! So last week we all drove down - we had a 17 hr. drive full of planning, school work, reading, and listening to inspirational and fun talks and stories. We arrived Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning we were blessed to visit a small and very friendly OPC church where we met many new friends including a family who used to attend our church in VA 15 years ago.

Monday, we spent the cloudy day at a aquarium nearby which especially Jason loved - he knows so much about sea creatures!

Tuesday, each family spent the day at different places. We spent a WONDERFUL day kayaking through bays and Mangrove tree tunnels. The day started out very foggy but cleared up to one of our best days there = first day of sunburn. :) We saw lots of beautiful birds - especially pelicans.

We had a little trouble getting through some of the Mangrove tunnels - but an adventure!

We found a nice little beach on which to eat lunch.

One morning we got up early to look for shells, and we came back with bags full of beautiful, perfectly formed shells.

We laid out all our shells to dry, and each of us had a table about this full.

Wednesday morning, Nana, Grandpa, Mommy, Jessica, Jeannine, and Julia went to Jungle Gardens where they saw parrots, alligators, flamingos, etc. and came back with lots of interesting tales for us.

We had fun playing soccer and volleyball on the beach and swimming in the ocean (very cold, but fun) and the heated swimming pool. We also enjoyed nice walks on the beach. Sorry we don't have more beach picts - we didn't to ruin any more cameras with sand.

Thursday morning we got a photographer to come take pictures of everyone on the beach. Here are a few of the cousin pictures that we got while she was taking picts.

Friday evening sunset

Friday night after devotions we had a cake with 50 candles for thier 50 years together, and sang a song that we wrote about their lives. :) Then we walked out to the beach to celebrate with fireworks and sparklers.

(sing to the tune of "My Anchor Holds")

We are here to sing a song / of a marriage long and strong

That has lasted 50 years / through the midst of smiles and tears

And its blessings carry on / to their children and beyond

Chorus:

They were wed Thanksgiving Day / and we're thankful still today

That God's grace so rich and free / gave them love for all to see

And for generations more / There are blessings still in store.

He was raised upon the farm / far from danger and from harm

She through many states did roam / in an RP pastor's home

Then at White Lake Camp's bright shore / God did open up the door.

Chorus

They first dwelt in Syracuse / where John teaching skills he used.

And Marge was nursing there / Until Rita she did bear.

And Ruth soon came along / and Rebecca ere too long.

Chorus

Then they moved to Steeler town / 40 years they stayed around.

Rachel was born there / with a full red head of hair.

And her face so often glowed / from the love that they bestowed.

Chorus

The three daughters moved away / and have children - here today.

Rachel happy not to roam - until heaven called her home

And now faithfully they pray / for their children every day

Chorus

Grandpa golfs sometimes for fun / but they're often on the run

To serve their kith and kin / seeking many souls to win

Their home's an open door / blessing others more and more.

Chorus

Sarasota, FL is famous for its white sand and stunning sunsets.

Saturday found us very sad to leave, but very happy to have enjoyed a blessed week. We drove as far as Charleston, SC where we enjoyed looking around the city and spent the night.

Sunday morning, we left the hotel at 6:30 am and drove 3 1/2 hrs. to a little OPC church on our way. After church a family invited us over for lunch, and then to stay at their house overnight! We were very blessed with great fellowship and new friends.

God was very gracious to us to give us good times with our relatives, warm weather, sun, and good family times.

Monday laundry :)

~ Janelle

P.S. Now we have 6 inches of snow!!!!