Angels in the Sun

From the time that Miles ran into our arms in the airport 10 days ago, to the time he said he didn't want to leave last Thursday, Geeg and I shared the joy that only childish laughter can provide. We basked in the warmth that only familial love can deliver. We cherished the comforting, exhaustng bliss that can only be acquired from grandchildren. For 7 days, Miles and Landon were our angels in the sun, regardless of the weather.

True, the weather wasn't fully cooperative, but both Miles and Landon confirmed that they are truly kindred spirits of Pop. They tirelessly took advantage of whatever the beach had to offer; building sand castles with tunnels, playing tag, riding bikes, collecting shells. They marked their territory with every toy we had. No matter; we didn't have much company by the shore. Too bad; I'm sure anyone who dared to venture to the slightly chilly beach thoroughly enjoyed the "miles & Landon" extravaganza! (We were even treated to a dolphin sighting.) When there time comes, many, many years from now, they will no doubt easily adapt to retired life by the sea. Only sand storms and Landon's sudden urgent need to go poopy deterred them from living in Pop's world. And we supplemented our usual routine with day trips to an aquarium, a manatee

habitat, numerous parks, and several meals out.

Not to say there weren't moments of angst; that's where toddlers and little boys spend much of their time. But meltdowns were few and far between, even for Julie. We pretty much followed Landon's dictatorial rule, authorized primarily because it was his birthday week, but also because, well, ...he's Landon. (He did momentarily hugely disappoint me when, upon his arrival, he cheerfully announced that he didn't want to see us. Luckily, Miles was there to translate - Landon meant he couldn't wait to see us. Whew.......)

Thanks, Julie, for handling the stressful travel days to make this vacation possible.

Thanks, Kirk, for lending your family to us.

Thanks, Miles and Landon, for being Miles and Landon.

Seven days; where did they go? We will have to be content with memories; we will be comforted by numerous skype sessions.

P.S. I ws a little skeptical of Miles' Landonspeak translation until, upon Landon's departure, he cheerfully announced that he didn't want to see Daddy, and Daddy didn't wan't to see him.

Translation: He couldn't wait to see Daddy, and Daddy couldn't wait to see him.

Makes perfect sense.