The hardest part of leaving Florida, for me, wasn't the beaches, the consistent sunshine, or the mostly fabulous weather. It was leaving a small group of friends behind. Most of these friends are part of the Bacon family, and although I can't technically claim them as family, family is what they feel like to me.
When Ben & Zach were born last year, Darius and I didn't have any immediate family in FL to be with us at the hospital. It's intimidating to go through your first delivery experience, especially when it's a cesarean section, there are two babies, and you have no idea what to expect. I knew that the Bacons were coming to see us later after the boys were delivered, but I wasn't expecting to see Honey and Patti waiting in the recovery room. What a huge relief and a comfort it was to have them there with us.
Even before the boys were born, the Bacons were just as wonderful. They threw me a baby shower, visited me in the hospital and at home while I was on bed rest, and came over to visit me and the boys before I was ready to venture out with them.
Before Darius started working for AA, I seriously thought that it might be years before we'd ever get back to FL to visit. Imagine my absolute delight when years turned into 10 months instead. Darius had a rare string of days off from work and wanted to take advantage of the chance to get down to FL to ship the rest of our stuff back on the airline. Darius' good friend Randy has been kind enough to store our things since we left, and Darius felt it was important to relieve him of the chore while he had the chance. I knew it wasn't going to be a trip of leisure for him, so I didn't ask to go (although I really really wanted to). When he did ask if I wanted to go, I jumped at the chance. It was a mad dash to get us all ready to leave the next day, but I was more than happy to do it!
Randy was great to let all of us stay with him our first night we were there, and Darius the rest of the time. Ben and Zach loved Randy's dog, Tibado. He'd lick their faces and they'd laugh and follow him around the apartment. We're pretty sure that Zach's first word was 'dog' as he was interacting with Tibado.
Honey and Pop Pop were kind enough to let the boys and I stay with them the next two nights. What awesome people they are to open their home under such short notice (while remodeling their only guest bathroom) to me and two toddlers! I can't thank them enough!
Zach is modeling some fine Tigger eyewear..courtesy of Honey
Ben's taking a little breather from play
While we were there we enjoyed visiting with them and the rest of their family...cousin Dylan, Patti, Michael, AJ, Trish, and Austin. Joni even stopped by with her three young charges in tow. We were also able to see many of Darius' former co-workers when we went to Bonefish to have dinner.
Dinner/workout time
Dylan gave the boys a toy shark and some excellent pictures he drew of Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat, which are now hanging above their cribs. He followed them around the house and kept a close eye on them. I think he was more excited for the boys to go in the pool than anything else. Before we moved, he would always ask when the the boys could go in the pool. I'm guessing he may have been a little disappointed when neither of them cared much for it when they finally got in. They had more fun splashing from the sides of the pool.
Here's cousin Dylan watching an episode of Curious George with the boys, and playing peek-a-boo with Zach.
Although it was a short trip, I thoroughly enjoyed the time we had and loved seeing everyone! Special thanks to all of you for the great visit, and your wonderful hospitality. Love and miss you all!
