Seaside Bound

I don't care what time of the year it is, I could always be seaside bound and be happy. We don't get there as much as I'd like to, but we get there a lot more than most people. We're so blessed to have family that welcomes us down to the coast whether they are there or not, whenever we can go. It truly is such a gift.

However, this time, the gift was for the giver. My father in law is one of the kindest and most generous men that I've ever known, and he just turned the big 6-0. Thankfully he doesn't even know what a blog is, or I might get in trouble for telling you that. His favorite place to be is down at their beach house. Not to get out in the water or even to work on his tan. He doesn't really do that. You might be wondering why, especially if you are a sun loving ocean swimming fiend like me. But what's so great about him, is that all he cares about doing is simply being down there.

Walking on the beach with his wife at sunset. Going crabbing to get some yummy appetizers. Taking the grandkids out for seafood and ice cream. Sitting on the balcony with a beer. Just the simple things about seaside life that he loves.

This same man, is not one for presents or parties or anything that would draw attention to himself. He absolutely HATES surprise parties, so we respected that wish. Instead of a big party with lots of friends and family, we had a delicious Seaside Feast with just a few family members.

After dinner, though, is when we really surprised him. He's been crabbing off little piers for years, dreaming about that little Jon boat that he still hasn't gotten around to getting. The kids came in wearing life vests and carrying ors. At first he thought they were just being cute. But as he read the card, with all the names, and began to understand the gift he had been given, he was speechless. Several people had gone in together, and we had more than enough to get a little flat-bottom boat for him. He could not believe it. And he wore his life vest the rest of the night.

Now, can you tell me what's different about this picture than the other one? And if so, which one do you like better?

Go and celebrate the little gifts (or the big ones!) with others over at Chatting at the Sky. It is a sure way to be blessed today.