lots of stuff

Ahh to return from vacation is amazing, right.
I have been reflecting a lot this last weekend, just coming back from Islamoroda, FL and then going to Branson/Table Rock Lake for a seminar on end of life (fun, huh?). I realized that I have been to 2 of the most beatiful places in the US, totally for different reasons. The Keys are so wonderful the laid back attitude the water, the sun, the lack of bugs, and just everything. The Branson area the trees, the hills (I won't say mountains, because they are just hills), the fresh water, and the mid-west stuff.
I also realized the I did something with my family that few families do. I spent Father's day with 2 fabulous fathers-underwater no less. My dad is an amazing dad and even better Papa. My children LOVE him so much that it fun to watch them interact. My dad actually changes diapers on Benjamin! I think that this father's day was a bit sentimental for me because there are few things that my dad and I share--I mean activities/interests. I'm not a teacher-I'm a nurse, I'm not into golf-nor is my husband. I have a very different lifestyle because of Jacob's and my professions. That being said, my dad took on SCUBA diving in his 60's and my husband taught him. This has become a new part in my relationship with my dad. It is something that we do together that is a bit unique and something we both love. He never thought that he would love scuba diving the way I do-but I think he does. SCUBA is the only thing that my dad, husband, and I do just us. Levi will be added as soon as he can. The effort that my dad puts out to dive is so amazing and means so much, it was such an amazing experience to have my dad in the water for 3 trips on father's day. Father's day also was special for Levi. Levi got to snorkle in the ocean with his Papa and his mom. Levi also got to help captain the boat--THANKS TO KEY DIVES. I gave my husband the opportunity to do as many dives as possible even doing a night dive. What a father's day. What a vacation!
Vacation could be the best reason to work. This one was fabulous! We had a big group and the only thing that could have made it better is more people. The adults were a wonderful mix and none of us thought we had to do everything together. My mom and her friend K were wonderful to watch my children so that Jacob and I could go diving. I think that they had a great time just playing. Our friends D and B brought a good balance and were not bothered by Levi's constant questions about where their children, who stayed home, were and why they did not get to come. I wish that more kiddos would have come, but that is purely selfish because I like all of my kid's friends parents...
I was only in the office 1/2 day before I went to an end of life conference in Branson. Wow, what a topic, but it does make me think about how greatful I am for what I have and my instinct on keeping an open mind about teaching my children. Both Levi and Benjamin come to work with me and have known and liked one of the residents that have died. Levi knows that it happens, Benjamin will learn. It is amazing how important it is to love life, but also to know that all things change. It really takes me back to when Benjamin was born and how little he was and how everyone thought it was amazing that he survived, but babies come into the world everyday like that, sometimes two at a time and sicker. No one ever can deny that moments like that are life changing, and this seminar reminded me that there are moments like that at the end also and it is all important. Wow, what a downer. As I said I have been really sentimental.
I will try to figure out how to post pictures and get some of the vacation on my next post...