Let the Party Begin

While relaxing alone was awesome, relaxing with family and friends is the best. Today was a big arrival day. Our whole family is here with the exception of Todd and he'll be here in a few days. Many of our friends arrived today as well. It was a day of hugs and welcomes.
Having made this wonderful island our vacation spot in June for the past 33 years, we have formed some amazing relastionships with people who have also come at this time for many years. Our kids have grown up together for a few weeks in June every year for most of their lives. Now some of them have children that are fast becoming friends. As each group shows up, there is a huge hugging session. Eventually, everyone ends up on the beach at some point and we pick up as though no time had lapsed. Where did the year go?
The next couple weeks will be spent recounting incidents from years past. There are always the favorite stories that come up year after year. And each year, there is always something new that pops up that will be rehashed in future years. There will be much laughter, lots of eating, maybe a TEENSY bit of drinking, some card playing, the usual competitive game of basketball, some rowdy activity in the pool, plenty of shell hunting, lizard catching, and relaxing at night under the bright stars on the beach. It's pretty much the same thing every year...but there is no way to improve it....it's the best that it could possibly be.
Most of these people we see only once a year, some twice if we are very lucky, but they are as much a part of our lives as if we saw them every day. Sanibel is the tie that binds us all together. May the tide continue to pull us back.