mySummer 2017 Vacation

Destin-ation

Destin Florida is our destination for our yearly summer vacation. The white sand beach and the emerald water of Destin keep beckoning us. Lyndee’s family-the Barmes- shares their time-share beach cabin with us. Thanks to grandma Louis for her generousity. I always look forward to this vacation. It provides quality bonding time for our family and it gives me the much needed relaxation.

Family BondingThe clean, clear and warm water of Emerald Beach in Destin Florida makes it a popular tourist destination.

One early morning in the beach cabin before hitting the beach, I saw my grandkids having a caucus. They were discussing Lolo’s bedtime story he told them the night before. They enjoyed the extemporaneous stories where they were the main characters encountering all sorts of adventures. One day, I will write those adventure stories for them to remember Lolo as a story teller.  Rare bonding moments

These cousins live five hours apart-Chigao, Illinois and Vincennes,Indiana. They only see each other at least twice a year. But they are best buddies when they reunite.The girls took my phone and made this selfie!Lyla, Liam and Camden.

Lola and Evelyn

Evelyn with Lola and Lolo

Surprise! ! !

Gilson and Lyndee made their big announcement one dinner time. Lyndee prepared dinner for everyone and before dinner was served Gilson prayed this prayer: “Lord, thank you for our vacation here in Destin. Thank you for the food prepared for us tonight. Thank you for our families and our children especially the one on the way!”

We were all speechless for a moment for after hearing that prayer. Lyndee’s parents, Andy and Angie looked at each other with gaped mouths and widened eyes. “We’re gonna be grandparents for the sixth time?!” I rushed to Lyndee and Gilson to embrace them and inquired if I heard it right to which they both chuckled and nodded. We all hugged each other. And our dinner time turned to a big celebration. As usual I shed tears of joy for the blessing of another grandchild! Another Valenzuela will be added to my growing clan. I feel like a very rich man!

Enjoying the company of Barmes

These beautiful ladies went for a brunch while their guys mind the kids.

Kale and daughter Charlotte. Kale’s wife is Valerie, the lady in the foreground of the picture above.

Evan and son Sullivan. Evan’s wife is Sunny, the lady at the center of the picture wearing white shirt.

Enjoying the clear water and white sand of Destin’s Emerald Beach

Ryland, you’ll be a big brother soon!

Lovely Lyla

Pretty EvelynCute Ryland

Smart Liam
Handsome Camden

Happy Lolo and LolaNo, I did not build these sand castles. We just found them while beach walking.Visiting Gilary in Miami Beach 

From Destin we drove 12 hours to see our Bunso-Gilary,  working/vacationing in Miami Beach. This hard-working young woman is a nanny to two pre-teen girls. Their family owns a condo by the beach where they stayed for three weeks. Eva and Olivia

Sandra is Gilary’s college roommate. They share the nanny work.

Gilda and Cameron flew from Chicago to Miami to join us.Gilda got their own Airbnb place in Miami. The picture above was requested by Airbnb to be used in their social media outlets.The colorful Lifeguard stations in Miami Beach

Miami Beach The beach condo at center is where Gilary stayed for almost a month, courtesy of Jose and Elsa Prieto. Their 10th floor condo has an excellent view of the beach.These kids did not mind the Florida heat.Wifey made sure she had a beach lounging chair.Gilary and Sandra are the nannies to these beautiful girls, Eva and Olivia.

Reunion with cousinOn our way home to Chicago, I met my cousin Wilma and her husband Lewis Nickerson in Atlanta, Georgia.

And for all these blessings, I say: