Trip to Flordia

Three generations

 

So on the 27th  my dad and I hopped on a plane and flew to Florida, where my grandparents live. We gave my Grandmother one of the best Christmas/New Year surprises ever! She had no clue we flew in  just to spend time with her! She was so happy to see her son (my dad) and of course her granddaughter as well. :) She could not believe we were there!

 

 My grandmother has lung cancer, the reason this trip. It was a bittersweet time. I wish the reason for which we where down there was more upbeat, but I was happy to be there helping all the same.

 

Me and my fabulous aunts, who I love dearly!

 

They are so much fun to be with. I was excited to get the opportunity to really spend some time with them. We cooked, laughed, went out to lunch, as well as the grocery store. Then took a day and went SHOPPING! I love you Aunt Mary(left) and Aunt Karen (right)!

Here we are again!

My grandfather W.A. & my grandmother Carol

 

They will have been married for 50 years, on what would have been leap day this year. I respect and admire them both greatly. Their commitment to each other is a rare gem. I have loved watching my grandfather tend for my grandmother. The love they have for one another has not worn with time.

My dad & his folks

You can tell by my grandmother's face, she is so happy he is there!

Sisters...all the way  

 

Playing the piano together

Something I really enjoyed doing with her

 

My grandmother & her siblings

(left to right) Karen, Carol, Roger, & Mary

My dad, his Mom, and Warren

 

It was delightful to meet Warren for the first time. Warren and my dad were great friends growing up. Warren is the brother, my dad never had. They did a lot together while they were young. Warren is easy to talk to and down to earth.

 

Behind my grandparents house is a grocery store that was not there when my dad was growing up. My dad, Uncle Warren, and I had to pick up some food for dinner. While there, they talked about where their tree fort was at, what spot in the store was their encounter with the rattle snake, as well as many other memories.

My dad, my grandparents, and me

Dessert! mmmmmm...

 

My dad and Chris. Chris is another friend of my dads while growing up. You can pretty much say Chris, his wife Susan, and son Ryan are part of the family. I have many memories of Uncle Chris and his family coming over to my grandparent's house. We could never take a trip to FL with out seeing them at some point. We always spend much time talking over past hunting and fishing trips.

Myself, Susan, my dad, Chris, & Ryan

Don't we look like our folks?

  It was nice to see Ryan again. Last time I was in FL I was 12 and he was 11. He has gotten a lot taller...and I haven't. We had fun walking the dogs, playing dominos and talking about hunting. 

Aunt Susan is so sweet and kind. I really enjoyed having the opportunity talking with her! She is a wonderful person to be around. Aunt Susan is one of the warmest, tenderhearted person I have ever met. I look forward to seeing her again!