The Wilson Family: Old Friends and New Friends

Yesterday, Jillian, Jake, and I went to Daytona Beach to meet up with my friend Tanya. Tanya and I were really close friends in middle and early high school. During that time, we lived down the street from each other, and we practically lived at each other's houses. I hadn't seen Tanya in at least ten years, probably a few more, but we had recently reconnected. When I found out that she and her kids were going to be in Daytona this week (they live in Georgia), I was excited and had to go up to see them. Tanya has four kids - Samuel, Dora, Yuna, and Grace, and Yuna is just a bit older than Jillian, so I knew they'd play together and have fun.

Even though we had six kids with us on the beach, it was quite relaxing. The kids dug in the sand, played in the water, and just ran around while Tanya and I chatted. And the best part is that it wasn't weird at all. You know sometimes when you see someone that you haven't seen in a while and its awkward? It wasn't like that at all. Tanya's one of those friends who, even though you haven't seen each other in years, it seems like no time has gone by at all.

We had the best time watchign our kids play together. They got along great, and the bigger ones kind of watched out for the little ones. It was a beautfiul day, and we all had a blast!

"Look at that BIG wave, mommy!"

They were jumping over the waves as they came in. And giggling the whole time!

Yuna and Jillian played on this inner tube forever. They would both get in it and paddle out and let the waves wash them back in. They thought it was great!

I love this picture! Can't help but wonder what they were talking about...

Back on the beach, Jake and Dora were digging a small hole. Tanya's son Samuel, who is 11, and her sister, Veronica, who is 16, were digging a huge hole next to Dora and Jake. I mean, huge. It ended up being like the size and depth of a bathtub!

Jillian sitting in Dora's hole.

And standing in the "bathtub." It got bigger...

Jake and Grace played in here for awhile. Eventually we had to get them out becuase the tide started coming in, and we didn't want them to get covered!