I ate my share of both raw and steamed oysters. The first ones were at the Indian Pass Raw Bar, the second installment caught by New Daddy in the oyster-famous Apalachicola Bay. That well-equipped kitchen had an oyster knife, which greatly simplified prying open the shells. We initiated the raw oyster "club," which inducted several new "members" on this trip!
Mimi, Aunt Mo, and I cooked and cooked, helping each other with prep and dishes. Doing kitchen chores with two other very capable cooks is an absolute joy. Teamwork and fellowship that resulted in amazing food - pure fun.
Singing to Cousin E for her upcoming birthday
And then there were cousins. Eight of them. The dynamics have changed a bit, though. Cousin Za has just turned seventeen, so he's the adult-y cousin, the one that my sons absolutely adore and want to be around constantly. Cousin E is almost fifteen, and such a unique young lady. She hasn't done much fishing before, but she really wanted to go with New Daddy, Bubby and Precious on Thursday. After a quick tutorial, she was a pro. And then there is the capricious trio of Cousin Zo, Cousin K, and Cutie. They are always giggling and gadding about and creating fun wherever they go. They are such a joy to watch. Lastly, Tater is the all-inclusive caboose. He loves to chat with everyone about anything, especially his latest super-creature. Tater held the infinitely patient Cousin Za hostage on the couch while Za watched him play Minecraft. I don't know how Za did it, but I think he's pretty awesome. The cousins had an amazing week, a tiny bit of drama, and very concentrated (did I mention fun?) playtime.
Beach portraits Tuesday afternoon with a wonderful, local photographer! Can't wait to see the pictures she sends!
And then there were cousins. Eight of them. The dynamics have changed a bit, though. Cousin Za has just turned seventeen, so he's the adult-y cousin, the one that my sons absolutely adore and want to be around constantly. Cousin E is almost fifteen, and such a unique young lady. She hasn't done much fishing before, but she really wanted to go with New Daddy, Bubby and Precious on Thursday. After a quick tutorial, she was a pro. And then there is the capricious trio of Cousin Zo, Cousin K, and Cutie. They are always giggling and gadding about and creating fun wherever they go. They are such a joy to watch. Lastly, Tater is the all-inclusive caboose. He loves to chat with everyone about anything, especially his latest super-creature. Tater held the infinitely patient Cousin Za hostage on the couch while Za watched him play Minecraft. I don't know how Za did it, but I think he's pretty awesome. The cousins had an amazing week, a tiny bit of drama, and very concentrated (did I mention fun?) playtime.
Beach portraits Tuesday afternoon with a wonderful, local photographer! Can't wait to see the pictures she sends!
On Wednesday, New Daddy had an amazing fishing day near Carrabelle. He prayed, and God answered. He brought home six fish, mostly larger sea trout, one red drum and a smaller sea trout. That was an awesome fish fry that night- totally fed all fourteen of us. The adults ate outside on the screened-in porch with an ambient lamp for lighting. What a beautiful evening.
(The smaller sea trout was still in the red bag.)
The next day, he went to the same spot and didn't catch a thing. But he had the kids along and didn't want them to be disappointed. So he prayed again, and they caught a fish for each child- three total. Bubby cast and reeled in his very own puffer fish! He was over the moon. Precious reeled in a Red Drum, and Cousin E a sea trout. Fish chowder for supper at home!
Looking over St. Joseph Bay towards Cape San Blas
And now we're home, with a week until Christmas. It has been a fleeting holiday, but we are so thankful for every moment spent with our precious family. Thank you, Poppy and Mimi, for doing this for us all!
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