A few weeks ago we went to Florida for a big family reunion.  My Mom’s family has been hosting these gatherings for years and everyone makes an enormous effort to attend if they can.  My 92 year old Grandfather and his wife live near Cocoa and it was a great meeting place for the extended family. As with most vacations, the time went by much too quickly but as I look back on these photos I realize how much we did in our quick week.

First and foremost, we reconnected with cousins, siblings, aunts and uncles and grandparents.  And each other.  Truly the most meaningful part of the trip.

We spent a lot of time in the water and at the beach because…It. Was. Hot.

We toured the Kennedy Space Center and found a new fascination with space shuttles.

We built sandcastles and became sea monsters. We found fascinating creatures on the beach and by the rivers.  We canoed through a state park with my Dad. We saw manatees and alligators and turtles and birds.  Lovely creatures that are unfamiliar to us New Englanders.

We played games, laughed, barbecued, swam, and yes, even went to Disney World. We bought light sabers, and cap guns and singing Little Mermaid necklaces. Someone in our family is a bit obsessed with Ariel.

We felt like the luckiest people alive to have such an amazing family.

It was a lovely adventure and so hard to see it end. Here are a few photos from the trip.

XO~Kate