There are so many "firsts" we must face.
"Firsts" without Lydia.
We've lived through a few ~ such as the first Sunday at church, the first restaurant trip requesting a table for four (instead of five), the first grocery store trip, etc....
Last week we braved the first vacation without our girl. Being able to get away and spend some time with our boys proved to be a time of refreshment mingled with episodes of sorrow. I'm finding that tears flow often and freely these days. Regularly I cry over missing Lydia; sometimes I cry over something totally unrelated to the thought of my girl. I am becoming more comfortable with crying, especially in front of others. I must admit that my sunglasses have a new purpose though. Not only do my shades keep the sun out of my eyes, now they serve as my "crying-camo". At Disney World when I could feel the tears welling I would quietly slip them on and have a "moment" without disturbing the families around us who were having their Disney fun.
I find myself drawn to little girls. Before Lydia went Home I would imagine that being around girls if/when I didn't have my girl would be too hard and something I would most likely steer clear of. I'm happy to say that isn't the case. I find myself looking at little girls and smiling, appreciating the joy they bring to this world. Red and yellow, brown and white, they are all precious in my sight...
So, so thankful for my boys. I love watching them do their boy-stuff with gusto. I love their warm cuddly selves elbowing each other over my lap. Their boy smell. Their crazy hair in the morning. I love Luke's deep, raspy voice. Sam's giggle. Their impromptu light saber fights that can happen anywhere. I loved watching Sam devour bacon and Mickey Mouse ice cream pops ~ that boy is passionate about food! I loved watching Luke's face as he rode Soarin'. Soarin' was Lydia's favorite ride and I can still recall her expression of wonderment 2 years ago ~ Luke had the exact same expression on his face. I love how God made Sam's face so similar to Lydia's. I love how Luke is embracing his role as the oldest child.
This time of refreshment during this storm was so needed. So thankful for God's gifts. So thankful for this time. Grateful for this vacation to create new memories as a family. Thankful He gives us strength for each day. Thankful there is joy sprinkled along the way.
I'll let the pictures tell our Disney story ...
☼☀☼☀☼☀☼☀☼☀☼☀☼
Here's a few pics
(really a whole lot 'cause I just couldn't decide)
to give a glimpse (more like a LONG gander) of our time of basking in the warm Florida sun while traipsing
through Disney's lush green lawns.
through Disney's lush green lawns.
So grateful for this season of refreshment
making way for new memory-making to occur.
☼☀☼☀☼☀☼☀☼☀☼☀☼
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| View from our window ~ I love that rainbow! |
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| Isn't he precious?!? This is one of the 6 pics I snapped of him. And yes, the sight of him made me cry. Thankful for my cry-camo (sunglasses). |
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| Red Velvet cupcake |
Mickey Mouse ice cream pops ...
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| ♥ Me and Kim ♥ |
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| Can you feel the love? ☺☺ |
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| Friendship is such a blessing! |
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| Bed-heads and blankets |
The boys playing with pirate merchandise ...
The bacon story ....
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| Luke getting ready to ride Soarin' |
Luke's dream came true! He got to fight Darth Vader!
Samuel fought Darth, too!
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| "This. is. so. good." |
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| As we were following the parade look who we spotted.... A bunch of Voiles! |
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| Making light sabers |
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| The Volcano @ Rainforest Cafe' |
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| Can you read Willie's face? Seconds were on his agenda. |
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| The Voiles bass fishing on Bay Lake |
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| The cutest Minnie Mouse ever! |
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| Luke loves bacon, too. |
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| Love Luke's face in this shot. Love the father-son moment caught on film in the scene behind Luke. |
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| Sam's way of passing the time while waiting in line. |
Sam and Luke got to take a peep inside the cockpit!
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Whoever dwells in the shelter of
the Most High
will rest
in the shadow of the Almighty.
will rest
in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
Stacey so glad to see you and your family had a nice vacation. Still praying for you and all the Byrds.
ReplyDeleteYour names have yet to leave my prayers. I'm so glad this trip allowed you some good times & needed rest. I love you all dearly.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful way with words.
Based on our last conversation I can only imagine how long it took you to place all these beautiful photos! :) I so enjoyed looking at them and imagining the fun time you had! Praying for you all the time, love you!
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ReplyDeleteWow! I am sure these wonderful pics do it no justice just as to all the emotions your heart felt during this vacay. So glad to see photographs to go along with the good stories I heard from you!:) Still praying without ceasing! Keep the updates coming......
ReplyDeleteSo great to "see" the Byrds'. It looks like you had a great time and created lots of wonderful new memories. I continue to think and pray for you daily. I sure wished you guys lived closer....oh well, a girl can dream!! <3
ReplyDeletePraying for your family this morning. Your faith is a miracle and a blessing. God is going to continue to honor and bless your sweet family in the days, months, and years to come. Praying you feel His arms around you throughout the holidays. In His Love- Carrie Pettus
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower. I am so so sorry about Lydia. I am going to catch up and read it all. I am, however, happy that you are continuing to make memories with your precious family while keeping Lydia there with you every step of the way. The boys are adorable!! Looks like a wonderful trip! :)
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