Thank you notes – June 2019

You knew it was coming! After a week in Mexico, I’m going to inundate you with photos. After all, a photo is worth a thousand words, right? And there is no way to put into words all of the things I am grateful for this month. My heart is full.

From the first cup of coffee…

Coffee on the beach

to the final sunset…

Sunset over the ocean

this family vacation was everything I hoped for–and more.

Family photo on the beach

The family made good use of the slide! from the youngest…

Young girl on a water slice

to the oldest.

Grandpa going down a water slice

We got out of the water long enough to renew our marriage vows. Here’s to another 20 years together! Thank you Leanne for the beautiful, poignant words.

Woman and man renewing vows

Party on!

Family in the ocean

Taco bar

guitar

Time alone…

Couple on the beach at sunset

and time with family.

Family sitting on a wall

Every moment was treasured. Thank you to everyone that made it possible. And thanks to Gustavo Alvarez for capturing our special night in photos.

Your turn

That’s it for me. I hope you will share some of your feel-good moments from this past month in the comments. Here are some questions to get you started.

  1. What made you smile this month?
  2. What will you do today to inspire joy?
  3. Share anything else you’d like to–any topic at all.

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51 Comments

  1. Oh my gosh! I Love every family photo! I’m so glad (and a tiny bit jealous?) that you were able to do this!
    My joy this week also came from family. I’m very blessed to have summers off and spend lots of time with them.

    1. It is pretty impressive when you see us all together, isn’t it, Cindy? Now it’s my turn to be jealous of you–having the summer off work! Enjoy those children and grandchildren!

  2. This is what it’s all about — love, family, joy, companionship. Thank you for sharing with your readers and I loved the photos!

    This post put a smile on my face today ! ?

    Susan Grace

    1. Hello Susan! Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. It was pretty amazing to be able to spend a full week with the extended family in such a beautiful environment. I am extremely grateful.

  3. What lovely pictures! It seems like you guys had the time of your lives. Also, happy anniversary!!

    Elsie started climbing out of her crib this past week. Kevin was also gone this past week though, so I got some lovely, middle of the night snuggles from my favorite girl (before I put her back to bed), but that definitely made me smile, even though it also made me tired.

    Today we’re going to have a kitchen dance party after breakfast, so hopefully that will inspire joy in both of us!

    Love you so!

  4. Oh, that is so lovely. I do think renewing marriage vows is such a fun way to remember why you married in the first place. Though some reasons change and more new ones develop. The pool is always a winner 🙂

    1. The lady that officiated our ceremony did a lovely job, and seeing all of our children and grandchildren around us reminded me what a beautiful family we’ve created with our love. All of the challenges are worth it! And you’re right the pool is always a winner.

    1. It was so much fun Bree! It’s not easy pulling a trip together with 19 people’s schedules and needs, not to mention wrangling 19 people through the airport, but it was all worth it in the end. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m so glad we took it!

    1. Thank you Sue. We’ll be talking about this one for a long time. It’s such a special feeling to look out over your clan and see them laughing together, or deep in conversation, or just taking in the beauties of nature. And then to be able to relive it through photos and memories now that we are home is icing on the cake!

  5. I love the happiness and pure joy in these photos. Congratulations! My daughter got married in Mexico and we also had a fabulous time. These are the times you will rememberaways!

    1. It was a joyous occasion Michele, and I think we timed it well. The oldest grandchild is 19 and preparing to move on in the world, and the youngest is 10, old enough to appreciate the experience and remember it. We love Mexico–the weather, the ocean, the beautiful sunsets, and the kind people we’ve met there.

  6. Oh Christie what a fabulous time! I missed knowing that you were there, so I just get to see the fantastic pics and congrats on 20 years and renewing your vows – so special. Loved seeing your extended family having such a wonderful time together creating memories of a lifetime xx
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂

    1. Thanks Leanne. We started talking about doing some kind of family trip for Larry’s 60th birthday almost 10 years ago when it was just a fantasy. We’ve been planning in earnest for a full year, so it was sort of surreal to actually be there. It’s pretty amazing that we managed to get all 19 of us together at once for a full week. Everything went better than I could have imagined. I am feeling so blessed and so happy. Life is full of things that have to be done and challenges to overcome. It’s nice to have periods where you stop and just enjoy each other and live in the moment. Doing so doesn’t always require a grand adventure, but it’s fun when it does!

  7. WOW! Now I know the why and where of the IG pics. How wonderful to have everyone together in a marvellous place and to take your vows again. My heart is full reading this and seeing this pics!! Congratulations.

    Denyse #mlstl

    1. Thank you Denyse. It was marvelous! And it’s fun to be able to share with others through social media. We live so far from any ocean, some of the young ones had never seen one. It was amazing to see it fresh through their eyes.

  8. Lovely moment to share with family, Christie…I enjoyed every photo. As much as that I enjoyed thinking about the memories you made and the commitment you shared.
    Here’s to 20+ more years together!

  9. Thank you first to you Chris, none of this would be possible if not for your key organization skills, it was key!
    My heart was full as well to see all of us together and share so much. It was great to have the “alone” time with the kids and grandkids, the one on one walks on the beach, or a sit on the “therapy wall” where we shared life’s stories. And keeping four granddaughters, three “teenage” granddaughters, coming into the changes of life, you knew what and how to handle the emotions?
    We make a pretty damn good team for this crazy bunch we call FAMILY, here’s to 20+ more years!❤️❤️❤️❤️

  10. Congratulations Christie to both you and your husband. What a delightful way to renew your vows. Looking at your happy family put a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing at MLSTL.

  11. Looks like you all had a wonderful and fun time! Ok, where’s the pic of you going down the slide? Congrats on renewing your vows ♥ And sometimes pics are better than words! I bet you all got lots of vids too, huh?

    1. We did have a wonderful time, Dee, and I actually did go down the slide once. It wasn’t really my thing, but the kids sure got a kick out of grandma going down the slide. I agree pictures are sometimes better than words, and there are a few videos floating around. Our son-in-law is gathering them all together for us. Memories to last a lifetime.

  12. So enjoyed the photos you have shared of your trip. I am hoping we can pull off a family beach vacay before I am much more uncomfortable in a bathing suit!

    Your precious family time and that important alone time. The renewal of your marriage vows, congratulations. The scenery, the sunsets, the memories you made. Such a very special experience.

    1. I bought two new tankinis with skirts, so I felt somewhat covered up, but could still enjoy the sun and the pool. I hope you get your beach vacay in soon regardless! The whole trip was wonderful.

  13. Thanks for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 39! If you haven’t already, I’d like to invite you to linkup this post and more at the UNLIMITED Monthly Link Party (open for 25 days) and the Wednesday AIM Link Party.

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