What should have taken 18 hours?
Took a rallying, electrifying, forge forward 24-hours.
Rally because our first 5 minutes resulted in a quick stop at the pharmacy and not just because I was still making my countdown paper chain and needed extra staples.
ppffft.
But mostly because the dumplin was sick with the grungie sniffles and we needed pharmaceutical assistance.
Electrifying because we were completely unaware that we were falling right in line with a serious ultra-destructive storm.
A storm who’s underbelly swirled directly above us and pelted our car with rain, wind…
and hail the size of golf balls.
I can honestly say that I can’t remember a time that I was quite so terrified.
As we sat in our vehicle, gridlocked on the interstate, a tornado tore its way through, just a few miles from our location.
Forge forward—as in, it is the only possible choice when this is the scene for simply so many hours in the day.
Falling one.
Falling two.
Falling three.
Falling four.
Falling five.
Falling six.
Falling seven.
Falling eight long hours behind.
Gratitude for our safety took the place of fear as it slowly drained away; pained by the obvious destruction seen and unseen in the immediate aftermath of that furious storm.
24 hours.
978 miles.
Until the miles were all behind us and only the glorious vacation lie ahead of us.
Wasting not a single moment at the start.
Settling in, getting to know the terrain…
and digging for natures hidden treasure.
Every last one of them plunging fully clothed into the long awaited water.
And we let them, indeed.
Oh, yes we did.
Mind over matter. Remember?
We didn’t mind. So it didn’t matter.
The gulf greeting them kindly—lapping them up and chasing them away.
Tag.
You’re it.
Sun loving and free.
Pappy loving and complete.
Cousinly love with an extra helping of pulp.
978 miles.
And never more ready to squeeze the every tiny last bit out of this vacation.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Great pictures! Happy Easter!
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Whoa!
I, too am filled with gratitude that you all arrived safely … albeit, late. My heart was in my throat until I realized you must’ve made it – since you were blogging about it and all … a little naive, I am.
Looks simply magnificent there. I hope you suck every ounce of pulp right outta this vacation.
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I’m so glad you all finally made it to FL with the promise of sunshine, warm beaches, and plenty of frozen libations.
Soak it up, my friend! You deserve it!
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please come to PA and take some pictures for me…Pretty Please.
oh this was just lovely, I’m sorry it took so long, sorry the dumplin was sick and the HAIL…holy hell.
but now drink in that pulp, enjoy every single second my friend. xoxoxoo
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I watched the news and got a sick feeling when I thought about the Griswoldmobile being in the area! Thank God for twitter. Now that you’re there and it is truly heaven I’m soooo happy for you and not a little bit jealous! Soak in all that pulp and enjoy every minute! The pictures are beautiful and so is your family!
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my God, your photos are fucking incredible. LOVE.
and of course, glad you are safe and so sorry you had to drive through all of that…
xoxox
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You always have the most amazing and real photos! And I LOVE the hour chain in the car! Adorable idea!
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WOW what an experience!
Glad it was fabulous in the end!
Your pictures are fabulous! ( as usual)
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