Dancing in the Rain: Feet Well Traveled

During our marriage, Jared and I have most definitely been handed quite a journey. Ups. Downs. Loss. Blessings.

We could never imagined how the journey could be so much more blessed.... AND FUN as when Braylin joined the journey. This was our very 1st family vacation (family as in JUST THE 3 OF US) together or alone (however you want to put it). And it wasn't going to be a quick vacay! We would be gone for 7 days: 1st stop in Clearwater, FL, then to Orlando, FL., then back to good ole Texas for the next weekend to meet Uncle Fofus at Port Aransas Beach! 7 FULL DAYS.

I realize this little girl has done more in her little 3 years (almost 4) of life than most adults. And what a blessing she is to have along the way. During this little week long vacation she flew 4 different airplanes, rented 2 cars, saw 2 different beaches in 2 different states, and experienced Disney World/Magic Kingdom (and conquered it in 2 days). She is a trooper! She was so so so good and had so much fun! Just when Jared and I were feeling a little "over it", hot, tired, and maybe a little regretful of ALL the plans (Disney World) that we made... that little girl's face made every second worth it. Oh, the smiles on her face!

Jared and I needed that little getaway.... alone, together, and with our cherry topper who made us laugh and made every step of the way ALL THE MORE FUN.

CLICHE? YES.... BUT WE ARE BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF. Our cups runneth over. And don't misunderstand! The places we've been and things we've done aren't even the biggest blessings. That's not it at all!

TOGETHER. US 3. OUR FAMILY. THE SMILES. THE MEMORIES. THE GOD GIVEN GIFT OF ONE ANOTHER. MY HUSBAND. OUR DAUGHTER. THE TIMES WHEN NOTHING SEEMS PERFECT EXCEPT THAT NO MATTER WHAT, NO MATTER HOW WE DISAGREE, AND NO MATTER WHAT GOES ON AROUND US, he's mine, I'm his, and she's ours. Us.

LEANING ON EACH OTHER BECAUSE THAT'S HOW ITS SUPPOSED TO BE.

And that's where it's at.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

DFW airport about to fly to Clearwater, FL

as soon as we pulled up to our hotel, we were greeted by this beautiful bird.

our beautiful dinner date one evening in Clearwater

Braylin got to visit the aquarium where, Winter, the dolphin without a tail
was cared for and given a prosthetic tail.
It's also where the movie, Dolphin Tale, was filmed.

climbing in a shrimp trap which was specially made
in order to NOT capture turtles.

we were offered some ART during a beach side dinner one night...

NEXT STOP, DISNEY WORLD

MAGIC KINGDOM!

her face says IT ALL

1ST princess she met was Cinderella.
This melted my heart. I even shed a few tears...
Braylin embraced her and would not let go.
So... yes. The 30 minute (and usually more for each princess
was miserable, but THIS made it worth the wait each time).

this is the most current and popular princess (well, she's actually a queen)
Queen Elsa from Frozen.
We did not have a "fast pass" and this visit was non negotiable.
So was a 65 minute wait worth it for a 1 minute visit with Elsa?
YOU'RE DARN RIGHT after seeing Bray's face!

1st roller coaster ride! She loved it!!!

aaaaaagh!!!!!!
HOLD ON BRAY!

She LOVED meeting Pooh!

Belle, from Beauty and the Beast

and she made it clear that she wanted to drive a race car.
Your wish is granted my lil princess.

PLUTO

and don't think for a minute that she would fly all the way to Florida
and NOT take her animals.
They experienced the journey and 3 different hotels as well.

NEXT STOP,

PORT ARANSAS BEACH, TX